When traveling by car to another country in the European Union or renting a vehicle while going on vacation abroad, keep in mind that not all countries have the same traffic regulations. Hence, the European Commission has created the “GoingAbroad ” app to know the different regulations of each country.
Documentation
Before starting the trip, make sure you have a valid driver's license and minimum car insurance. If the driving license has been issued in a country of the European Union, it can be used to circulate in any Member State. In case of coming from a third country, before coming to Spain, it is recommended to obtain the international license that must be accompanied by the valid one of the country where you come from.
In addition to the driving license, in Spain, it is necessary to have the circulation license and the Vehicle Technical Inspection (ITV). The ITV is mandatory throughout the EU and each country must ensure that vehicles are inspected at an authorized centre in accordance with its legislation. Driving without a valid inspection certificate carries a fine. As for the insurance policy, it will cover damages to third parties and the number plate will serve as proof of civil liability insurance. However, it is always advisable to carry the receipt and insurance documentation in the vehicle. Any car insurance policy issued in a Member State of the EU guarantees the minimum coverage required by law in another State. These policies also offer coverage in case of traveling to Andorra, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Minimum age
The minimum driving age in Spain is 18 years.
Mobile use
It is forbidden to use mobile phone devices, holding them in your hand, while driving. In the case of motorcyclists, it is authorized the use of certified or approved wireless devices for use in the helmet for communication or navigation purposes, provided that it does not affect driving safety.
Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMV)
These types of electric vehicles with one or more wheels, with a single seat, that can reach a speed between 6 and 25 km/h are increasingly being used. Scooters, segways or hoverboards are just a few examples. All of them are also subject to road safety and circulation regulations. For example, they will not be allowed to drive if alcohol or drugs have been consumed. It is forbidden to circulate on the sidewalk, interurban roads, crossings, highways, motorways or urban tunnels. They must respect the traffic regulations like the rest of the vehicles. In case of poor visibility, it is necessary to circulate with the lights on. The use of headphones is not allowed and the protection helmet is mandatory under the terms determined by regulation. When parking, you must park them in the places designated for PMV and if there are none, where they do not bother. More information from the DGT.
Cyclists
On roads with more than one lane in each direction, you must completely change lanes when passing cyclists or mopeds. The mandatory minimum separation distance is 1.5 m. It is forbidden to ride a bike on sidewalks and pedestrian areas, unless it is marked as a bike lane for shared use with pedestrians. Cyclists should ride as close to the right of the road as possible. They have right of way with respect to motor vehicles when they circulate on a bike lane, on a path for cyclists or on a duly marked hard shoulder, and they must signpost the manoeuvres.
SPEED LIMIT ON INTERCITY ROADS | ||
| Highway / Expressway | Conventional road |
| Passenger car |
120 km/h |
90 Km/h |
| Motorcycle | ||
| Maximum Authorized Mass Morhome <= 3.500 Kg. | ||
| Pick-Up | ||
| Bus |
100 km/h |
90 km/h |
| Passenger car derived vehicle | ||
| Adaptable mixed vehicle |
| Truck / Tractor |
90 km/h |
80 Km/h |
| Van | ||
| Maximum Authorized Mass Motorhome > 3.500 kg. | ||
| Articulated vehicle | ||
| Car with trailer | ||
| Other vehicles |
| Bicycle |
45 km/h |
45 Km/h |
| Moped |
On conventional roads, you may not exceed the established speed limits when overtaking other vehicles.
In case of receiving a notification of a traffic ticket, you must check who has issued it, check the details of the driver's address and make the payment. Remember that in order to pay, claim or make an allegation, you must always go to the body that has sanctioned you. If you want to appeal the fine, you can contact the police station in the area where the fine was filed. And, in case of car rental, the person responsible for traffic violations and fines is the driver.
Low Emissions Zones
In the event of pollution episodes and in low emission zones, the traffic restrictions established in the protocols for these cases must be respected. As of January 1st, 2023, all municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants will have Low Emission Zones.
Drivers with alcohol levels higher than those allowed can be punished with significant penalties, including criminal ones. If the driver is underage, he will not be able to circulate with an alcohol level greater than 0.0, both in blood and in expired air.
DRIVER TYPE | IN BLOOD | IN EXPIRED AIR |
| Drivers in general | 0,5 g/l | 0,25 mg/l |
| Novices and professionals | 0,3 g/l | 0,15 mg/l |
| Under 18 years old | 0,0 g/l | 0,0 mg/l |
Depending on each city, there may be different regulated parking areas that will be identified, generally, with green and blue lines, although, in some cities, they may be orange, red or white. Each one and depending on the city, will have different rates. A ticket must be obtained at any of the machines set up on the sidewalks and you can pay in cash or by card. In case of being sanctioned for not having obtained the ticket for the parking time, normally, the fine can be canceled at the parking meters.
As far as fuel is concerned, gas stations may be of the "self-service" type or be attended by a professional. To identify fuel, all European countries use the same labels both on vehicles and at petrol station. Many of them are open 24 hours a day, but others - especially in non-metropolitan areas - may have more limited hours. As a means of payment, they generally accept most major credit and debit cards.
In the event of an accident, in general, you should only get out of the vehicle if there is a safe place off the road and always on the side opposite the flow of traffic. Otherwise, we will wait for assistance inside the vehicle with the seat belt on. If the accident is serious and hospitalization is necessary, the authorities will take care of the victim's paperwork. Remember to always request the medical report that certifies the injuries suffered.
When filling out the accident report, the following recommendations should be taken into account:
- Fill out the accident report at the scene of the accident.
- Make a detailed description of the facts: place, name of the drivers, driver's license number, license plate, witnesses and data from the insurer.
- If there are more than two vehicles involved, fill out a document for each of the parties.
- If the content of the part is not understood, it is better not to sign it.
- The single emergency number in the EU is 112.
In passenger cars, cargo should preferably be placed in the boot. If it does not fit, it can be carried on a roof rack or trailer so that the cargo is well conditioned, protected and secured. Only in extreme cases, will it be placed inside and secured so that it is not projected against the occupants of the vehicle and without reducing the driver's vision. If it is located on the rear tray, significantly reducing the driver's visibility, it will be mandatory to have a right exterior mirror.
In the case of pets, they must not interfere with driving and must be secured in the rear seats or, at least, separated by a net or other device so as not to disturb the driver.
It is prohibited to transport people in places other than those intended for them.
Reflective vest. You have to put it on whenever you get out of the vehicle and occupy the road or shoulder of interurban roads. In the city it is not compulsory, although it must be carried inside the car.
Warning triangles. It is mandatory to carry, at least, a pair of warning triangles. In the event of a breakdown on a two-way road, a triangle should be placed in front of the vehicle and one behind to alert drivers coming from both directions. If, on the other hand, the road is one-way or has more than three lanes, only the rear one will be placed. It is important that the warning triangles are placed 50 meters from the vehicle.
Flashing light signal. From July 1st, 2021, the triangles can be replaced by an orange flashing light signal that will be placed in the highest possible part of the vehicle without the need to get out of the car or walk on the road. Until January 1, 2026, the triangles and the luminous device can be used (with or without geopositioning). From that date, the only thing allowed to signal incidents will be the light signal with geolocation.
Spare wheel or puncture repair kit. In the event of a puncture, you must go to a garage to change the tyres. Driving with a spare wheel for more than 80 kilometers can be risky.
Child safety systems. Inside the vehicle, minors must always wear a child restraint system appropriate to the height and weight of the child.
Seat belt. Proper use of the seat belt is mandatory.
Protection elements.
The protective helmet for cyclists is mandatory in the city only for those under 16 years of age, although it is recommended to wear it at all times. On the road, an approved protective helmet is mandatory for all cyclists, with three exceptions: on long climbs, for medical reasons or in extreme heat. The bicycles must also have a white front position light, a red rear light and a red reflector. When it is mandatory to turn on the lights, they must also wear a reflective garment so that other drivers can distinguish them from 150 meters away.
As for the drivers and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds, they must use an approved helmet, on any type of road. They will be exempt from using it when they have a self-protection structure, seat belts and this is stated on their ITV card.
More information on driving regulations in Spain on this website of the European Commission.
Rental company
We must distinguish between rental companies and intermediaries or mediators. Brokers do not rent vehicles, but rather book them with the rental company on behalf of the consumer. In case of conflict, the rental company is solely responsible for executing the contract, unless it says otherwise.
Rental contract
When picking up the vehicle, the consumer must receive a copy of the contract. If you book online, the contract is usually formalized at the company's premises when you pick up the car. The consumer has the right to receive the contract in a language that he understands, or at least in English. Consumer must verify that the conditions of the contract coincide with those communicated in the online reservation and that they do not include unwanted complementary services. If the reserved car model is not available, a vehicle of the same or higher category must be provided without the need to pay any additional charge. If the reserved vehicle is of a lower category, the price will have to be readjusted. In this case, the consumer would have the right to terminate the contract without penalty or expense and may claim possible damages.
Collection and return of the vehicle
Before removing the vehicle, it is convenient to check the car. In case of damage, you should notify it in writing and make sure that damage is included in the document detailing the condition of the vehicle. It is recommended to return the car when the office is open and arrive early enough to be able to check it with the company's staff. Otherwise, the consumer would assume the damages produced from the return until it is reviewed by the company. It is recommended to request the receipt that proves the return of the vehicle in good condition, and take photographs of both the interior and exterior of the car (fuel gauge and odometer included) to prove the conditions in which it was returned.
Driving in anhother country
If you are going to drive in several countries, you must inform the rental company, when reserving the vehicle, so that it can be authorized.
Brochure: Car rental