On Spain’s roads you increasingly come across drivers speaking Russian. Many tourists and migrants prefer to drive so they do not depend on bus timetables or taxi drivers’ punctuality. Spain’s traffic rules do not differ much from the general European ones, so once you have mastered the key details you will also feel comfortable in other European countries.
What pitfalls can you expect on the road? How high are the fines? What does parking look like? We cover everything in this article. Our tips will help you get to grips with Spanish roads and stay within the law.
Before you set off, you will need to deal with two formalities: a Russian driving licence is not valid here indefinitely and has to be exchanged via an exam (how to get a Spanish driving licence), and the car itself is registered through Tráfico (buying a car as a non-resident).
The main traffic rules in Spain
Many foreigners have noticed that Spaniards often ignore the traffic rules. But the rules must be followed, so you need to know all the important restrictions. For example, if traffic in Russia drives on the left, in Spain it drives on the right. Differences like this make driving harder: Spanish driving rules cause difficulties for Russian drivers. New changes, signs, road markings, general requirements: you need to take into account the rules that have come into force in different European countries.
The main features include:
- Driving licence. The licence must be issued in a country that has signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Russians can temporarily use the national Russian driving licences issued in Russia since 2009.
- Speed limits. In built-up areas the limit is 50 km/h, and outside them 90 km/h. On motorways you may drive at up to 120 km/h.
- Radar detectors are banned. Radar detectors may not be used in Spain.
- Safety. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts.
- Children. Children shorter than 135 cm must use special child restraints. Children may sit in the front seat only from the age of 12.
- Priority. Vehicles coming from the right always have priority, which you need to bear in mind when driving.
- Roundabouts. Vehicles already on the roundabout have priority.
- Leaving a roundabout. To exit, move into the outer lane. Didn’t manage the manoeuvre in time? You will have to go round again.
- Phone calls. You may only talk on the phone hands-free, so that your hands stay free. Headphones are also banned, which many tourists forget.
- Using a satnav. You may only set a route while parked.
- Attention. It is important to stay fully alert behind the wheel. Uncomfortable shoes, applying make-up, smoking or other activities can be distracting.
- Alcohol. Blood alcohol must not exceed 0.5 g/l.
- Pedestrians. You must slow down before a crossing to let all pedestrians cross. Local people often break the rules by crossing on a red light.
Check the car carefully before a journey. It is best to keep spare bulbs, a first aid kit, a spare wheel and a reflective vest in the car. You must have a working fire extinguisher and two warning triangles.
Parking
Spaniards park masterfully even in narrow streets, which foreigners find hard to master. Find out straight away where to buy a parking ticket, because Spain has a lot of paid parking. If you do not collect your car on time, you will have to retrieve it from the pound after paying a large fine. In the Kingdom, paid parking spaces are marked in blue and free ones in white.
Fines
Not knowing the traffic rules will certainly lead to fines, so do not get behind the wheel until you have learned them. Heavy fines are imposed for speeding and drink-driving. With a blood alcohol level above 0.5 g/l, the driver must pay €500 to €1,000. Such a serious offence can often lead to a year in a Spanish prison.
The fine for speeding can be as high as €600, and for talking on the phone €200. Using a radar detector leads to even bigger financial losses, as the driver has to pay €3,000 to €6,000.
Fines should be paid within 20 days to get a 50% discount. After 20 days the amount goes up, so do not put off paying. Drivers who have hired a car in Spain cannot avoid paying either. The notice is sent to the rental company, which immediately deducts the amount from the deposit.
Spain has specific traffic rules that must be followed. Knowing how they work will help you avoid difficulties on the road and problems with fines. If you do break the rules, pay on time and be more careful when driving on Spanish roads.
Another expense people forget when budgeting for a car is fuel: how much petrol costs in Spain and where it is cheapest to fill up.
