Information about car rental and driving in Spain

 

 Information about car rental and driving in Spain

 Overview of driving a rental car in Spain

 Madrid is the political, cultural and geographical center of Spain, and also the center of most of the country's road network.  Spain has nearly 100,000 meters / 160,000 km of roads.  Major highways require crossing road gates, which are generally used to maintain them.  Regional roads vary in quality, but all major highways are of superior quality.

 Rules of the road in Spain

 Traffic is on the right and if a car approaches you while driving in Spain, it indicates an intention to pass, you must turn your right direction to indicate that the road ahead is clear and allow the other car to cross.

 Speed ​​limits

 gas stations

 Highway gates in Spain

 Car parks in Spain

 In town: 31mph / 50kph

 Open Roads: 55mph / 90kph

 Highways: 74mph / 120kph

 Gas stations in Spain are open from 8 am to 8 pm, with some stations in major cities such as Malaga, Barcelona and others on the highway open 24 hours.

 Spanish motorways, "autopistas," have road gates and are marked by the letter A.

 There are "blue zone" stops in Spanish cities.  While driving a rental car in Barcelona or anywhere else in Spain, be aware of the parking lots in the Blue Zone marked "Zona Azul".  In these designated areas, you can stand for two hours.  Parking discs for these areas are available in most hotels and city halls.

 Important advice to drive a rental car in Spain

 Tourists and visiting travelers often express their concerns about the many differences they will experience while driving in Spain, compared to their usual local territories.  Don't worry, Auto Europe's comprehensive travel guide will provide you with everything you need to know to navigate the streets of Spain with ease in a rental car.

 Stop on the road if you want to use your mobile phone

 Like almost any other European country, it is strictly forbidden to use a cell phone or cell phone while driving in Spain.  Hands-free devices must be completely "hands-free", using headphones or disconnecting earphones or speakerphone while driving as well, and violators may be fined.

  Carefully choose parking areas in Spain

 Many drivers in Spain use private car bumpers, and it is very common to see drivers pull back and "push" the car behind them with their cars, in an attempt to increase the space they have to get out of the parking lot.  This can pose a threat to rental car drivers, unless you are equipped with all-inclusive insurance, minor damage fines may be assessed for local motorists hitting your bumper.

  Use the turn signals and understand the traffic rules

 Spanish driving law stipulates that all highway transit roads must take place in the left lane, with the appropriate use of the turn signal indicators.  Some drivers will approach you from behind, flash their lights briefly, as an indication that they will pass, and then continue driving around.  Don't misunderstand the flash of light, as it is not a bad expression, but rather a friendly reminder that it will pass by for a moment.

  Avoid roundabouts when possible in Spain

 Because roundabouts are a relatively recent addition to the roads of Spain, implemented in the late 1970s, driving around them can be quite messy to beginners.  Many drivers have reported cars traveling in both directions on roundabouts - especially the large cars they have seen while driving in Madrid and Barcelona - creating complete confusion for everyone.

  Make sure to have GPS with pre-loaded maps

 Many phone GPS have a problem working properly, or at all, when traveling abroad due to inconsistent cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.  When making these apps, you may incur high data usage fees when used outside of your country of origin.

 

 Traffic and driving laws in Spain

 If you are planning to drive while on vacation in Spain, having a good understanding of traffic rules and regulations is important to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

 Children under the age of 12, or older children whose height is less than 5 feet, are legally required to sit in the back seat while driving in Spain.

 Booster seats and child seats are mandatory for children who ride in the back up to 12 years of age, who meet height and weight restrictions.

 All vehicle passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times, and the driver must accept responsibility for any traffic fines incurred by travelers who choose to ignore seat belt regulations.

  Reflective vests, warning triangles and backup light bulbs must be carried in your vehicle at all times, for emergency use, or if you have to park your car on the side of the road.  Fortunately, all car rental services in Spain include this equipment at no additional cost.

 Wearing sunglasses while driving through tunnels is illegal in Spain.

 Car insurance, rental papers and all related documents must be kept at all times in the car.

 In the event of receiving a traffic violation in Spain, contact the car rental company in Spain immediately and arrange a payment plan as soon as possible.  If ignored, you can expect the fine to increase dramatically if ignored.