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Tips for driving in Spain with a UK licence

Driving rules in Spain

Thousands of Brits take to Spanish roads every year. There’s nothing like exploring the bustling streets of Barcelona or driving the winding roads of Picos de Europa. You’ll want to take away memories of an unforgettable road trip, not a run-in with law enforcement.

So, there are a few vital pieces of information you’ll need to know when driving in Spain…

  1. Spaniards drive on the right-hand side of the road
  2. Call 112 to reach Spain’s emergency services
  3. You must carry two warning triangles and a reflective vest in your car
  4. Your car must carry a UK identifier (UK sticker)
  5. UK drivers don’t need a Green card in Spain
  6. Keep your driving licence, ID, insurance certificate, and V5 document in the car

Tip!
Make sure your car insurance and breakdown policies cover travel to the EU. Oh, and don’t forget to take your driving licence.

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Roundabouts

Give way to drivers on your right.

You must drive anticlockwise around roundabouts in Spain. Vehicles which are already on the roundabout have right of way over approaching drivers.

You should always leave a roundabout using the outside lane. If you can’t, drive round the roundabout again.

Tunnels

Use dipped headlights when driving through a tunnel – even in daylight. 

Speed limits in Spain

Wherever you’re driving, you must know the speed limits. This helps to keep you safe and on the right side of the law. Before driving on any stretch of Spain’s 166,000 kilometres of road, it’s well worth brushing up on the rules. 

To help you do just that we’ve put together this table:


Location

Speed (km/h)

Speed (mph)
On motorways                      120km/h75mph     
On dual-carriageways and non-toll motorways100km/h62mph
Away from built-up areas              90km/h    56mph
In towns              50km/h31mph

If your vehicle can’t reach speeds of above 60km/h, it is not allowed to drive on dual carriageways or motorways.

Spanish authorities are allowed to give on-the-spot fines of between €100 and €6,000 for speeding. Fines are reduced by 50% if paid within 20 days.

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Driving etiquette

Many of the rules of the road in Spain are similar to those in the UK. For example, all passengers must wear seatbelts and headlights should be used at night or in poor visibility.

People who have driven in Spain may tell you that Spanish drivers have a reputation for travelling at speed. In more recent years, authorities have clamped down on speeding in a bid to reduce the number of accidents

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Drinking and driving in Spain

Avoid drinking any amount of alcohol before getting behind the wheel. If you do this in Spain, you’re even more likely to be breaking the law. It’s worth remembering there is no safe amount of alcohol to drive on. Tolerance can vary depending on several factors, including gender, weight, medication and whether there is food in your stomach.

Did you know?

The drink drive limit in Spain is lower than in the UK. A maximum of 50mg of alcohol is allowed per 100ml of blood (compared with 80mg in the UK). Even one drink could see you breaking the law, so it’s best to avoid drinking and driving completely. If you are breathalysed, you’ll be tested twice with a minimum of 10 minutes in between:

Alcohol level: Over 50mg in 100ml of blood / Over 120mg in 100ml of blood

Fine: Up to €1,000

Punishment: Depending on the severity, you could face spot fines, driving bans of up to four years, or over six months in prison.

   
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Seat belts

It’s mandatory for all passengers to wear a seat belt.

There are a few exceptions, including while reversing or parking. Some drivers are permitted not to for medical reasons. Only children aged 12 and over are permitted to travel in the front passenger seat. Child seats should be fitted in the back of the car for small children.

Be aware of where you park...

Finding a parking space in busy towns and cities can be tricky. In some areas parking is allowed on one side of the road, but only for part of the month. Parking will then switch to the other side of the road for the remainder of the month, so keep a look out for this.

Blue zones

Blue zones (zonas azules) are common in most city centres. They are easy to spot thanks to blue street markings and ticket machines. Make a note of how long the ticket permits you to park for and be sure to display it clearly inside your windscreen. Alternatively, look for multi-storey parking as it may provide a more secure option.

Looking for a car parking space?

Spanish / English: Libre / A space is available

Spanish / English: Completo / Full

Mobile phone use

Spanish authorities enforce strict traffic rules. There are heavy penalties for using your mobile phone without a hands-free system. Earpieces are not permitted.

Correct at the time of publication. Information in this article has been gathered from various sources, therefore Swinton Insurance cannot be held responsible for any view or opinion expressed herein.

Spain Driving - Pocket Guide



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