Spain is a European country located in the Iberian Peninsula. Spain is one of the few countries with coastlines both to the Mediterranean Sea and to the Atlantic Ocean. Spain’s territory also includes two archipelagos: the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands.
Want to have buenos tiempos (good times) in Spain with your Debit Card Car Hire car without breaking any of the nation’s rules? Want to know what the key rules are for driving in Spain in 2023 and what differences there may be when it comes to driving in Spain after Brexit? For starters, you will need to have a UK (not GB) sticker like in many other EU countries. And you’ll need to remember that they drive on the right-hand side unlike like us Brits, and overtake on the left.
Aside from this, we’ll take a look at general driving requirements in Spain as well as rules and regulations you’ll take to take into consideration during your trip.
Need to Know: General Driving in Spain Requirements
Most of the advice is common sense, but it’s worth remembering for the avoidance of doubt:
- Both driver and passengers MUST wear a seat belt at all times.
- Talking on the phone while driving is prohibited
- Radar detectors are prohibited
- It is prohibited to sound the horn in urban areas
- Driving in bus lanes is restricted
- At junctions, priority is marked and all road signs must be obeyed
- Reflective jackets MUST be worn if walking on the road or hard shoulder
- Warning triangles must be displayed in the event of an emergency
- Headlamp beam deflectors must carried so you don’t dazzle other cars at night
- Children younger than 12 years old and measuring up to 1.35m must be seated in a child restraint system adapted to their age and seizes.
- Children older than 12 years old measuring more than 1.35m can use the car’s seat belt system.
Toll Roads in Spain
The main axes where autopistas (motorways) are located on which payment of the toll is compulsory are:
- the AP-68 between Bilbao-Zaragoza
- the AP-7 Mediterranean Motorway between La Junquera and Tarragona
- the AP-9 Atlantic Motorway, in Galicia,
- the AP-66 and the AP-71, in León
- the AP6, AP 51 and AP 61 between the provinces of Madrid, Segovia and Ávila
- the Madrid Access Radials (R2, R3, R4, R5, R-41, M-12 and AP-36).
Drink driving limits in Spain
Spain has drink-driving laws only allowing 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood – stricter than the UK where the limit is 0.8. New drivers are effectively forbidden to drink and drive, with a very low 0.1 mg/l limit. As in the UK, there is zero tolerance to any class of illegal drug whilst driving.
Driving in Spain With a UK Licence
The good news is that you can use your UK driving licence in Spain. It is in fact it is legally required to be carried with you at all times. Also, motor insurance is necessary either in your own name or the policy of a named driver. This will be proved by your UK driving licence but if hiring a car you should check insurance coverage with the company you are using.
In general, the following documents need to be carried:
- Full, valid UK driving licence
- Proof of ID (passport)
- Motor insurance certificate
- V5 registration document
Speed Limits in Spain
The speed limits in Spain are similar to those in the UK, namely:
- 50kph/30mph in built-up urban areas
- 90kph/55mph on a main road outside a built-up area
- 120kph/74.5mph on motorways
Parking in Spain: Regulations and Tips
- No parking signs in Spain are displayed with arrows pointing on the side
- Two arrows pointing in opposite directions mean no parking on either side of the road.
- Take care if you see the sign of a tow hook, this indicates a zone where your car may be taken away.
- A large E with a diagonal red line through it means this is a private entrance where parking is restricted.
- For safety reasons we recommend multi-storey car parks where you pay upon leaving.
- Watch out for scammers posing as traffic wardens, who should be in uniform with ID too.
Power That Car: Fuel in Spain
Fuel is currently approximately 1.7 Euros per litre or 6.5 Euro per gallon with almost all accepting credit cards as well as cash or pay as you go. While for electric vehicles there are plenty of charging points for the green option of driving.
Emergency Numbers in Spain
- Police: 112/091
- Fire: 112/080
- Ambulance: 112/061
- AA breakdown: 00 800 8877 6655
If you want to continue reading about hiring a car without a debit card in Spain, tips for driving in Spain as well as inspiration for road trips across the country, take a look at some of our pieces below:
Driving in Spain FAQ
Yes, you can drive in Spain using your full UK driving licence, as long as it’s in date. Even though the UK has left the EU, valid UK driving licences are enough to hire a car in Spain.
Spain has some of the best roads and highways in Europe, and has large highways that are well signposted. As long as you’re comfortable driving on the right, you’ll be more than fine!
You won’t need to carry a breathalyser kit in Spain, though be aware of Spain’s strict drink driving limits.
Spain has no equivalent of turning right on red, so make sure you stop!