Spain Traffic Guide

Spanish road traffic

Spain is the second-largest country in the European Union and offers impressive landscapes, picturesque cities, and an interesting culture over more than 500,000 square kilometers. It's no wonder that Spain is among the most popular travel destinations worldwide.

To discover the Spanish mainland or the islands like Mallorca, Ibiza, or the Canary Islands, a car is ideally suited. In this guide, you will learn, among other things, which traffic rules you need to consider, what the driving experience in Spain is like, and whether you can also make good progress with an electric car.

Overview of Spain's traffic rules

• Driving in Spain is allowed from the age of 18. As Spain is part of the EU, a domestic driver's license is sufficient for drivers from other EU countries.
• Spain, like the rest of mainland Europe, drives on the right.
• Within urban areas, the maximum allowed speed varies between 20 and 50 km/h. If there is only one lane for both directions, a speed limit of 20 km/h applies. If each direction has its own lane, 30 km/h is usually allowed. On roads providing more than one lane per direction, a speed limit of 50 km/h applies.
• Outside built-up areas, the speed limit is 90 km/h (on roads with less than 1.5 m shoulder) or 100 km/h (on roads with more than 1.5 m shoulder).
• On motorways and motorway-like roads (so-called Autovías), speeds of up to 130 km/h are allowed.
• All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts while driving.
• Using a phone while driving in Spain is only allowed with a hands-free system.
• In Spain, single-track vehicles (e.g., motorcycles) must use lights at all times. Car drivers are only required to turn on the dipped headlights in poor visibility or darkness and in tunnels.
• Radar detectors are not allowed to be carried or used in Spain.
• Vehicles must have high-visibility vests, a spare tire or a tire repair kit, and a warning triangle on board. Cars with Spanish registration must also have a second warning triangle. Carrying a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher is also recommended.
• The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.5‰. Novice drivers, who have had their license for less than 2 years, must not exceed a limit of 0.3‰.
• Towing with private vehicles is not allowed in Spain. In case of a breakdown, you must contact a tow service.
• Parking and stopping restrictions are indicated by road markings. Yellow markings signal a no parking zone, blue marked parking spaces are chargeable, and white marked parking spaces are usually free to park.

Driving in Spain

The roads in Spain

Spain boasts a very dense road network of predominantly good quality. Even in less populated areas, roads are mostly paved. Larger cities, tourist regions, and other urban areas are optimally connected via multi-lane highways and sometimes toll motorways.

Petrol stations and charging points

Petrol and diesel: The prices for petrol and diesel in Spain are mostly in the European average. Only in the Canary Islands are the petrol prices significantly cheaper.

At motorways and other major roads, petrol stations often are open around the clock. At other petrol stations, you can usually fill up only on weekdays until 8 pm. However, many petrol stations already have self-service machines where you can fill up at night and on Sundays.

Rental car or own car?

Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in the extreme southwest of the European continent and is accessible by car via land from France.

Vehicles from EU countries normally do not need any additional papers for entry. The Euro plate already includes the country code and is sufficient as proof of motor liability insurance. Nevertheless, you should have an International Insurance Card for emergencies (e.g., accidents with property damage).

Rental cars are also very popular in Spain. They are especially a good choice on the Balearic or Canary Islands, as these can be difficult or impossible to reach with your own car.

To book a rental car in Spain, you must be at least 21 years old at most providers. Some rental car companies also offer vehicles to younger people. However, up to the age of 25, you should expect young driver fees, which can vary greatly depending on the provider.

Fines

The traffic rules in Spain are among the strictest in all of Europe. In addition to sometimes high fines, traffic offenses can also be punished by driving bans, the withdrawal of the driver's license, or imprisonment. Those who pay fines on site within 14 days may, in some cases, expect discounts of 50 percent.