Contemplating a highway journey via Spain? If, like me, you’re a driver from the UK, you’re in for an journey. The Spanish drive on the fitting of the highway, as with most of Europe, so if you happen to haven’t completed that earlier than it may be a bit unusual to get used to initially. In case you are taking your individual automobile then you’ll have a distinct view level from different Spanish Drivers as their automobiles have the driving force on the left. On this information, I’ll share the necessities to make sure your Spanish driving expertise is as pleasurable as ours was.
The Street Guidelines Spain vs. UK
Driving in Spain is like entering into an alternate universe the place roundabouts go the opposite manner and highway signage is complicated. In contrast to the UK, Spain drives on the fitting aspect of the highway. This elementary change requires a psychological reset for UK drivers, particularly when navigating roundabouts, turns or merging into site visitors.
Spanish roads are marked in kilometres, so modify your speedometer readings accordingly. For us in our Hyundai Tucson it was straightforward to vary the settings within the automobile to point out kilometres.
Spain’s site visitors legal guidelines could seem stricter however are designed for security and whether or not you want them or not they’re the principles there that you could abide by. It’s essential to put on seatbelts always, and utilizing cellphones whereas driving is a no-go—until you fancy a hefty high-quality.
Familiarise your self with the idea of ‘precedence roads’ in Spain—marked by a diamond-shaped signal—which permits you unbridled passage at intersections, an idea not frequent within the UK. Understanding these variations is vital to driving confidently and safely in Spain.
Gearing Up for Your Spanish Street Journey
Preparation is vital earlier than hitting the Spanish roads. Begin by guaranteeing your documentation is so as and copies with you on your travels. You’ll want a sound UK driving license, your car registration paperwork, and proof of insurance coverage. In case your automobile is older than 4 years, don’t overlook the MOT certificates. A folder containing all these papers was the best choice for us. I additionally added to the folder our European breakdown cowl certificates and print outs of a few of the frequent guidelines and highway indicators I assumed we would want.
When packing your automobile you’ll need to pack a high-visibility jacket and a warning triangle, as these are authorized necessities in case of a breakdown. Top off on necessities like a first-aid equipment, highway map or guaranteeing your cell phone maps work with out web, you by no means know when you’ll need it.
Think about familiarising your self with the fundamental Spanish phrases associated to driving and instructions. Whereas English is broadly understood, somewhat native language goes a good distance in constructing rapport and getting help. It is usually clever to observe with the best way to use Google Translate or one other comparable translating app.
Roundabouts and Street Indicators
Roundabouts in Spain function counter-clockwise, a stark distinction to the clockwise circulation within the UK. Enter the roundabout with warning, giving technique to site visitors already circulating so look left whenever you strategy the roundabout.
Spanish highway indicators, whereas typically intuitive, have their quirks. Blue circles point out necessary actions like a flip or lane use, whereas white circles bordered in pink signify prohibitions. Velocity limits are displayed inside pink circles. Directional indicators typically function city names with distances in kilometres, so a fast psychological calculation may be essential to gauge journey time.
Pay attention to ‘cease’ indicators, even once they appear redundant. Spanish authorities take them critically, and failing to cease fully might end in a high-quality.
Driving Requirements in Spain
Velocity limits range, with 50 km/h usually imposed in city areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and as much as 120 km/h on motorways. However keep in mind, these limits can change unexpectedly, so keep vigilant, the indicators typically appear to look from nowhere!
The authorized alcohol restrict in Spain is decrease than within the UK, presently at 0.5mg/ml. It’s greatest to undertake a zero-tolerance coverage if you happen to plan on driving, as random breath checks are frequent. We selected to not drink in any respect if we had been driving and to be trustworthy when you find yourself driving in an odd nation you want all of your wits about you as it’s!
Parking in Spain
Parking in Spanish cities could be complicated. Search for blue zones (Azul), the place paid parking is the norm throughout enterprise hours. Keep in mind to buy a ticket from close by machines and show it prominently in your dashboard – if you happen to don’t it might result in a high-quality or a towed automobile.
Yellow strains signify no-parking zones, whereas white strains typically point out free parking areas. Nevertheless, these spots fill shortly, particularly in busy areas. Think about planning the place you’ll park prematurely and discovering a paid automobile park to make certain you’re going to get an area.
Alternatively, we discovered staying on the outskirts of a metropolis the place the resort had free parking was best after which getting an Uber or Bolt into town centre.
Staying Secure on Spanish Roads
Spain’s mountain roads, notably in areas like Andalusia and the Pyrenees, is usually a little difficult. Keep on with decrease gears on steep descents and look ahead to sharp, winding turns. Initially it is vitally daunting however I discovered you quickly get used to it.
In the course of the winter months, snow chains could also be essential in mountainous areas however whereas we had been in Spain there have been temperatures of 35-42°c so it wasn’t a problem!
Wet situations could make roads slippery, particularly after extended dry spells. Keep in mind to cut back pace, enhance following distance, and use dipped headlights to reinforce visibility. Simply drive sensibly such as you do within the UK.
Toll Roads
Toll roads, or autopistas, are a function of Spain’s motorway community, providing well-maintained surfaces and sooner journey occasions. While it might appear irritating the standard of the toll roads is so good you may be glad of them for an additional value. Anticipate to pay various charges primarily based on distance and car kind.
Toll cubicles typically settle for money, however normally it’s simply debit or bank cards, and digital cost units like By way of-T. We ordered toll tags, one for driving in France and one which lined Spain and Portugal. Whereas they’ve an preliminary price, I like the actual fact then what you need to do, merely drive within the T lane and when it beeps you may proceed. Some roads there isn’t a toll sales space however there are readers for the tags so once more, you might be lined!
Whereas toll roads provide comfort, they aren’t all the time essential. Spain’s various routes, resembling autovías, present toll-free journey choices, albeit with extra variable situations and site visitors. I suppose the selection is yours however we discovered the toll roads had been greatest for us.
Conclusion
Driving in Spain as a UK resident could be difficult however the views are superb. I’ve some extra upcoming posts sharing movies and extra images of our drive and I do know you’ll love them.
In case you are in any doubt keep in mind these key factors for driving in Spain:
- Change the automobile to Km
- Carry all of your paperwork
- Think about what to do about toll roads and take into consideration ordering an digital tag
- Pack a pink triangle and excessive vis jacket
- Drive on the fitting
- Look left at roundabouts!
Have you ever ever pushed in Spain? Would you ever think about it? Is there something particular you desire to me to handle in an article that may show you how to?
