The Spanish are not the most considerate of road users. When merging with a motorway, don’t expect drivers to slow to let you on – you may have to stop at the end of the slip road. Many drivers show complete disregard for speed limits and you may find some obstinant road users who deliberately straddle two lanes to prevent such speed freaks from passing.
Further Reading:
Speed Limits on Spanish Roads
- Expressways & major highways 75mph
- Other roads 55mph
- Built-up areas 30mph
- Residential areas 15mph
Types of Roads in Spain
Spanish road names that begin with an ‘AP’ are toll roads and as a result are usually relatively free from traffic. They will invariably have a toll-free road running more or less alongside, which will be busier and probably more picturesque.
Fully-fledged expressways are actually few and far between - most of the country is served by 'N' roads, which can vary in design quite considerably. Some resemble expressways in all but name, others have traffic lights and people's driveways leading straight onto the road!
What You Need to Carry with You When Driving in Spain
The following items must be carried at all times when driving in Spain.
- Drivers license
- Insurance documents
- Ownership documents (or rental documents)
- Wearers of spectacles should carry a spare pair
- Fluorescent jacket (for all occupants)
- Two warning triangles
- Fire extinguisher (recommended)
- First-aid kit (recommended)
For a more complete guide, see here.
Important Rules to Follow When Driving in Spain
- Seatbelts must be worn.
- The use of cellphones while driving is prohibited. Hands-free kits are permitted, but they are not allowed to have earpiece attachments. (Astonishingly, 98% of Spaniards don't know this!)
- The use of screen-based navigation systems is prohibited.
- Don't park where next to a yellow line. If you do, you will most likely be towed away (especially if you are in a foreign car).
What to Do When Stopped by the Police in Spain
The Guardia Civil is the lowest of the three types of police officer (the others being the Policia Municipal and the Policia Nacional) and they are known to have quite an inferiority complex at times, which means that if they can get you for something, they will. The most likely thing they will catch you for is not wearing your fluorescent jacket when stepping out of the car, which Spanish law says must wear whenever you stop by the side of a highway. So, when they stop you, take your time to put it on before you get out of the car.
The Guardia Civil are entitled to ask you to pay your fine immediately as a tourist, unless you can prove you have a Spanish address that will cover for you if you don't pay. If you are unable to pay immediately, they can impound the car. It is therefore wise to pay immediately, especially as there is a 20% reduction if you do so. Be sure to get a receipt, especially if you think the police officer has been unfair.
Translation of Types of Gas in Spain
- Leaded = super or super 98
- Unleaded = sin plomo 98 or Eurosuper 95
- Diesel = gasoleo
If all that puts you off, you could always go by bus, train, or fly!
