|
|
Spain
Spain has a bad reputation for
driver safety, but don't let this put you off. The Spanish are no more
dangerous than most European drivers and the bad reputation of roads such as
the autopista along the Costa del Sol is mainly caused by tourists either
slightly drunk, or unsure about driving on the right. The sections of road
around Malaga airport and San Pedro are particularly dangerous, mainly
because, despite being nothing more than city streets with almost no slip
roads (on-off ramps) they are treated as autopistas (motorways).
In general, Spanish roads are well-maintained and mainly enjoy breath-taking
scenary.
Autopistas (Motorways, Freeways)
Spain has over 2000km of toll autopistas and more are being built the whole
time. Tolls are expensive. You either collect a ticket at the beginning of
your journey and then pay when you exit, or just pay on exit, depending on
the length of the road. Toll booths are called peaje. The
lane marked telepago is for those carrying special payment
chips, automatico for those paying by credit card and
maunal or metallico for those paying in cash.
Petrol (Gasoline)
Unleaded petrol (benzin), diesel (gasoleo 'A') and LPG are available as well
as LRP.
Crime advice
Motorists should be on the look out for "highway pirates" who target foreign
registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. Motorists are
sometimes targeted in service areas and subsequently tricked into stopping
on the hard shoulder. The usual ploy is for a passing vehicle to suggest by
gesture that there is something seriously wrong with a rear wheel. If you
decide to stop to check the condition of your vehicle, you should be
extremely wary of anyone offering help. You should lock all vehicle doors
and keep bags containing valuables out of sight. Car keys should not be left
in the ignition.
A letter is circulating claiming the addressee has an outstanding traffic
fine which must now be paid. The letters purport to come from two companies:
"Medio de Corte Credito Recoudado Estorbar Exigir" (MCCREE) and "Deuda
Recaudar Alguacil y Exigir Servicios" (DRAYES). More versions may appear in
the future.
The letters claim that the addressee, during a stay in the Canary Islands,
has been reported for a traffic offence, for which a fine must be paid
before a stipulated date. Details of a bank account where this should be
paid are given. Obviously, the "fine" should not be paid: this is a scam.
If you have received a similar letter, you may refer it to the:
Comisaria General de Policia
(Sección de Delitos Patrimoniales)
Calle Luis Doireste Silva No 68
35004 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Law enforcement
It is now illegal to use any equipment which may distract the driver such as
in-car DVD player or GPS navigation.
Driving while using a mobile is banned, unless hands free, without an
earpiece. The equipment mustbe directly connected the car battery. You can
pull over to receive an emergency call, although what constitutes an
emergency call and how you would know what it was before you answer it, is
unclear. Those who break the law face fines of up to €300.
If you are stopped by the police, they can confiscate your license if you
show signs of not being fit to continue your journey.
Radar traps are common, as being stpped for breathalyser tests. On the spot
fines are compulsory for non-residents caught breaking a traffic law. Fines
for speeding are calculated at €6 for every km over the speed limit.
When overtaking, remember to indicate left when pulling out and right when
pulling back in.
Speed Limits - see our
speed converter
Motorway - 120kph
Open Road - 90 kph
Town - 50 kph
Minimum age for car drivers
18 (even if you legally hold a license at a younger age in your country it
is still illegal to drive in Spain if not 18)
Documentation
At all times you must be able to prove that you are a) licensed to drive the
category of vehicle you are in b) either the owner of the vehicle or that
you have a owner's permission to drive c) insured. Licenses must be
photocard licenses. If you do not have one you must also carry your
passport.
Country of origin stickers
Country of origin stickers (e.g. GB stickers) must be used in Spain, unless
your license plate has the sticker pre-applied.
Headlights
Right-hand drive cars must be adapted using headlight deflectors before you
can drive in Spain, even during daylight hours. Spare bulbs are recommended.
Warning triangle
Two warning triangles are compulsory.
Fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher must be carried.
First aid kit
A first aid kit must be carried.
Fluorescent vests
A fluorescent vests is required in Spain in the event of a breakdown, so
carrying one is sensible.
Alcohol
The blood alcohol limit is very low at 0.25 milligrams of alcohol per litre
of blood (much lower than the UK at 0.4mg/l) so the simple advise is don't
drink and drive. See our guide to
maximum blood alcohol limits.
Seat belts
Seat belts must be worn front and rear.
Children
Children under 12 cannot travel in the front seats unless using a suitable
restraint.
Alenda Car Rental has taken care to
ensure that the information in this website was correct at the time of
publication. However, we can take no responsibility for any harm, or
misfortune, caused by following the advice on this website. You should
always consult the authorities in the country in which you are travelling
for up-to-date advice. |
Suppliers include:
Agg, Alamo, AA, Auto Europa, AutoUnion,
Avis, Budget, Crown, Drive A Matic, Easy Car, Europa, EuroPark, Europcar,
Fox Autorent, Haro, Helle Hollis, Berent, Rentauto, National, Sixt, Niza
Cars, Star Rent a Car, Stoutes, Thrifty.
|
