Top 10 Tips for Driving in Spain

With so many people visiting for the first time this summer, we thought we’d share our top 10 tips for driving in Spain.

1. In Spain we drive on the right. It might seem like an obvious thing to say but many people do forget. In fact, the law says we should drive as far to the right as possible, so don’t go hogging lanes. Also, remember, we go anticlockwise on roundabouts.
2. Speed limits are a maximum, not a target, and remember, they are kilometres per hour. Most signs are the same as in the UK but a blue square is a recommended maximum.
3. All vehicle occupants must wear a seatbelt. If there are only 2 seatbelts in the back, only 2 people can sit there. Seatbelts must be worn properly too, not under the arm.
4. Children are not allowed to sit in the front seat. In fact, it is children under 1.35 metres, irrespective of their age, who must sit in the back. They must also be in an approved restraint suitable for them. The only exception is when there aren’t any rear seats, like a sports car, or when the seats are already occupied by smaller children.
5. Spain has a much lower limit than many other countries. However, the best advice if you’re driving is don’t drink at all. The same applies to drugs, but if you’re on prescription medication be careful as these can sometimes affect your driving.
6. Never use your mobile when driving. That goes for any device actually. You are allowed to use your phone as a GPS sat nav, but you mustn’t touch it when you’re driving. Program it before you set off and stop in a safe, convenient and legal place if you have to change it.
7. Some traffic lights have filter arrows. If the light is red but the filter arrow pointing right is orange, you are allowed to turn right, just remember to give way to traffic already on the main road.
8. When exiting a roundabout, always exit from the right-hand lane, irrespective of how many lanes there are. Unless signs or signals say otherwise.
9. Traffic police vehicles have blue lights illuminated all the time. If you see these blue lights it doesn’t mean pull over or stop. They use flashing red lights to stop you, or flashing white lights from the front.
10. If you get into difficulties or an emergency, dial 112 from any phone. The operators speak many languages, including English, and are there to help. One thing though, try to identify exactly where you are before you phone, as this will make it easier for help to find you.

Overall, enjoy your holiday is Spain, stay safe, drive carefully and remember these rules. For more detailed explanations, visit the website, n332.es