Driving Rules in Spain

The length of roads in Spain is almost 160,000 km. The main highways are fee-paying and are in excellent condition. The quality of provincial roads is different. In the capital of Madrid, there is a whole network of roads connecting various parts of Spain. Using a mobile phone while driving is permitted only with the hands free function.driving in spain

Requirements

You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car (age restrictions vary depending on the category of car) and you must have at least one year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 years of age may have to pay an additional fee. Seat belts are mandatory together with child seats for children under 3 years old. Children under 12 years old must sit in the back seat.

Speed limits

Spain has the following speed limits:

  • in the city: 50 km/h;
  • country roads: 90 km/h;
  • motorways: 120 km/h;
  • traffic laws: right-hand traffic.

Gas stations

Gas stations are open from 08:00 to 20:00. Some gas stations in big cities and on highways work around the clock.

Toll roads

The Spanish Autopistas expressways are tolls and are marked with the letter A. In Spain, there are more than 2,000 km of toll roads. Usually at the entrance to the highway you get a coupon, which you pay when leaving the highway. The fee for the hot season in summer is higher than usual.

Parking

In Spain, you can park your car in the Blue Zone for 2 hours. Usually, parking is free on Sundays and public holidays. Always carefully read the information on the parking meter and on the corresponding signs. Never park the car in places with painted curbs.

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Insurance

There are a huge number of auto insurance offers. Therefore, read this section carefully before making a reservation. Throughout the lease, you should meet the rules of the country in which you rent the car.

The rental price always includes a limitation of liability for damage to the car (CDW) and protection against theft (TP). In the event of damage or theft of the car, customer liability is limited to the established deductible, the amount of which is indicated in your voucher. If you intend to take advantage of the insurance offered by your credit card, then you need to contact the credit institution that issued the card for additional information.

Movement limitations

Most cars are allowed to travel to Western Europe, as well as to the UK, Ireland and Northern Ireland. To travel outside the mainland of Spain you need to purchase additional insurance. It is forbidden to transport cars on a ferry. Due to insurance restrictions, there are certain restrictions when renting luxury cars. Restrictions on travel to certain countries are also possible. Please make sure that your planned route is allowed on the selected vehicle.

Drinking driving in Spain

In Spain, a non-zero blood alcohol content is acceptable for drivers. Let’s talk about the norms in more detail: how much can I drink? Of course, it’s better not to drink at all. But if you do, you better know the terms.

In addition, now on the roads, you can see notices about the company for the control of alcohol and drug intoxication of drivers.

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So, the allowed alcohol rate for drivers with an experience of 2 years or more: up to 0.25 mg / l per liter of exhaled air.

Violation:

  • 0.25-0.5 mg/l of exhaled air – a fine of 500 euros and 4 penalty points (for residents of Spain);
  • 0.51-0.60 mg / l of exhaled air – 1000 euros and 6 penalty points.

The crime:

  • 0.6 and higher mg / l of expired air – imprisonment for 3-6 months or a fine of 6-12 minimum salaries or community service for 30-90 days and deprivation of driver’s lisence for 1-4 years;
  • refusal of examination for blood alcohol content – imprisonment for 6-12 months and deprivation of driver’s lisence for 1-4 years.

Category: Cars

Tags: roads