{"id":77,"date":"2017-02-13T14:21:32","date_gmt":"2017-02-13T14:21:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/?p=77"},"modified":"2022-11-28T12:18:18","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T12:18:18","slug":"driving-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/driving-in-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving in Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Driving in Spain is a great way to see the country. Whether you\u2019re heading to the hot spots that attract tourists year on year, or seeking out the many hidden gems to be found off the beaten track \u2013 you will need to familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in order to stay safe and avoid an on-the-spot fine, or even worse, the confiscation of your driving license. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Below we set out the documents and items you must carry whenever you are behind the wheel in Spain, as well as some general driving tips to help things go smoothly and hassle free! <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you have previously driven in mainland Europe, you are probably well aware that driving requirements can differ from country to country. So, before you start your journey in or through Spain we want to provide you with as much information as possible to ensure that you are fully prepared.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-0\">\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"panel-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-0\">What documents do you need to travel around Spain?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"custom-collapse-0-0\" class=\"panel-collapse in\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are a few important documents you need in your possession before you begin your journey, documents you will be asked to produce should you&nbsp;be stopped by the police or worst case scenario, be involved in some kind of road incident. They include:-<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The photo and paper counterpart of your full UK driving license. If you don\u2019t have your photo license, we recommend that you carry your passport (it is a legal requirement to carry your passport anyway) and International Driving Permit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Evidence of your vehicle\u2019s insurance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The original vehicle registration document or hire certificate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We also recommend a Green Card<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Carry these documents at all times when driving.<\/span><br \/>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"panel-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-1\">Additional&nbsp;items needed<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"custom-collapse-0-1\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are a number of compulsory items you need to have on board for your safety, as well as that of any passengers you are carrying and other road users.&nbsp;All of which can be stored in the boot, these are:-<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/headlamp-beam-adapters-to-convert-headlamps-for-use-in-the-eu.html\">Headlamp converters<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/warning-triangle-e-approved.html\">Warning triangle<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> (we recommend 2)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/philips-h4-spare-bulbs-kit-headlamp-rear-indicator-fuse.html\">Spare bulbs<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> and tools to fit them<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Spare tyre and the tools to fit it <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A clearly displayed <\/span><strong>UK sticker<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Seat belts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Additionally, here are&nbsp;a few other&nbsp;handy items we recommend you include in your travel kit:-<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/rac-vehicle-first-aid-kit.html\">First aid kit<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/fire-extinguishers-en3ce62-standard-1-kg-dry-powder-abc.html\">Fire extinguisher<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Snow socks and chains, depending on exact location and time of year<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Water supply <\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/garmin-12v-usb-power-cable-charger.html\">Universal car telephone charger<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Take a look at our <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/premium-family-european-driving-kit.html\">European Driving Kits<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> for everything you might need.<\/span><br \/>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"panel-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-2\">Spanish Driving Laws<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"custom-collapse-0-2\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Some Spanish driving laws are the same as the UK, however,a number&nbsp;of them differ. It is advisable you familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in Spain before you begin your journey, to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">All drivers must be aged 18 and over<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As in the UK, it is compulsory to wear a seatbelt<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Remember, tolls charges apply on motorways <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Speed camera warning systems are banned in Spain, so ensure you disable this function when using&nbsp;satellite navigation and GPS&nbsp;devices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Navigational devices must not be in direct view or obscure the drivers vision <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Children below the age of 12 and under 1.35m in height must sit in a child seat<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Don\u2019t sound your horn in urban areas as&nbsp;this&nbsp;is illegal unless you are in an emergency situation<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If your vehicle exceeds 12m in length, you must fit two yellow reflectors on the rear of the vehicle<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As in the UK, mobile phones should not be used unless it is a <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/12v-universal-mobile-phone-charging-cradle-with-handsfree-option.html\">hands free device<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">&nbsp;. In addition, you cannot use headphones or earpieces or you will face a \u20ac200 fine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If using snow chains or socks, which can be necessary in some locations between November to March, the maximum<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">&nbsp; <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">speed limit is 50km\/hour<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Drink-driving laws are strict in Spain, we advise that you avoid it completely before driving, however the official limits are;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Normal drivers: 0.50g\/l<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">New drivers (2 years or less): 0.30g\/l<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Professional drivers: 0\/30g\/l<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ensure that you do not break the drink driving laws in Spain as the penalties can be harsh.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel panel-default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"panel-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-3\">Spanish speed limits<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"custom-collapse-0-3\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The speed limits in Spain differ to those in the UK and the police take them very seriously, so it is essential to be 100% certain about&nbsp;speed limits&nbsp;before you begin your journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Urban areas &#8211; 50km\/h<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Open roads (no hard shoulder) &#8211;&nbsp;90km\/h (70km\/h if towing)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dual carriage ways &#8211;&nbsp;100km\/h (80km\/h if towing)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Motorways &#8211;&nbsp;120km\/h (80 km\/h if towing)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Alongside maximum speeds, there are also minimum speed limits &#8211;&nbsp;the minimum speed limit while travelling on motorways and dual carriageways is 60km\/h.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The information given here is intended to prepare you for driving in Spain, however,&nbsp; remember that the laws may be slightly different in neighbouring countries, so if you are driving around other locations alongside Spain, ensure that you are fully familiar and compliant to their particular regulations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Even though we update our information regularly, driving laws often change without warning, so if in doubt, please check with the relevant authorities.<\/p>\n<p>.<\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Driving in Spain is a great way to see the country. Whether you\u2019re heading to the hot spots that attract tourists year on year, or seeking out the many hidden gems to be found off the beaten track \u2013 you will need to familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in order to stay [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":233,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[25,26,22,23,24],"class_list":["post-77","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-european-driving-advice","tag-breakdown-tips","tag-drink-driving-laws","tag-driving-in-spain","tag-driving-tips","tag-european-driving-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/233"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.racshop.co.uk\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}