Legal requirements for driving in Spain.
As a service to foreign visitors to Spain the following is a brief resume of
the current legal requirements for drivers and vehicles.
We hope your stay, wether short or long term, is both pleasant and accident
free.
Note:
Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of this
information, Dragon Insurance cannot be held responsible for any errors or
inaccuracies.
Driving your car in Spain, the legal requirements.
License requirements:
To operate a vehicle in Spain, you must possess a current driver's license with
an official translation, an International Drivers License, or a license from an
European Community country.
The Spanish Police will periodically stop traffic
to check for insurance, proper driver's license, and condition of vehicle.
Speed limits:
Speed limits are not always posted in Spain. If you are traveling on an
Autopista or Autovia, the speed limit is 120 kph (72 mph) for cars and
motorcycles and 100 kph (60 mph) for buses and trucks. 60 kph (35 mph) is the
minimum speed on Autopistas and Autovias. Autopistas are multi-lane toll roads
while Autovias are normally free.
The speed limit on conventional two-way highways
with a 1.5 meter wide shoulder
is 100 kph (60 mph) for cars and motorcycles and 90 kph (55 mph) for buses and
trucks. Road conditions are usually good.
The speed limit in towns and cities
is 50 kph (30 mph). The speed limit at
school crossings, markets, and other areas that are congested with people is
"no faster than a person can walk". Many of these roads are narrow and have a
cobblestone surface, the cobblestones are slick when wet. In addition, you must
be on the lookout for mopeds, pedestrians, bicycles, and farm animals
(country).
Insurance:
Liability insurance is required as a minimum for every car driven in Spain. If
a car is not insured, the vehicle may be impounded and a large fine imposed.
Accidents:
If you are involved in an accident and there are injuries, you must remain at
the scene until given permission to leave by the police. Failure to do so could
result in serious consequences.
Obtain a copy of the accident report from the
police. If the accident is minor, get all the information from the other driver
if possible.
Simple negligence while driving a vehicle can be a criminal
misdemeanor under Spanish law.
Processing time in Spanish courts can vary from
8 to 24 months according to the severity of the mishap.
Right of way:
In Spain, normally, "the vehicle to the right has the right-of-way" at all
intersections, except for vehicles inside a traffic circle and where signs
indicate a different right-of-way.
Prohibited parking:
A vehicle is considered to be parked when the driver leaves their vehicle or
when the vehicle has been stopped for longer than two minutes. Parking is
always prohibited in the following situations, regardless of whether it is
posted or not:
-
Where official signs are posted.
-
Where the road is too narrow.
-
Within 5 meters of a road crossing or crosswalk and 15 meters of public
transportation.
Street curb marking
is also used to indicate types of parking, as follows: Red
and yellow curb markings mean no parking.
Blue and white curb markings
mean limited parking. There should be a sign
indicating the limitations.
Yellow curb markings
mean a loading zone.
Authorized parking areas
off the autopista are marked with an "Area De
Servicio" or "Parking" sign.
Emergency telephones
are located at intervals and
connections can be made by lifting the receiver. If the operator does not speak
English, the Spanish Police will be notified. Your exact location will be
indicated when you lift up the receiver.
If a vehicle is disabled
to the extent that it cannot be moved, it must be
moved (pushed) completely off the road and shoulder of the highway.
Horns and lights:
It is against the law to use the horn except in an emergency. All lights must
be operational.
Safety equipment and warning devices:
Warning triangles:
Spanish road traffic laws require automobiles to have two portable reflective
warning triangles. When the vehicle breaks down, the triangles should be placed
as follows:
-
On the Autovia or Autopista, no less than 50 meters to the rear of the vehicle.
-
On a highway with two-way traffic, 50 meters to the front and rear of the
vehicle.
Reflective jacket
A reflective jacket must be kept in the vehicle and in the event of a
roadside breakdown or accident, this must be worn when you leave the car at
all times.
Seat belts
Seat-belt use is mandatory at all times. Children up to four years of age or
weighing 40 lbs, are required to be in an approved child restraint.
Pedestrians:
Vehicle operators must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times. The
law states that pedestrians will not stand in the roadway. Pedestrians must
walk against the traffic and off the pavement.
Driving and alcohol rules
Driving while intoxicated:
In Spain, if you are presumed to be in control of a vehicle while under the
influence of alcohol or any illegal substance or if you are involved in an
accident, you may be asked to be breathalysed or submit a blood alcohol test
(BAT).
You are presumed to be under the influence of alcohol if you have a
blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher.
Be sure to check for changes and/or modifications to this list.
Drive in Spain with care and attention.
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