To assist our visitors we can arrange car hire with a reputable
car hire company.
Hiring a car abroad can be difficult with
unexpected charges and paperwork in a foreign language. Many of
the large multi-national car hire companies actually use franchises
or sub contract to local car hire companies. We know the area and
the best car hire companies to ensure you have a trouble free vacation.
Just
for further information.
Driving Advice for Spain
Drinking and driving
Hot weather and low cost alcohol tempt us to drink but be aware
that if the level of alcohol in bloodstream is 0.05% or more severe
penalties include fines and withdrawal of visitor's driving licence.
The UK limit is actually higher at 0.08%
Driving licence
Minimum age at which UK licence holder may drive temporarily imported
car and/or motorcycle (over 75cc) 18. All valid UK driving licences
should be accepted in Spain. This includes the older all-green
style UK licences, although the European Commission appreciates
that these may be more difficult to understand and that drivers
may wish to voluntarily update them before traveling abroad, if
time permits. Application form D750 is available from most post
offices. Alternatively, older licences may be accompanied by an
International Driving Permit (IDP) available from the AA or RAC
Fines
On-the-spot. An official receipt should be obtained.
Fuel
Unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane) available. No leaded petrol
(replacement petrol available). Petrol in can permitted. Diesel
(Gasoleo ‘A’ or Gas-oil) available. NOTE Gasoleo ‘B’ is
heating oil only. LPG not available (only supplied to public service
vehicles. Payment cards (credit/charge/debit) accepted at most
filling stations but no automatic pumps. Check with card issuer
for usage in Spain before travel.
Lights
The use of full headlights in built-up areas is prohibited; use
sidelights or dipped headlights depending on how well lit the roads
are.
NB -When driving through tunnels with a headlight
symbol, it is compulsory to switch your lights on and leave them
on until you pass the lights off sign
Motorcycles
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. Wearing of
crash helmets compulsory. (That's the law whatever the local population
do!)
Motor insurance
Third-party compulsory (usually sorted by the car hire company)
Passengers/children in cars
Children under 12 cannot travel as front-seat passenger unless
using suitable restraint system.
Seat belts
Compulsory for front-/rear-seat occupants to wear seat belts,
if fitted.
Speed limits
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by
signs, for private vehicles without trailers.
- In built-up areas 50kph (31mph)
- Outside built-up areas 90kph (55mph)
- On second-category roads, 100kph (62mph)
- On first-category roads and on motorways 120kph (74mph)
- Minimum speed on motorways 37mph (60kph).
Some Useful Terms
Aparcamiento - Parking
ramp
Ceda el Paso - Give Way
Centro - Town centre
Comisaria - Police station
Cuidado - Drive with care
Desvío - Detour
Dirrección Única -
One-way street
Obras - Roadworks
Peligro - Danger
Todas Direcciones - All
directions
el tanque de gasolina -
fuel tank
la matrícula -
license plate
el acumulador - battery
el radiador - radiator
Autopista - Motorway
Despacio - Slow
Prohibido el paso - Road
Closed
Mantenga su izquierda -
Keep left
Mantenga su derecha -
keep right
Prioridad a la izquierda -
Priority to left
Prioridad a la derecha -
Priority to right
Enciendense sus luces -
Switch on lights
Salida - (Motorway) Exit
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