Driving
For the UK driver, getting used to roads and vehicles
in Europe takes time and there are plenty of driving
schools where you might like to take a few lessons in
order to get used to the roads and left hand drive cars.
Basic bullet-point information is listed below:
- Spanish law requires that you are in
possession of a driving licence with
photographic identification (or passport if you
still have an old-style UK driving licence), car
registration documentation and insurance cover
details at all times when driving. Should you
wish to switch to a Spanish driving licence,
your local “gestoria” (legal administrator) can
organise this for you
- Seatbelts (front and back) must be worn at
all times. Children under 12 are not permitted
in the front seat
- By law, drivers must carry a spare tyre,
equipment to fit it, a spare set of bulbs, two
warning triangles to place on the road should
you need to stop and a fluorescent jacket to
wear in the event you break down
- Drink driving laws in Spain are strict by
EEC standards (less than 50mg of alcohol per
100ml of blood)
- Use of mobile phones whilst driving is
strictly prohibited (unless your car is equipped
with a completely hands free system)
- Speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 100
km/h on dual carriageways, 90 km/h on single roads and
50 km/h in towns (unless otherwise specified on road
signs).
On the spot fines (some quite expensive) are standard
practice on minor non-compliance issues and more serious
issues are referred to the local court where driving
bans may be imposed.
Petrol and diesel are widely available 24 hours a day.
At night you might be expected to pay at the kiosk before
you put fuel into your vehicle. It is a good idea to
plan your journey and have a good map with you at all
times as road signs in Spain can often be misleading.
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