Driving in Spain

Before driving

- To have a valid driving insurance
- To have a driving license all the time and also the passport.
- The minimum age to drive on the roads in Spain is 18 years old.

On the way

- Turn the blinker on if you overtake another vehicle on any road.
- Another rule is not crossing the white lines, continue until the line splits.
- Never use a cellular while driving. This could mean a fine if caught.
- Speed limits are quite guarded, using radar, very common in Spain.

Codes for types of roads in Spain and speed limits

- Motorways (code AP or E): the speed limit is 120 km/h.
- Freeways (code A): speed limit between 80 and 120 km/h.
- National roads (code N or C): speed limit between 60 and 100 km/h.
- Local roads (the code can be can the letter or letters that identify the autonomous region, the province, municipality or local authority to which they belong): the speed limit is 90 km/h.

Obligations

- Use of reflective vests and two warning triangles is now required by law in Spain, like in other EU countries. They have to be keeped in the trunk.
- If you wear glasses while driving the vehicle, make sure you have a spare pair.
- It is recommended to have a first aid kit in the vehicle.
- Law states that replacement bulbs are required.
- If traveling by road in the mountainous regions of Spain vehicles must have winter tires.
- Use of horn is not allowed at night, especially in urban areas (except for emergency situations like an accident).
- It is not allowed to drive on the bus lanes in urban areas.
- If you drive a motorcycle both drivers and passengers must wear helmets.