Driving Abroad – Spain – Car Insurance

Driving a car on the roads of Spain is completely different to driving in the hustle and bustle of the roads in the UK. There are some beautiful sites to see both in and around the Spanish cities.

highways are excellent to drive on. They very rarely have traffic jams as most locals won’t pay the tolls to use them so for the extra cost they are definitely worth while. Petrol and diesel prices are around 25% cheaper than the prices in the UK so you could use that saving to pay for the tolls on the motorways.

Driving on the Spanish Roads

The Spanish are renowned for driving very aggressively and quite quickly, so don’t take it to heart if someone cuts you up because this is a regular thing on the Spanish roads.

The Spanish authorities are pretty hard on offenders and speed traps are a common occurrence on the roads. If you are caught speeding by the authorities then your punishment will depend on how far you were over the speed limit. Drink driving laws are strict as well with the legal alcohol limit being 50mg compared to the UK limit of 80mg. You can also be fined for not indicating when overtaking so be careful when doing so.

When driving in Spain you are legally required to carry a warning triangle and a set of spare bulbs with the equipment to fit them if needed. If you have to wear glasses to drive then you must carry a spare pair in the car with you at all times. A high-visibility vest must also be stored with you in the front of the car.

Sights Definitely Worth Seeing

The Ruta de la Plata is a must see when driving around Spain. ‘The Silver Route’ as its known by many, was built by the Romans to connect Seville with Oviedo. It was one of the first major roads constructed in Spain and extends across a number of mountains and valleys. There are some astonishing views along the route so be sure to take a camera. Just don’t take any photo’s whilst you are driving the car because that is an offence.

Laws on the Spanish Roads

Passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times if there is one fitted.
Children under the age of 12 years old or less than 1.35m tall must use a suitable child seat, whether travelling in the front or back. Children above 1.35m tall may use a booster seat with a seatbelt.
Running out of fuel on a main road in Spain carries a fine so keep an eye on your petrol gauge.
Using your full-beam headlights in built up areas is illegal.
If you witness an accident you must help any victims and call the Spanish emergency services. For an English-speaking operator dial 902 102 112.
Motorcyclists must dip their headlights during the day and wear a crash helmet at all times. This includes any passengers.

Spanish Speed Limits

Residential Areas – 20 Km/h (10 mph)
Built Up Areas – 50 Km/h (30mph)
Outside Built Up Areas – 90 Km/h (55mph)
Dual Carriageways – 100 Km/h (60 mph)
Motorways – 120 Km/h (75 mph)

Local Knowledge

When driving in the Spanish countryside, petrol stations are extremely spaced out so fill up your tank whenever you get the chance. Oncoming drivers may also flash you if there is an oncoming speed trap so look out for this signal.
In the bigger Spanish cities car crime is a big problem. Park your car in a sensible place at night. Preferably a secure car park and do not leave any valuables or important documents inside the vehicle. Never park on yellow pavements as your vehicle will be towed if spotted by the authorities.

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