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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.
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.
General driving rules, laws and regulations in Spain;
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:
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.
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:
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.
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 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.
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, passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Spain:
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.