Spain
- Transport - Driving in spain
Travelling by Car
Spain has an
extensive network of modern and well maintained roads. There are
motorways, some with tolls and free national local roads. If you
are really getting off the beaten track you may find unsealed roads
of poor quality. During winter months remember to carry chains if
you are going to areas where it snows.
Driving in big
cities is generally better avoided because of serious, and potentially
frustrating, congestion. If you do choose to drive in cities, when
parking it is advisable to use guarded parking areas and avoid leaving
valuables in the car.
Driving regulations:
In Spain cars
drive on the right hand side of the road. It is compulsory to wear
a seatbelt at all times. Children under the age of 12 may not travel
in the front seats of the car and must travel in an approved children's
car seat. The use of headphones or mobile telephones while driving
is strictly prohibited. Drivers are required to submit to alcohol
or drug controls which can be frequent on Spanish roads particularly
during the weekends. The legal blood alcohol limit is 80 mg.
Motorcycles
and Mopeds:
You must wear a crash helmet at all times and drive with the lights
on.
An international
driver's license is required to drive in Spain unless you have a
Drivers Licence from a European Union member nation. The minimum
driving age is 18 years.
If you are driving
your car from another European country or England you must inform
your car insurance company that you are taking your car abroad.
They will issue you with a Green Card. This card must be carried
with your valid car insurance certificate, your driving licence
and original vehicle registration document.
Speed limits:
Motorway 120kph
74mph
Open Road 100kph 64mph
Urban Areas 50kph 12mph
Cars towing trailer 80kph 48mph
Spain's
Traffic Authority (Dirección General de Tráfico)
Traffic Information
Centre
Phone: 900 12 35 05
Emergencies
Phone: 112
