DRIVING IN SPAIN

Please note that the following is taken from the Expats Forum at http://www.thespainforum.com/ and not the Spanish DGT,

although it does appear to reflect pretty accurately the contents of the DGT site, www.dgt.es.  Given the frequency of changes to the relevant legislation

it should be taken as a guide rather than an authorative document.

Rules & Regulations :

• You must be 18 or over to drive in Spain with a full valid UK/EU/Spanish license.
• All passengers front & rear must wear seat belts.
• If carrying a Dog it has to be restrained/anchored at all times.
• You must wear sensible footwear, no flip flops!
• Drivers must use a hands free kit to use the telephone whilst driving.
• Speed camera detection devices are not permitted.
• It is illegal to undertake someone when the traffic is free flowing.
• Children under 12 years old may not travel in the front seat, unless they are over 150cm tall.
• Children under 12 years old or are less than 150cm tall need an approved child seat for the rear.
• Motorcyclists are not allowed to carry a passenger younger than 12 years old.
• You must carry at all times the vehicle registration, insurance document and MOT (if UK) or ITV if Spanish registered. *
• Residency card/certificate or passport. *
• Motorcyclists must have headlight(s) on at all times
• Always indicate before changing lanes and turn headlights on in tunnels.
• If the vehicle is not yours always carry a letter of authorisation from the owner that states you are able to drive it.
• New penal code effective 1st May 2008 provides for automatic (and immediate) loss of licence and/or prison sentence for serious speeding offences.
• Tourists are subject to on the spot fines. Residents get the bill in the post with time to pay.

Items you must carry in your Vehicle at all times :

• Vehicle registration, insurance document and MOT (if UK) or ITV if Spanish registered. *
• A spare light bulb kit including tools that are needed to install the bulbs.
• Two warning triangles.
• Reflective vests for everyone in the vehicle and they must be accessible from within the car, not the boot.
• If you wear prescription glasses you have to carry a spare pair.
• Approved child seats for children younger than 12 years old or shorter than 150cm tall.
• If your vehicle is UK plated, then it needs either a GB sticker or a GB EU logo license plate on the rear.
• Motorcyclists do not need to carry a spare bulb kit or warning triangles

* Documents can be copies if they are officially certified/stamped at your local town hall, Failure to carry any of the correct documentation/equipment will result in a fine.

Additional information :

• Autopista (Motorway) is defined by blue signs and also has a speed limit of 120 KPH.
• Local roads are defined by white signs and have a maximum speed limit of 50 KPH but can be lower.
• Dual carriageway roads have a speed limit of 100 KPH.
• Reflective vests need only been worn if you exit the vehicle on a dual carriageway or motorway.
• If you have a valid UK disabled parking permit this is valid in Spain.
• If driving as a Spanish resident with a UK/EU license you must get it homologated with Trafico by doing a routine medical which all Spanish license holders have to do at renewal. Every 10 years until 45 years old, then every 5 years until 70 years old and then every 2 years thereafter.
• If you are stopped by the Police on a motorway and asked to exit the vehicle make sure you put on your reflective vest before exiting the vehicle.