Spanish traffic rules are not very different from the general European ones, but they still have their own characteristics.
In general, with due care, driving will be quite easy for an experienced driver. Locals drive quite calmly, rarely break the speed limit, allow pedestrians to pass, and use turn signals on time.
Basic traffic rules in Spain
- Speed limits : within city limits – 50 km/h, beyond – 90 km/h, on highways – 120 km/h.
- Radar detectors are prohibited.
- All car passengers are required to wear seat belts .
- Children under 135 centimeters tall must ride in restraints that are adjusted to their height and weight. It is allowed to sit in the front seat from 12 years of age.
- Cars on the right have priority .
- At roundabouts , those on the roundabout have priority.
- To exit the roundabout, you first need to change lanes to the outside lane. If you didn’t do it in time, you’ll have to drive an extra lap.
- You can only talk on the phone while driving using the speakerphone. You cannot hold the phone in your hands, even if the car is stopped in a traffic jam or in front of a red traffic light. The use of headphones is prohibited.
- You need to be extremely careful while driving . It is not allowed to drive barefoot, wear flip-flops or flip-flops, eat or drink while driving, smoke, wear makeup, etc.
- You can only plot a route in your navigator while parking.
- The permissible alcohol content in the driver’s blood is 0.5 ppm.
- Low beams should only be turned on at night, in bad weather or in tunnels.
- Before crossing a pedestrian crossing, it is recommended to slow down and let pedestrians pass, even if your traffic light is green. Locals often cross the road when it is red.
- On country roads you need to be extremely careful. Animals obey traffic rules even less often than pedestrians.
What to take with you
When receiving a rental car, make sure that the package includes:
- spare light bulbs;
- two warning triangles;
- fire extinguisher;
- first aid kit;
- spare tire;
- reflective vest.
Marking
The markings on Spanish roads are very clear, bright, and visible from afar. It regulates traffic and must be strictly adhered to. For example, yellow stripes show how roadways intersect at a complex intersection.
Markings play a very important role in moving in a circle. In Spain they love roundabouts, there are a lot of them. Look carefully at the markings – they reflect all the nuances of movement.
The “safety island” is marked along the edges with plastic bollards for the safety of pedestrians.
Fines for traffic violations
Spain has a penalty point system, but it does not apply to foreigners. Tourists are most often fined for failure to comply with the speed limit, violation of parking rules and drunk driving.
Speed limits in Spain are best observed. There are a lot of not only stationary radars in the country, but also mobile ones, which are installed in police and civil guard vehicles.
Amount of fines:
- Speeding – 100-600€.
- Phone use – 200€.
- Unfastened seat belt, failure to use a child seat – 200 €.
- Violation of overtaking rules, running a red light – from 200 €.
- Drunk driving – 500-1000 €.
- Radar detector – 3000-6000 €.
How to pay fines
You can pay the fine on the spot, at the post office, by bank transfer or online on the website of the Spanish Traffic Directorate .
When paying within the first 20 days there is a 50% discount.
It does not apply to serious offences.
The local traffic police are quite lenient towards tourists in rented cars. So it is likely that for a minor offense they may be released simply with a warning.