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Car Hire in Spain - Driving tips

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General Driving Information

Road signs are mainly the familiar, but in every country there are a few exceptions. Watch out for signs showing crossings and speed limits.

The most unfamiliar aspect of driving in Europe for British motorists is the rule that gives priority to traffic coming from the right, unless this priority is varied by signs, it must be strictly observed.

Always carry your passport, driving licence, registration document and insurance with you, and display the correct international distinguishing sign on the rear of your car. Spot checks on foreign cars is widespread so make sure all your papers are in order and close at hand.

Spain has 2,500 miles (4,000 km) of dual carriageways. Over 1,200km (1,900 miles) are motorway toll roads (autopista) and the rest are toll free (autovias). Emergency telephones are located every 2km on both.
Speed Limits on motorways are 74mph (120kph). Outside built up areas 55mph (90kph) or 62mph (100kph). Built-up areas 31mph (55kph).
Seatbelts are compulsory, if fitted for drivers and passengers.

Children under 12 cannot travel as front seat passengers unless using a suitable restraint system.

Regular stops, changes of driver, snacks and drinks are recommended on a long journey, and when driving south, remember that the sun is against you much of the time and sunglasses are almost essential.

On long-haul routes, it is easier to navigate from town to town rather than try to keep strictly to road numbers.

A good idea is to travel through the European lunch hour when most people pull off the road to eat, generally from noon to 14:30 or later in Spain. Do try to avoid large towns and cities during rush hours 08:00 - 09:00, just after lunch.

Use the middle lane in the towns as there is often a filter on the right. When negotiating your way round towns, if there is any doubt follow the signs for all directions which usually guide the driver arround the town rather than straight through it.

Alcohol limit in Spain

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%

Conversion for kph to mph

1 mile=1.6 km
1 km=0.6 miles

Speed limit on Spanish Roads

• Speed limit on Motorway (Autopistas/autovias): 120kph/74mph
• Speed limit in Towns: 50kph/31mph
• Speed limit on Major roads: 100kph/62mph
• Speed limit Residential area: 20kph/12mph
  

Seat belt regulations in Spain

Whilst driving in Spain it is obligatory to wear ones seatbelt, both in the front and rear seats.

Emergency services in Spain

Police Service - 091
Ambulance service - 092
Fire Service - 080

Useful words for driving in Spain

Aparcamiento - Parking ramp
Ceda el Paso - Give Way
Centro - Town centre
Comisaria - Police station
Cuidado - Drive with care
Desvío - Detour
Dirrección Única - One-way street
Obras - Roadworks
Peligro - Danger
Todas Direcciones - All directions
el tanque de gasolina - gas tank
la matrícula - license plate
el acumulador - battery
el radiador - radiator
Todas direcciones - All directions
Autopista - Motorway
Despacio - Slow
Prohibido el paso - Road Closed
Mantenga su izquierda - Keep left
Mantenga su derecha - keep right
Prioridad a la izquierda - Priority to left
Prioridad a la derecha - Priority to right
Enciendense sus luces - Switch on lights
Salida - Motorway Exit

Tip: View a car hire map of Spain

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