Spain Driving Information

We search & compare competitive rates and a wide range of choices with reputable suppliers in Spain. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities of Spain. 

DRIVING DISTANCES IN SPAIN

• Barcelona to Valencia - 350 kms (3 hrs / 30 mins)
• Barcelona to Madrid - 620 kms (6 hrs / 15 mins)
• Madrid to Toledo - 90 kms (1 hr)
• Seville to Malaga - 210 kms (2 hrs / 30 mins)

LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International Drivers Licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Generally, the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check terms & conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

RULES, LAWS AND REGULATIONS

General driving rules, laws and regulations in Spain;

• Drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Pass cars on the left hand side of the road.
• Dipped headlights must be used while driving in tunnels.
• Seat belts are mandatory and must be worn by all passengers and driver.
• Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free system.
• Radar detectors are banned.
• Spare light bulbs must be readily available at all times.
• It is illegal to use headphones or earphones while driving.
• Must carry with you at least one spare glasses or contact lenses for drivers who use corrective eye-wear.
• Snow chains need to be used when driving in mountainous areas during winter.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is required to be carried in the vehicle and which are to be used in the event of an incident, accident or breakdown:

• Warning Triangle x 2 - to be used in the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic.
• Reflective Vest - to be used when getting out of the car at an event of an accident or breakdown on any road.
• First-Aid Kit

CHILD SAFETY SEATS

A child safety seat must be used by children under the age of 3 years old. Children under the age of 12 years old can only travel in the back seats of the vehicle unless they are over 1.5m in height.

SPEED LIMITS

Traffic infringements such as speeding, are subject to on-the-spot fines which must be paid immediately in cash. Police will commonly use this rule with foreign licence holders to ensure fines are paid. Below are the speed limits in Spain, unless signed otherwise:

• Urban Roads (built up areas): 20-40km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 90-100km/h
• Motorways: 120km/h

DRINK DRIVING

Motorists with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05mg/100ml is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). Random alcohol tests are carried out regularly by authorities on motorists to ensure that drivers are not under the influence. Drivers found over the limit will receive a fine, a possibility to lose their vehicle and licence and may even be imprisoned.

TOLLS

Most Spanish motorways charge a toll fee for usage of the motorway. Most motorways are charged on distance travelled, tickets are to be collected on entry and returned at the toll gates when exiting for a fee to be determined. Tolls can be paid in either cash or by credit/debit card. There is also the option of electronic toll collection for speedy transactions. An On Board Equipment (OBE) is fitted to the vehicle which allows drivers to pass through the toll gates without stopping.

ROAD SIGNS

Road signs in Spain are very similar to the signs used in other European countries but with differences in colour, shapes, typeface or arrows. Most signs will be shown in the countries local language, however English is also used on most major signs. Signs with symbols are used the most in Spain which provides easier understanding and simpler to read. It would be a good idea to bring along a map or navigation unit while driving in rural areas as sign tend to be non-existent through these areas.

• Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background or and a black symbol or text in the middle.
• Prohibitory Signs are signs which motorists must follow. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border.
• Information Signs are indicated with a blue or green background and white text providing motorists with information.

PARKING

Street parking within major cities of Spain is permitted in areas signed with a white 'P' or 'E'. Parking is not allowed in areas marked with a slash across the sign or in red or yellow zones. Parking tickets will need to be displayed on the front windscreen and can be purchased from nearby machines, in other areas vouchers will need to be bought from newsstands or tobacco kiosks.

VISA INFORMATION

Visa, passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Spain:

• Australian passport holders do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days within a 6 months period. Contact the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your local state for additional information regarding working visa's or stays exceeding 90 days.
• A valid passport is required with at least 3 months validity from the date of departure from Spain.

WINTER DRIVING

There is no legal requirement for the use of snow tires or snow chains. However, driving in winter conditions may be hazardous for the unprepared driver. Although Spain is not as well known for extreme winter, such conditions may be extremely hazardous and many drivers might need to consider driving in situations where they do not feel confident.