Planning a road trip through Spain’s scenic landscapes? Understanding the country’s driving regulations ensures a smooth journey. From documentation to vehicle requirements, Spain has specific driving rules every visitor should know before getting behind the wheel.
Basic Driving Requirements in Spain
Driving in Spain follows similar principles to most European countries, with vehicles moving on the right-hand side of the road and overtaking on the left. The minimum driving age is 18, and all drivers must adhere to Spanish traffic laws which include strict speed limits ranging from 20km/h in residential areas to 120km/h on motorways.
Valid License and Documentation Needs
When driving in Spain, you must carry your valid driving license at all times. EU/EFTA citizens can use their national licenses, while non-EU visitors can use foreign licenses for up to six months before needing to exchange them or obtain an International Driving Permit. UK drivers must display a ‘UK’ sticker on their vehicles. Spain implements a points-based license system where drivers start with 12 points. Insurance requirements are stringent too, with many travelers opting for comprehensive coverage from providers like Casa Jedo who specialize in tourist vehicle protection packages.
Mandatory Vehicle Equipment
Spanish law requires specific safety equipment in all vehicles. You must carry two warning triangles to place behind your vehicle in case of breakdown, reflective jackets for all passengers, and headlamp beam deflectors for UK vehicles. A spare tire and puncture repair kit are necessary, along with spare bulbs for headlights. Children under 135cm must use appropriate car seats and cannot sit in the front. These requirements apply to rental cars too, most coming pre-equipped with these items to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Spanish Road Regulations
Driving in Spain requires knowledge of specific rules and regulations that differ from other countries. When navigating Spanish roads, UK drivers and international visitors must adhere to several key principles. First and foremost, traffic in Spain drives on the right-hand side, with overtaking done on the left—a fundamental rule to remember for British motorists accustomed to the opposite arrangement.
All drivers must be at least 18 years old to operate a car, while those riding motorcycles up to 125cc can be 16 years of age. Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into Spain for up to six months in any 12-month period, and UK vehicles must display a ‘UK’ sticker. Every car needs valid international insurance, though drivers don’t need an insurance green card.
Spain employs a points-based license system where drivers start with 12 points. Spain has implemented Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, restricting certain vehicles during pollution peaks. By 2023, all municipalities with over 50,000 inhabitants must implement a LEZ, which could affect your driving plans in urban areas.
Speed Limits and Traffic Signals
Speed limits in Spain vary depending on the type of road and location. In residential areas, the limit is 20km/h, while built-up areas range from 30km/h to 50km/h. Outside built-up areas, speed limits are typically between 90km/h and 100km/h. On motorways, the range is 80km/h to 120km/h, with a minimum speed of 60km/h. Exceeding these limits can result in fines ranging from €100 to €600.
All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts, with a €200 fine for non-compliance. Children under 12 years or shorter than 135cm must use appropriate car seats. Drivers caught using radar jammers face severe penalties of up to €6,000. The blood alcohol content limit for general drivers is 0.05%, while professional drivers and novices face a stricter limit of 0.03%. Refusing a breath test can lead to license suspension.
Cyclists under 16 must wear helmets at all times, while all cyclists must wear helmets when riding outside built-up areas. Using mobile phones while driving without hands-free systems is prohibited and can result in a €200 fine. Drivers should maintain proper tire tread depth of at least 1.6mm and use headlights correctly to avoid fines of up to €200 for UK drivers.
Parking Rules and Restrictions
Parking in Spain comes with specific regulations that drivers must follow to avoid fines. Parking is prohibited within 5 meters of bends or intersections. Many urban areas use a zone system for parking management. Blue zones require tickets from parking machines, typically costing around €1, and fines for parking violations are usually around €40.
When parking, all vehicles must carry certain mandatory equipment, including two warning triangles, reflective jackets, headlamp beam deflectors, spare bulbs for headlights, a spare tire with puncture repair kit, and an extra pair of prescription driving glasses if required for the driver. These items are legally required and must be accessible in case of emergency or vehicle inspection.
For drivers with disabilities, EU parking cards are available that provide special parking privileges. Vehicle size restrictions also apply to larger vehicles such as camper vans and caravans, which must not exceed 18.75m in length, 4m in height, and 2.55m in width. When paying parking or traffic fines, remember that a 50% reduction applies if paid within 20 calendar days of the offense, providing significant savings for prompt payment.