Driving in Spain: What Really You Need to Know
The country of Spain cries out to be explored by car-from the dramatic coastlines of the Costa Brava down to the rolling vineyards of La Rioja, from the sprawling olive groves of Andalusia up to the towering peaks of the Pyrenees, Spain offers incredible variety in landscapes, history, and culture. While public transportation is relatively easy in major cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, access to a car provides the ability to move around and see some of the more hidden parts of Spain at a personal pace. However, before you start driving, here’s what you should do to make sure everything goes as smoothly as it should be.
In this guide, we will cover what you should know when driving in Spain-from road rules and essential documents to car renting and several insider tips to make the journey pleasant and not a hassle. Key information on vehicle registration includes leveraging insights from Register-Your-Car.com as a trusted resource for expats/long-term residents in Spain in need of car registration assistance.
- Getting Started: Can You Drive in Spain with a Foreign License?
If you happen to be a tourist visiting Spain, you can legally drive using your valid foreign driver’s license. If you visit Spain from the European Union or the European Economic Area, your license from home will suffice. Depending on your nationality, if you’re from outside the EU/EEA-for example, from the United States, Canada, or Australia-you may well need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your original license. This can usually be obtained in your home country prior to travel.
If you’re just visiting for vacation or short-term, you should be fine with your existing license, but if you plan on living in Spain or for an extended time, you will need to exchange your foreign license for a Spanish one or get a Spanish license outright. This is a bit more cumbersome, and it is highly recommended that you use a service such as Register-Your-Car.com, as that company specializes in helping expats navigate the often-strange paperwork necessary for registering a car in Spain.
- Essential Documents to Carry Along While Driving in Spain
Before embarking on road trips, ensure the following documents are present in your vehicle:
Driver’s License: Avail an EU/EEA license or a foreign license with an IDP if necessary.
Passport or ID: Even though not strictly necessary for a short trip, it is always wise to carry your identification with you.
- Insurance: In Spain, all cars have to have at least third-party liability insurance, so the rented car is covered in respect to damage done to other people and cars. Check if your rental agency covers insurance or if this is included under your home insurance policy.
Vehicle Registration Document (Permiso de Circulación): In case you drive your car, then you need to have the car’s registration document with you. For those expats who may require any assistance with Spanish vehicle registration, Register-Your-Car.com offers support with the process.
ITV – Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, as it would be with a car more than four years old, doing an MOT in the UK; there should be a sticker on your screen showing the date of your last ITV.
Not having these documents with you will attract fines from the police once you are stopped, meaning you are obliged always to have them with you inside your car.
- Rules of the Road
There are several rules of the road in Spain that are quite different from what most foreigners are accustomed to. The following is a quick rundown of some of the more important regulations:
Speed Limits
The speed limits in Spain are strictly adhered to, often with the help of speed cameras. The general speed limits are:
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas
- 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads
- 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways (autopistas)
Right of Way
In Spain, cars coming from the right generally have the right of way unless otherwise indicated. At roundabouts, cars already on the roundabout have the priority.
Alcohol Limit
The blood alcohol limit is low compared with some other countries: for regular drivers, it is 0.5 mg/ml, while for drivers who have less than two years of experience and professional ones, it’s 0.3 mg/ml. Be very careful with drinking before driving because fines for breaking this rule are very strict.
Mobile Phones
It is not allowed to use a mobile phone while driving unless you use a hands-free system. Even manipulating your phone when you are at a stop light can get you fined.
Seatbelts
It is compulsory for all passengers to use a seatbelt, whether you are in the front of the back of the car. Children under 12 or less than 135 cm tall must travel in an appropriate child seat or booster seat.
4. Car Rental in Spain
If you’re visiting, renting can be one of the best ways to see Spain on your schedule. Here are a few things to help along the process with as little headache as possible:
Booking Your Rental
A good deal of car rentals can be pre-booked in advance, but it is usual to get the best deals for seasons of high tourism like summer and holidays. Many rental firms offer a range from compact city cars to SUVs suited for mountainous regions.
Insurance
Most car hire companies include basic insurance in their quoted prices but this usually carries a high excess. Those wanting full cover should consider taking out additional insurance or using a third-party service provider. Some car hire companies charge extra for young drivers, additional drivers or satnavs.
Fuel Policies
Rental companies in Spain may offer a range of fuel policies, such as full-to-full or full-to-empty. Full-to-full is usually the most economical; you only need to fill up the tank before returning the car.
Returning the Car
Return the car on time to avoid substantial late fees. Plus, before you leave the lot, make sure to note any damages and use your camera to document if need be.
Registering Your Car in Spain: Essential for Expats
Are you an expat who is in Spain and looking to stay for some long time? Then, you have to register your car locally. This process is complex, but with the help of **Register-Your-Car.com, it makes this process smooth and well-guided through every step involved. Here is a precis of how car registration goes about for expats:
Step 1: Obtaining a NIE Number
First of all, in order to put a car onto Spanish roads you will have to obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) which is your foreign identification number. Virtually any legal and financial procedure requires it in Spain.
Step 2: ITV Test
As briefly described above, ITV is the abbreviation for Inspección Técnica de Vehículos or in English, Vehicle Inspection Test. If your car has been on the road for over four years, you will be expected to have it inspected and secure an ITV certificate. Register-Your-Car.com can assist in finding authorized places to get your car inspected and the requirements necessary.
Step 3: Pay Import and Registration Taxes
You may be responsible for paying import taxes on the car if it is brought in from outside the EU. You will most likely have to pay registration taxes on the car, although some new residents are exempt. You can find out which of these taxes apply using the Register-Your-Car.com website.
Step 4: Register the Vehicle and Obtain Spanish Plates
Once the ITV inspection is complete, after which you will pay for your road tax, you may proceed to register the car properly and obtain a Spanish license plate. This process will be smoothed out for you through some paperwork and arrangements by Register-Your-Car.com, making the liaison with local authorities easier.
6. Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Driving in Spain
Now that you are geared up with the essentials, here’s a bit more to make your driving in Spain experience as smooth as possible.
Navigation Apps
Both Google Maps and Waze are very popular and helpful to drive on Spanish roads. Both apps update real-time traffic in their databases and recommend other routes better, becoming useful above all in big cities where there are toll roads.
Watch for Toll Roads (Autopistas)
Spain has both free highways, known as autovías, and toll roads, known as autopistas. The toll roads are prefixed with an “AP” and generally are much faster and less crowded. Also, be sure to have either cash or a credit card available when approaching a toll booth.
Be Aware of Speed Cameras
Generally speaking, Spain has a lot of speed cameras installed on its highways and main roads. The fines for speeding could be high, and for that reason, it is crucial to keep the speed within the limit. Usually, this can be gauged with the use of most navigation apps.
Parking in Spanish cities is challenging, especially in busy areas. Watch out for blue-marked spaces, which means the areas are paid-parking zones. Make sure you pay for those at the nearby kiosks. Parking garages are available too, and it may be a safer bet in popular tourist areas.
Take Breaks on Long Drives
If you are driving long distances, take breaks. Spain is full of rest areas along its highways where cafes, bathrooms, even picnic areas await you.
Top Scenic Drives in Spain
Ready to get started? Here’s a selection of the best drives in Spain for your agenda.
- Costa Brava: From Barcelona, take a drive up to the French border along the rugged coastline, passing through quaint towns like Tossa de Mar and Cadaqués.
- Andalusia’s White Villages Route: Drive in the south of Spain via a route that passes by charming villages painted white, such as Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera, against a backdrop of the Andalusian mountains.
- The Basque Country Coast: From Bilbao, take a drive along the coast to San Sebastian. The scenery includes pretty beaches, cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages.
- Madrid to Toledo: Although short, this drive is particularly memorable as you go from the bustle and life of the capital to the medieval charm of Toledo.
Final Words
Driving in Spain can be a rewarding experience
That lets you discover the beauty of the country at your own pace. Preparation-from understanding the road rules to renting or registering a car-is key to a smooth journey. For those planning an extended stay, Register-Your-Car.com offers invaluable assistance in managing the paper works and legalities involving the vehicle’s registration for a hassle-free Spanish adventure.
It is a unique experience to drive through Spain, whether one meanders on scenic coastal highways, winds through mountain passes, or explores historic towns. Take your keys, fire up the motor, and watch the Spanish beauty unfold before you!
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