Don’t drink and drive in Spain!
In many areas of Spain, local police have launched a summer crack down on drink driving with control points being set up. Over 0.05 milligrams of alcohol and you can face a fine ranging from €90 on the spot fine up to prison sentences in extreme cases. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine.
Clamp down on use of indicators!
Expect to risk a fine if you do not indicate before overtaking on a motorway and again before pulling back to the inside lane.
Compulsory laws when driving in Spain.
Documentation: always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document, rental contract (if applicable) and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to validate the licence.
Wearing of seat belts: wearing of seat belts is compulsory in Spain. The fine for each passenger not wearing one is €110 on the spot fine. The police will take the car off you until payment is made. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to sit in the front of a car. passengers under 135cm tall must use specially adapted safety devices and restraints.
Lights: dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility. It is against the law to drive with full headlights in built up areas.
Mobile Phone: Talking on mobile phones when driving is prohibited. This includes talking in your car when pulled over to the side of the road. You must be completely away from the road. Using an earpiece is also prohibited.
Sensible footwear: You can be fined for driving in Flip Flops. Wear shoes with a heel and you can’t go wrong.
Presciption glasses: if you wear prescription glasses to drive you must have a spare set in the car at all times.
Warning triangle: minimum of one warning triangle is compulsory. Spanish registered vehicles must have two. If you are driving from the UK then we suggest you take two.
Visibility Vest: this is now compulsory in Spain. If you intend to exit a broken down vehicle make sure you are wearing one.
Replacement bulbset is also compulsory.
