Driving in Spain 2022

Millions of Brits are heading to Spain over the final weeks of the summer holidays, and whilst many will no doubt be lounging around all-inclusive resorts and sunny beaches, others opt to adventure around the country by car.
Driving in a different country doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you’re planning on driving in Spain there are different regulations and customs you should pay particular attention to, which we’ve outlined below for a stress-free trip.

Aside from driving on the right-hand side of the road (opposite side to the UK), there are particular differences you should familiarise yourself with before setting off from the UK:

The UK may have left the EU, but little has changed for British citizens as far as driving in Spain is concerned. Whilst different countries have their own requirements regarding international driving permits, Spain doesn’t require Brits to show an insurance green card when entering the country.
Instead, you just need to make sure that you display a UK sticker (not GB) clearly on the rear of your vehicle; the distinguishing marker (or national identifier) changed from GB to UK in September 2021. If you’ve been a resident of Spain for over six months and have not yet exchanged your UK license for a Spanish one, you’ll no longer be able to drive in Spain using your UK licence. You can exchange your licence by following the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) process for non-EU nationals, which may include taking both a theory and practical driving test. Read the most up-to-date legal guidance on driving in Spain after Brexit here.

You should keep the following documents on you at all times while you’re exploring the Spanish roads:
• Full, valid UK driving licence (or Spanish driving licence if you’ve lived there over 6 months) • Proof of identification, e.g. passport or national identity card • Motor insurance certificate • Proof of ownership, for example, your V5 registration document If your driving license was issued in the UK, you may not need an International Driving Permit to drive in the EU, but there are exceptions. Always consult the gov.uk website for the latest government advice on driving abroad before travelling.

In Spain, not only do you drive on the opposite side of the road, but local cars are built to accommodate left-hand driving.
If you’re in the market for a left-hand drive car, check out these dealerships that specialise in them: • Chesham Left-Hand Drive Center • The Left Hand Drive Place You can also filter left-hand drive models by using Auto Trader’s handy filtering tool. All you need to do is enter “left hand drive” into the keywords section when selecting filters to find the right car for you.

Speed limits in Spain are similar to the UK, but it’s important to be aware of where they apply. Like most countries in Europe, Spanish speed limits are measured in km/h rather than mp/h, so make sure you check your dashboard properly.
When driving on motorways, you can drive at: • 120 km/h (75mph) for cars and motorbikes • 100 km/h (62mph) for vans and minibuses • 90 km/h (55mph) for vehicles with trailers weighing less than 750kg • 80 km/h (49mph) for vehicles with trailers weighing more than 750kg When driving in built-up urban areas, you can travel at: • 50 km/h (31mph) on roads with two lanes per direction • 30km/h (18mph) for one lane per direction • 20 km/h (12mph) on roads shared with pedestrians Speed limits on motorways can be changed via smart motorways and variable speed limits, like in the UK, and there is a minimum speed limit of 60km/h (37 mph) unless otherwise signposted. Pay particular attention to signs displayed and adjust your speed accordingly, as weather conditions, accidents and other typical issues can impact speed limits. If you’re towing a caravan or trailer, the speed limits are different compared to driving normal vehicles: • 80km/h on motorways • 70km/h on single-lane carriageways

Speeding fines in Spain may range from €100 to €500 depending on the speed you were travelling and the road you’re caught on. If you’re caught exceeding the local speed limit by over 60km/h you could have your license suspended for up to four years, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Spain has specific requirements for both the rules of the road and the equipment you need to keep in your car when driving. For example, you are legally required to carry two red warning triangles to be placed in front of and behind your vehicle in the event of an accident or breakdown.
Seat belts must be worn by all passengers and no children under the age of twelve can travel in a front seat. Small children must travel in an approved child safety seat. If you’re hiring a car to drive, let them know in advance and your hire car agency can provide a seat for you if you require one.

When driving in Spain you are required to keep the following in your car with you at all times:
• Spare wheel • Full set of spare bulbs • Tools to change bulbs • Certificate of insurance • Two red warning triangles • Approved reflective jacket • Hire car documentation (if applicable) • Spare pair of glasses (if needed for driving) If riding a moped, motorbike, quad or equivalent, you must wear a crash helmet unless the vehicle is fitted with seat belts. Other motorbike requirements include: • The main rider must be over the age of 18 and possess a full license for the motorcycle. • The vehicle must have the correct seating for a passenger if a passenger is to ride. • Only one passenger is permitted at any one time. • Both the main rider and passenger must wear crash helmets, which need to be fully fastened and not loose. • Passenger's feet need to be able to reach the footrests of the motorcycle. • No passenger must travel between the main rider and the handlebars. If you’re involved in an accident, or your car breaks down, you must wear your reflective jacket at any time you need to leave your vehicle. Failure to comply could result in a hefty fine.

Spain operates its own penalty system if you’re caught breaking the law. Always check the gov.uk website before travelling for the most up-to-date advice, and whilst the following list isn’t exhaustive, do pay attention to:

Police have the power to impose on-the-spot fines which may be reduced by 50% if paid within 20 days, and you have the right to contest a fine up to 15 days of receipt.
Visiting drivers must pay their fine straight away unless they can give the name of a person or business in Spain willing to guarantee payment of the fine, otherwise, the vehicle will be confiscated until it’s paid.

Fines range from €100 for a minor driving offence, all the way up to €6,000 for driving a vehicle with a radar jammer, which is illegal in Spain. Some motoring offences are considered to be criminal offences and can result in much higher fines, as well as vehicle confiscation and a potential prison sentence.

Your vehicle can be confiscated for the following reasons:
• Mechanical defects • Excessive noise • Lack of insurance • You refuse to pay an on the spot fine (you can later contest this in court) • The driver is under the influence of alcohol

The legal alcohol-blood limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.05%. However, the limit for newly qualified drivers and professional drivers driving a bus, coach, HGV or other public service vehicle is 0.03%.
Depending on your sex, height, and weight, drinking one beer could put you over the limit, so it would be wise to avoid all alcohol when driving in Spain. All road users involved in traffic accidents must undergo a breath and saliva test, whether they’re suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or not. If you refuse a test, your vehicle could be confiscated by the police and your driving licence may be revoked for up to four years. Learn everything you need to know about how to drive your car abroad here

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