Those who are under 18 cannot drive legally in Spaineven if they hold a legal license from their home country. In Spain, we drive on the right, safety belts are mandatory for all the occupants of the vehicle and there are speed limits on all roads. Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Spain. 3. So you can use it as a U-turn (completely forbidden in Spain) in order to start driving in the opposite direction. And not, you do not need a four-wheel drive. Requirements and essentials for car rental. There are no major signposts and no protection on the side of the roads. Be the first to hear about exclusive deals, the latest travel guides, and more. It is very much useful in case of accidents, or when your car breaks down. There are several sensors outside towns that detect the speed limit. The driver must also possess a native driving license for at least a period of 1 to 2 years. All information on this page is provided as a service to our users. Yes, in Spain we drive on the right hand side of the road. Normally these can be identified by the presence of parking meters in the vicinity. Most drivers start with 12 points. 1) Always carry your driving license and your international drivers permit along with a copy of your passport. You should check with the embassy of the country you'll be driving in to find out more. 2) Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This is included in the car hire price and is usually kept as a security in case of any damage to the rental car. The following Spanish highways are toll roads: You can check out the current fees for each one of these Spanish toll roads on this website. NOTICE: We collect personal information on this site. Your valid US driving license. Self-driving is the best option to embark on the unforgettable journey of Spain. It is forbidden to talk on a mobile phone without a hands-free device or to handle one while driving. Driving in Spain checklist: Full and valid driver's licence V5C Proof of Insurance Passport/national ID Motor insurance green card Reflective jackets Warning triangles Spare pair. It is always exciting to drive in a new country especially one as beautiful as Spain. These are 120 km/h on dual carriageways and motorways, 90 km/h on all other roads and 30 km/h in built-up areas. Welcome to the dos and donts of driving Spain! Many areas require payment to park, even on-street spots. Besides these, there are several other important requirements before one starts driving in Spain. An International Driving Permit (IDP) (valid for a year, and it has to be issued before traveling). The motorways have service centers that have basic amenities like petrol filling stations, cafeterias, toilets, telephones, and restaurants. Spanish roads are well maintained and are devoid of any crazy traffic. Depending on where you are from, you may need an International Driving Permit as well. All UK vehicle insurance provides the minimum third party cover to drive in the EU (including Ireland). Getting a driving license in Spain To get a Spanish driving license, you need to be a Spanish resident and pass a two-part driving test (written theory and practical). Full and valid driving licence - ( permiso de conducir ) or a valid EEC driving licence. This lower limit also applies to newly qualified drivers - those with less than three years' driving experience. The countrys road system is made up of the following types of roads: There is a full text on the website outlining in more detail each of the types of roads. We suggest you apply for the International Driving License (IDL) to be on a safe side. Driving in Spain Driving Requirements. Work as a Driver. Whether this will be reciprocal with Spain will likely be decided in the coming weeks or months. Law enforcement agents do not take it kindly to people using their mobile phones while driving. You must hold a valid driving license, and an IDP if necessary, to drive a car in Spain. Spanish Driving Licence Holders If you are the holder of a Spanish driving licence then you must apply for an International Driving Permit if you intend to drive in a country that is . It is not meant to be a comprehensive document, though we try to keep it as updated as we can. Stick to the right: Unlike the UK, in Spain you drive on the right hand side, so stay alert, especially when pulling out of junctions. Honking unnecessarily can cost you 100 Euros.Driving Your Rental Car Outside Spain The drivers license is applicable in other European countries and you can easily drive across the Spanish borders into other countries. When driving the please be aware its very easy to get swayed by the perfect scenic views alongside the road! You may also need an IDP if you're planning to visit a European country that's not mentioned in the list above. In Spain, we drive on the right, safety belts are mandatory for all the occupants of the vehicle and there are speed limits on all roads. The visa application can be made through the Spanish embassy, through a consulate, or even a certified third party company offering visas on behalf of Spain. In addition, the police may impound your vehicle if you are unable to pay the speeding ticket on the spot. Generally speaking, the car on your right-hand side has the right of way at an intersection. You can easily apply for an International driving licence at: www.idltrip.com . National and country roads are much more fun! Don't forget you must carry the following 7 essential items in your car when driving in Spain in 2022 Passport or ID Card Driving Licence Insurance Certificate Original registration document (permiso de circulacin) Ficha Tecnica/itv (Mot Certificate) Two warning triangles Reflective Jacket (s) - for anyone who gets out of the car on a main road. Things to take when driving in Spain. It is so easy to go about a wonderful road trip in Spain. To drive in Spain, the driver must present a valid national driver's licence that has been held for at least 1 or 2 years (according to different car hire company). We have seen the scene too often, in particular on small country roads. Driving licence laws Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Portugal. Driving in Spain as a foreigner requires different requirements that depend on the driver's country of origin and circumstances such as having or not having residence in Spain. From appreciating the exquisite art, refreshing yourself with sipping on the espresso coffee, eating the authentic paella, and the delicious tapas, Spain is definitely worth putting on your travel list to visit. If you are considering moving to Spain permanently and currently hold a driving licence, you must be aware of the . One can be arrested on the spot if required. A foreign driving licence does not entitle the holder to drive a motor vehicle in Spain until the age of 18 years old. Sure, if you are thinking of coming to Spain during summer, we strongly advise you to rent a car equipped with air con. Insurance documents - ( Poliza de Seguro ). Here are some of the rules, tips and suggestions that can help you enjoy an amazing road trip. Ownership or rental documents of the vehicle. There is even an ongoing joke that describes Spain as a roundabout nation. All European Union driving licences and international driving licences are valid in Spain. International Driving Association. What driving licences can you use in Spain? IDPs can be bought at Post Offices for 5.50. While it is true that traffic tends to be much heavier on national roads, and driving behind a lorry can be painful, it is national and country roads that lead to the most wonderful discoveries. Some countries may have arrows next to the lights (either green or flashing yellow, depending on the country) that indicate when turning right is allowed, though. The police in Portugal can make random breath checks on drivers, and test anyone who has been involved in an accident. The roads in Spain can be categorized as below: a) Motorways or Autopistas: The motorways in Spain are indicated by a green and blue sign. Driving Laws in Spain Driving in an unknown country can be a daunting for some, so here are a few driving laws that will help ease you into enjoying your international driving experience. References: 1) Auto Europe, Spain Destination Guide, accessed on 28th November 2020, https://www.autoeurope.com.au/AUS/assets/file/spain-driving-guide.pdf 2) Expatica, Driving in Spain: 10 Unbelievable Rules of the Road, accessed on 28th November 2020, https://www.expatica.com/es/living/transportation/driving-laws-596547/, 3) Hertz, Car Rental Spain, accessed on 28th November 2020, https://www.hertz.com/p/car-rental/spain, 4)European Commission, Transport Road Safety, accessed on 28th November 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/spain/speed_limits_en.htm, 5)Trip Savvy, Top Things to do in Spain, accessed on 28th November 2020, https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-things-to-do-in-spain-1642912. While parking is relatively easy in most rural towns and smaller cities, it can be difficult to find a spot outside of paid parking garages in major cities . If you do not have a Photocard yet, only the paper copy is required, but you will need Photo ID, such as a Passport You cannot park within 5 meters of an intersection or a bend. Helmets must be worn on motorbikes, mopeds and bicycles. If your vehicle is parked in an area that is protected under the Environments Act then you can be charged with a fine of 6,000 Euros. It will be obvious to many people, but this is a bit of knowledge you cannot take for granted. Vehicle . In Spain, it is usual for rental cars to have manual transmission and the rate for those with automatic transmission tend to be higher. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. A Canadian driver's license alone is valid to drive in the USA. For example, the speed limit in motorways is 120kph while the speed limit in residential areas is 19kph. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment. Use of mobile phones while driving is strictly forbidden. We hope you found it useful. You do not need to carry a green card when you drive in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra . On top of that, be aware that, if you stop by the side of a highway, you must wear a fluorescent jacket all Spanish cars are equipped with one. Welcome to the do'. Rules of the Road. The Direcin General de Trfico, known as the DGT, is the responsible body. Apply in minutes and get started! 10) Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to travel in the front seat.Points to Remember While Driving in Spain 1) You cannot drive on the roads of Spain with one arm out of the car, if you are caught while doing so then you can be charged with a fine of 100 Euros. You need to be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Spain. Work as a Travel Guide. A new set of traffic laws and fines come into force in Spain on Monday March 21st 2022, including changes to overtaking, electric scooters and alcohol limits. Yes, you could be fined for speeding from a helicopter without you even noticing! https://www.autoeurope.com.au/AUS/assets/file/spain-driving-guide.pdf, https://www.expatica.com/es/living/transportation/driving-laws-596547/, https://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/spain/speed_limits_en.htm, https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-things-to-do-in-spain-1642912. The truth is that if you stick to the speed limits there isnt much reason for concern regarding speed traps (in Spanish, radares de velocidad). Driving Age - To be able to drive legally, one must be 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license. And the rule is quite simple: whoever has joined the roundabout has preference over those waiting to join the roundabout. When picking up you vehicle make sure to check the car for dents and scrapes as you may end up paying for them on your returning the car! According to Spanish law, children under 135 cm in height must not sit in the front seat and must use a restraint system. The most important reason why you shouldnt drink and drive is that it is dangerous, for you, for the people travelling with you and for anyone else on the same road as you. of Spain. You can always check online and compare the prices of different rental agencies. Look out for parking meters, especially in large cities. To make your life even easier, we have put together a series of recommendations. The rules, and its exceptions, are complex, so always pay attention to the speed limits and make sure you do not exceed them. It is a bit of an exaggeration, as roundabouts are quite common in other European countries too, but there you go. On our road trips we tend to avoid autovas unless they are absolutely essential along the route. Whether you are sitting on the front or the back seats, always wear your seat belts. 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