There are definitely a few issues to contend with when deciding to drive in Spain and for some the hassle may not be worth your while. For example Spain is almost as notorious as Italy and other European centres for its fast driving, narrow lanes and difficult parking. And petrol here, as it is throughout Europe, may certainly seem more expensive depending where you hail from as are the costs of parking and tolls. Train and bus services are certainly adequate in Spain but for real exploration of small towns and villages and greatest freedom a car is ideal. And if you are dividing the cost between a group of friends it may not work out more expensive.

We advise that you read through the information below and note that driving outside your own country can be a scary and harrowing experience, but if you’re game the freedom of having your own transport will be rewarding.


ROAD CONDITIONS
Spain's roads vary enormously but are generally quite good. Auista's are the fastest. These are the multilane freeways between major cities and usually incur hefty tolls. Minor routes can be slower going but more scenic. If you are worried about tailgaiters or impatient drivers the best way to avoid it is to get out of the way. If you can't turn off the road then don't be intimidated to drive faster. Continue driving in a way you are comfortable until they are able to overtake or you can pull over safely.


RULES AND SPEED LIMITS
As in the rest of continental Europe, vehicles travel on the right and overtake on the left. Speed limits on the auistas are 120km/hr, 90-100km/hr on country roads and 50km/hr in built-up areas. In residential areas the maximum speed is 20 km/hr. Cars towing a trailer are limited to 80 km/hr on divided highways, 70 km/hr on other roads. Outside many towns are sensors which detect your speed as you approach. If you're speeding a traffic light at the edge of the town will turn red so you must s before entering the town. Two red lights mean No entry.

The minimum age of a driver is 18 years. Children under 12 years of age must be seated in an approved child seat to sit in the front of a vehicle. Seat belts are compulsory all passengers. The legal blood alcohol limit is 80 mg or 0.05%

Motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet and keep their headlights on day and night. In tunnels all vehicles must use headlights. Visibility vests are now compulsory to wear outside the car.

In built-up areas horns may be used only in cases of immediate and extreme danger. Elsewhere only use the horn if necessary (eg. as a warning). In daylight outside built up areas you must use the horn to indicate your intention to pass, whereas at night flash your headlights instead. You must always use the directional signals in your vehicle to indicate any turns you make. If a vehicle comes up behind you signalling that it wants to pass check the road ahead is clear and signal right to acknowledge the situation. On motorways the use of indicators is strict and you can be fined if you don’t use them both to overtake or to pull back after overtaking. Also do not cross the solid white line when entering the motorway from a slip road, you must wait until the line is broken or risk a fine.

In Spain jaywalking is illegal and generally all traffic on the right has priority. Trams which are sped and accepting or letting off passengers may not be passed. Some helpful road signs include: Ceda el Paso (give way)

If you get a fine in Spain as a foreigner you must pay on the spot (20% discount) unless you can present a Spanish bail bond or address of a native friend or company who will guarantee payment of the fine. If you can't pay or provide an address the vehicle will be impounded and the driver detained until the fine is paid. You can dispute the charge, follow the directions on the back.

It is prohibited to use a cellphone when driving, although hands-free kits are permitted. It is also prohibited to use screen-based navigation systems.

FUEL
Fuel prices are government regulated and quite expensive. Some fuel stations accept credit cards but they may not work at automatic pumps (after hours or lunch time) outside of Autoroutes. Leaded petrol no longer exists in Spain but you can get a lead subsitute additive. Unleaded (gasolina sin plomo) super petrol has an octane rating of 95. Diesel (gasoleo 'A') is called gas-oil. LPG is called gases licuados del petróleo. Petrol is called benzin. You are allowed to carry additional petrol in a car.


DRIVING LICENSES
Spain recognizes driving licenses and other traffic documents that are valid in other countries. An International Driver's Permit is a good idea. In Australia get it from the nearest RACQ, RACV or equivalent office. In America and Canada and the United Kingdom it is available from the automobile association. You only need to be 18 to drive in Spain but 21 to rent a car.
The EC format pink/green licence is accepted; old-style green or non-European licences must be accompanied with an International Driving Permit or simply get them updated.


VALUABLES
Generally don't leave valuables inside your car.


PARKING
Long term parking in large cities like Barcelona and Madrid can be expensive. Check if your hotel provides free or good rate parking. Parking garages are a safe alternative but it can be expensive.

Here are some helpful hints to help you interpret parking signs otherwise your car may be towed if you are parking illegally:
Blue line on the street - resident-only parking
One way streets - parking allowed on even dates along the side with even addresses and on odd dates on the side with odd addresses. Park in the direction of traffic flow
Intersections or public entrances - do not park within 5 metres
Blue Zones (Zona Azul) - 1.5 hour parking between 8am-9pm
Zona ORAs - parking allowed with display of a ticket bought at a tobacconist for 30, 60, or 90 minutes
Yellow line on the street – no parking and you risk being towed away especially if you are in a foreign car.

Parking discs can be obtained from hotels, travel agents, or the town hall.


TOLLS
The auista's incur the heaviest tolls but are the fastest routes and generally free of traffic. Learn to identify them on the map and avoid them if you want to save some money and your schedule allows the extra time. Spanish road names that begin with an ‘AP’ are toll roads. There are also autovia’s which are toll free, indicated as ‘A’ . Names that begin with an ‘N’ are usually toll free also.


BUYING A CAR
Most travellers will do this before they get to Spain. For those working in the United Kingdom this is probably the best place to do it. Look in Auto Trader, Exchange and Mart and Loot which advertise second hand vehicles. On Market Street in London (Caledonian Road tube) there used to be an informal traveller's van and car market. We’re not sure if it’s still there. Otherwise check TNT Magazine or New Zealand News UK for more listings.


ADVICE ON CAR RENTAL
Hiring a car in Granada is a good idea if you want to do some driving through the Sierra Nevada mountain range just outside the city. You can stay in the white washed villages up here so there's no need to return in just one day. Other travellers report hiring cars in Barcelona to explore the costal regions and hills around the city. However some report that it can be hazy on a lot of days.

Check what the terms are for hiring. Check for things like the maximum number of kilometres specified as you pay so much money per kilometre over. There are always individual policy differences about the fuel (i.e you return it full or empty depending on what you arrange), and vehicle insurance. Always do some shopping around to compare prices.

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