Contemplating a street journey via Spain? If, like me, you’re a driver from the UK, you’re in for an journey. The Spanish drive on the correct of the street, as with most of Europe, so should you haven’t finished that earlier than it may be a bit unusual to get used to initially. If you’re taking your individual automotive then you’ll have a unique view level from different Spanish Drivers as their automobiles have the motive force on the left. On this information, I’ll share the necessities to make sure your Spanish driving expertise is as gratifying as ours was.
The Highway Guidelines Spain vs. UK
Driving in Spain is like getting into an alternate universe the place roundabouts go the opposite method and street signage is complicated. Not like the UK, Spain drives on the correct aspect of the street. This basic 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 simple to alter the settings within the automotive 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 should abide by. It’s essential to put on seatbelts always, and utilizing cellphones whereas driving is a no-go—except you fancy a hefty effective.
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 Highway Journey
Preparation is vital earlier than hitting the Spanish roads. Begin by making certain your documentation is so as and copies with you in your travels. You’ll want a sound UK driving license, your automobile registration paperwork, and proof of insurance coverage. In case your automotive 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 number of the frequent guidelines and street indicators I assumed we would want.
When packing your automotive you have to to pack a high-visibility jacket and a warning triangle, as these are authorized necessities in case of a breakdown. Refill on necessities like a first-aid package, a very good street map or making certain your cell phone maps work with out web, you by no means know when you have to it.
Take into account familiarising your self with the fundamental Spanish phrases associated to driving and instructions. Whereas English is extensively understood, a bit of native language goes a great distance in constructing rapport and getting help. Additionally it is smart to apply with use Google Translate or one other comparable translating app.
Roundabouts and Highway Indicators
Roundabouts in Spain function counter-clockwise, a stark distinction to the clockwise circulation within the UK. Enter the roundabout with warning, giving option to site visitors already circulating so look left once you method the roundabout.
Spanish street indicators, whereas usually intuitive, have their quirks. Blue circles point out necessary actions like a flip or lane use, whereas white circles bordered in crimson signify prohibitions. Pace limits are displayed inside crimson circles. Directional indicators usually characteristic city names with distances in kilometres, so a fast psychological calculation is perhaps essential to gauge journey time.
Be aware of ‘cease’ indicators, even after they appear redundant. Spanish authorities take them significantly, and failing to cease fully may end in a effective.
Driving Requirements in Spain
Pace 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 bear in mind, these limits can change unexpectedly, so keep vigilant, the indicators generally appear to seem from nowhere!
The authorized alcohol restrict in Spain is decrease than within the UK, at the moment at 0.5mg/ml. It’s greatest to undertake a zero-tolerance coverage should you plan on driving, as random breath assessments are frequent. We selected to not drink in any respect if we have been driving and to be sincere if 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 may be complicated. Search for blue zones (Azul), the place paid parking is the norm throughout enterprise hours. Bear in mind to buy a ticket from close by machines and show it prominently in your dashboard – should you don’t it may result in a effective or a towed automotive.
Yellow strains signify no-parking zones, whereas white strains usually point out free parking areas. Nevertheless, these spots fill rapidly, particularly in busy areas. Take into account planning the place you’ll park prematurely and discovering a paid automotive park to make sure you’re going to get an area.
Alternatively, we discovered staying on the outskirts of a metropolis the place the lodge had free parking was best after which getting an Uber or Bolt into the town centre.
Staying Protected on Spanish Roads
Spain’s mountain roads, notably in areas like Andalusia and the Pyrenees, could be a little difficult. Keep on with decrease gears on steep descents and look ahead to sharp, winding turns. Initially it is rather daunting however I discovered you quickly get used to it.
Throughout the winter months, snow chains could also be needed in mountainous areas however whereas we have been in Spain there have been temperatures of 35-42°c so it wasn’t a difficulty!
Wet situations could make roads slippery, particularly after extended dry spells. Bear in mind to scale 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 characteristic of Spain’s motorway community, providing well-maintained surfaces and quicker journey instances. While it could appear irritating the standard of the toll roads is so good you’ll be glad of them for an additional price. Count on to pay various charges based mostly on distance and automobile sort.
Toll cubicles generally settle for money, however often it’s simply debit or bank cards, and digital fee gadgets like Through-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 very fact you understand then what it’s important to do, merely drive within the T lane and when it beeps you possibly can proceed. Some roads there isn’t a toll sales space however there are readers for the tags so once more, you understand you might be lined!
Whereas toll roads provide comfort, they aren’t at all times needed. Spain’s different routes, similar to autovías, present toll-free journey choices, albeit with extra variable situations and site visitors. I assume the selection is yours however we discovered the toll roads have been greatest for us.
Conclusion
Driving in Spain as a UK resident may be difficult however the views are superb. I’ve some extra upcoming posts sharing movies and extra photographs of our drive and I do know you’ll love them.
If you’re in any doubt bear in mind these key factors for driving in Spain:
- Change the automotive to Km
- Carry all of your paperwork
- Take into account what to do about toll roads and take into consideration ordering an digital tag
- Pack a crimson triangle and excessive vis jacket
- Drive on the correct
- Look left at roundabouts!
Have you ever ever pushed in Spain? Would you ever think about it? Is there something particular you want to me to deal with in an article that will enable you to?
