Spain is a beloved tourist destination, and while many visitors rely on buses, trams, or taxis to get around, some places are best explored on foot or by car. With the convenience of GPS and Google Maps, modern travellers enjoy the freedom of independent navigation and often seek self-drive options. Renting a car offers an opportunity to explore Spain at your own pace, giving you the flexibility to create a personalised travel itinerary.
Driving in Spain is an enjoyable experience you wouldn’t want to miss. The country offers scenic drives along the Andalusian coast, pilgrim spots, and many historic places.
Driving requirements in Spain
You need the following documents for driving in Spain:
- Valid driver’s license
- International driver’s permit (IDP)
- Travel Insurance
- Car/bike rental documents
- Passport
- Two warning triangles and fluorescent vests (included with the rented car)
Rules of the road
It is crucial to follow the driving rules in Spain when journeying across the country.
- Your country’s driving license may be used, but Spanish law requires travellers to carry an international driving permit.
- You should be 21 years renting a car and 18 years driving.
- Everyone must wear a seat belt.
- Spain has a strict “no drink and drive” policy. Drunken driving in Spain can result in license suspension, fines, and even imprisonment.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free system in place.
- Use of a screen-based GPS is prohibited.
- You must switch off your engine, lights, and mobile phones while refuelling your car.
- If you wear glasses, you must always keep an extra pair.
- It is compulsory to wear a helmet while driving a bicycle or motorbike.
Types of roads and speed limits in Spain
Spain has specific driving rules regarding speed limits, which change depending on the type of road and traffic conditions. It is crucial to be aware of the speed limits while driving to ensure safety and avoid penalties.
- Roads beginning with AP are toll roads with minimal or no traffic. However, no-toll roads run parallel to them, and these busy roads have a huge influx of traffic.
- Spain has limited expressways, and most of the country has “N” roads.
- Most of the country’s roads have a standard driving limit, while expressways and highways have a relatively higher limit. Residential and built-up roads have a lower speed limit.
Here is the standard speed limit for driving in Spain:
- Expressway and highway: 120 km/hr
- Urban roads: 50 km/hr
- Built-up roads: 30 km/hr
- Other roads: 90 km/hr
Law enforcement in Spain
While driving, it is equally important to keep an eye on law enforcement officers so you don’t have to worry about the traffic police.
Three major police officers serve Spain:
- Guardia Civil
- National Police Corps
- Urban Guard
The Urban Guard and National Police Corps are responsible for traffic regulations, but guardian civil members might also stop you.
You will also find the following regional police forces:
- Catalonia: Troopers
- Basque Country: Ertzaintza
- Navarre: Policia Foral
If you break the law, you can be charged up to 300 euros on the spot. It is ideal to pay the fine as soon as possible; otherwise, your vehicle can be immobilised or impounded.
Parking in Spain
Parking in Spain and following parking rules can be a hassle. Here are the important things to keep in mind:
- A tourist officer is often present at the parking site to help.
- You can ask for parking suggestions from the tourist centre authority.
- Refrain from parking on the narrow roads of a village or town.
- Big cities offer free parking, which can lead to frequent traffic jams. It is best to park your car on the outskirts and use public transport to get around the city.
- If you want to enter a paid parking facility, use Parkopedia, an online tool that navigates you through underground car parking.
Road safety in Spain
Driving in a new country can be overwhelming. You may not know the right lane, the ideal distance between two cars, or whether you can overtake.
Follow these driving rules in Spain, so your trip is full of adventures and memories, not mishaps:
- Drive on the right lane so the traffic behind you can move easily.
- If you drive on a highway and want to overtake another car, flash the headlight. It is a law that alerts the driver that someone will cross them.
- You cannot cross a solid white line on a highway; it is only possible with a broken line.