Driving in Spain is a bit different than driving in the United States. If you’re planning a move to Spain — or even just traveling there — you’ll probably want to get behind the wheel of a car. Buses or trains will serve you well in metro areas, or even getting across the country from one major city to another. However, you’ll need a car or scooter to explore the countryside.
One of the best ways to make driving in Spain go smoothly and easily? Know the rules before you go. Read on for valuable tips on Spain driving requirements, parking regulations, road types and more. Then, head to Tripiamo Driving Guides for international travelers to Spain. Tripiamo’s simple, fun, online driving tutorials will teach you everything you need to know about driving in Spain, and several other countries that maybe on your travel bucket list.
Driving in Spain Requirements
To drive in Spain, you need to bring your American driver’s license and obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). That’s not all you need, though. You may be surprised to learn that you can be penalized for driving without certain gear, including safety gear.
If you’re driving in Spain, here’s a list of everything you’re required to have with you in the car when you drive:
- Your driver’s license and IDP
- Insurance documents
- Ownership or rental documents for the vehicle you’re driving
- Your passport
- A fluorescent jacket for all occupants
- Two warning triangles
- An extra pair of glasses if you wear them.
It’s also recommended to have a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit in the car, though they aren’t required.
Road Rules
In Spain, they drive on the right side of the road, same as in the United States. However, there are still some differences between driving in Spain and America. Before you drive for the first time, familiarize yourself with the rules below.
- All passengers are required to wear a seatbelt.
- You must be 18 or older to drive in Spain and at least 21 to rent a car. Notice that the driving age is higher than in America, but the car rental age is lower.
- The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.05 percent, lower than America’s 0.08 percent. Drunk driving laws are strict in Spain, and you can find yourself in jail if you drive drunk.
- Cell phone use behind the wheel is not permitted. You can use a hands-free device, but it isn’t allowed to have an earpiece attachment.
- The use of screen-based navigation systems is prohibited.
- You can’t park next to a yellow line in a residential area. If you park there, you’ll be towed. Law enforcement is strict with this rule, so pay close attention to your parking choices.
- Kids who are 12 and under and less than four feet, five and a half inches, or those in the front seat of a vehicle, must be in a child restraint system suitable to their height and weight.
- If you don’t have a permanent address in Spain, you will be asked to pay any traffic fines immediately. Failure to do so will lead to your car being impounded. The good news is that there’s a 20 percent discount for a payment at the time of the fine.
- You can call 112 to be connected to local emergency services. Emergency phones linked to Spain’s emergency network are located about every mile along the motorways.
Types of Roads You’ll Find Driving in Spain
Spanish roads that have names beginning with “AP” are toll roads. The bad news is that you must pay to drive on them. The good news is, they usually have very few other cars on them, so you won’t have to deal with traffic. Toll roads will usually have toll-free roads alongside them that you can drive without a fee, but there will be more traffic.
There aren’t many expressways in Spain. Most of Spain is covered in “N” roads, varying from full expressways like America’s Interstate System to roads with traffic lights or residential driveways. Knowing what type of road you’re on is necessary because it will determine the speed limit you need to adhere to.
The good news is that speed limits are consistent across the country, depending on the type of road. In general, the speed limits in Spain are as follows:
- Expressways and major highways: 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour)
- Other roads: 90 kilometers per hour (56 miles per hour)
- Urban areas: 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour)
- Built-up areas and residential areas: 30 kilometers per hour (19 miles per hour)
Take the Confusion Out of Driving in Spain with Tripiamo
Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with the different rules for driving in Spain? You aren’t alone! That’s why I recommend anyone who plans to drive in Spain purchase a driving guide from Tripiamo that teaches you everything you need to know before you arrive in the country.
Tripiamo creates guides from an American perspective about driving in different countries. For only $39.99, you can purchase a complete guide about driving in Spain, which will help whether you’re driving a car or a motorbike.
What does the guide include? Tripiamo provides you with complete instructions on everything you need to know about driving in Spain, divided into three categories:
- 12 expert tutorial videos covering a wide range of topics.
- Eight 360-degree driving tours designed to let you virtually experience and practice what it’s like to drive in different areas of Spain before traveling.
- On-the-go materials in an organized PDF that you can take with you on your trip. The PDF outlines how to pick up and fuel your car, basic rules, street signs, parking instructions, what to do if you run into trouble, helpful Spanish phrases, and top driving tips.
Traveling to a different country than Spain? That’s okay, too. Tripiamo also has driving guides for four other countries: the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany. They also offer a guide for UK transit modes and an annual subscription with unlimited access to all their guides. Whatever you need to drive in Europe, they’ve got it.
Final Thoughts
Driving in a new country can be scary if you aren’t prepared. Learning the rules and tips before you travel will help set you up for success. To take all the guesswork out of learning to drive in Spain, purchase Tripiamo’s driving guide for Spain. Watch their short videos and tutorials, and you’ll be ready to drive like a local!