Tips for driving in Spain
by Michael Russell

Correct driving licence. If you're planning to drive in Spain, make sure that you have the correct driving licence. If you are from the EU, an EU licence (with the ring of stars) or a UK licence is acceptable. If your UK licence is the old paper type, you will need to carry a form of photo ID as well. If you're from outside the EU, you will need an International Driving Licence, obtained in your country of origin.

Overseas travel insurance. If you're taking your own vehicle to Spain, ensure that your insurance is valid for overseas travel and that you have current road tax and an MOT or national equivalent. Carry the originals or legally certified copies of all documents will you, including your passport, which must be valid until after the end of your stay.

Red triangles and spare bulbs. It is mandatory to carry two red warning triangles, a set of spare bulbs and the necessary tools needed to change them and a spare pair of driving glasses, if you use them. If you are hiring a car and the triangles or bulbs are missing or incomplete, insist that the rental company provide them before you take the car to drive in Spain. You will also need to take with you or request from the rental company, booster seats for children as the wearing of seat belts is mandatory for all vehicle occupants. It is also advisory, though not compulsory, to carry a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit when you drive.

Reflective jacket. People will tell you that you must carry a reflective jacket for each person in the car. This isn't strictly true, however, it is illegal to get out of your car, other than in urban areas, without wearing one, so if you have a puncture on the motorway and no jacket, you have a problem. It is most unlikely, at the time that I write this, that a rental car company will provide reflective jackets.

They drive on the right hand side of the road in Spain, in theory anyway, and give way to traffic coming from the left, especially on roundabouts.

Speed limits. When driving in Spain speed limits are generally 120kph on autopistas (motorways), 100kph on dual carriageways, 90kph on urban roads and as sign-posted in built up areas. This can vary from 20 to 80kph and can change as many as three times within 500 metres, so keep a look out. In most parts of Spain, you won't find many of the ever intrusive speed cameras but the police do use radar traps. The use of radar detectors is forbidden. In fact it is illegal to even carry one in your vehicle.

A few things to beware of when driving in Spain, as the police seem to be particularly hot on these:

1. Do not cross a solid white line in the centre of the road, either to overtake or to turn left.
2. Always come to a complete standstill at a STOP sign, whether it seems to be necessary or not.
3. Do not overtake on the inside, unless using a designated slip road to leave or enter an autopista.
4. Do not be tempted to follow the example of the Spanish workmen, who can be seen drinking beer, wine or brandy (or possibly all three) at breakfast time (9:30 - 10:30am), at lunch time (1:30 - 3:00pm) and after work (any time after 6:00pm). The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 milligrams per millilitre of blood. If you're caught drinking and driving, as a foreigner you may lose your licence the same day, if your case is rushed through the special courts.
5. You will often see drivers with a mobile phone in one hand and the other waving in the air for emphasis (presumably they're steering with their knees). However, it is NOT legal to use a phone while driving unless you have a completely hands-free set (which does not include the use of an ear piece).
6. Do not operate satellite or other navigation systems whilst driving. Pull over to a safe place as you would if you wanted to read a map.
7. Children under 12 years of age may not sit in the front seat.
8. Motorcycle riders must wear a crash helmet. A dipped headlight must be used at all times.