Contemplating a street journey by way of Spain? If, like me, you’re a driver from the UK, you’re in for an journey. The Spanish drive on the appropriate of the street, as with most of Europe, so when 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 should have a unique view level from different Spanish Drivers as their vehicles have the driving force on the left. On this information, I’ll share the necessities to make sure your Spanish driving expertise is as satisfying as ours was.
The Highway Guidelines Spain vs. UK
Driving in Spain is like moving into an alternate universe the place roundabouts go the opposite manner and street signage is complicated. In contrast to the UK, Spain drives on the appropriate facet of the street. This elementary change requires a psychological reset for UK drivers, particularly when navigating roundabouts, turns or merging into visitors.
Spanish roads are marked in kilometres, so alter your speedometer readings accordingly. For us in our Hyundai Tucson it was straightforward to vary the settings within the automotive to point out kilometres.
Spain’s visitors legal guidelines might seem stricter however are designed for security and whether or not you want them or not they’re the foundations there that you could abide by. It’s essential to put on seatbelts always, and utilizing cellphones whereas driving is a no-go—except you fancy a hefty tremendous.
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 widespread within the UK. Understanding these variations is essential to driving confidently and safely in Spain.
Gearing Up for Your Spanish Highway Journey
Preparation is essential 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 legitimate UK driving license, your car registration paperwork, and proof of insurance coverage. In case your automotive is older than 4 years, don’t neglect the MOT certificates. A folder containing all these papers was the simplest possibility for us. I additionally added to the folder our European breakdown cowl certificates and print outs of among the widespread guidelines and street indicators I believed we’d want.
When packing your automotive you will want to pack a high-visibility jacket and a warning triangle, as these are authorized necessities in case of a breakdown. Fill up on necessities like a first-aid package, street map or making certain your cell phone maps work with out web, you by no means know when you will want it.
Take into account familiarising your self with the fundamental Spanish phrases associated to driving and instructions. Whereas English is extensively understood, somewhat native language goes a good distance in constructing rapport and getting help. Additionally it is sensible to observe 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 movement within the UK. Enter the roundabout with warning, giving method to visitors already circulating so look left if you method the roundabout.
Spanish street 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. Pace limits are displayed inside pink circles. Directional indicators typically characteristic city names with distances in kilometres, so a fast psychological calculation is likely to be essential to gauge journey time.
Pay attention to ‘cease’ indicators, even once they appear redundant. Spanish authorities take them significantly, and failing to cease fully might end in a tremendous.
Driving Requirements in Spain
Pace limits fluctuate, with 50 km/h sometimes 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 typically appear to look from nowhere!
The authorized alcohol restrict in Spain is decrease than within the UK, at the moment at 0.5mg/ml. It’s finest to undertake a zero-tolerance coverage when you plan on driving, as random breath checks are widespread. We selected to not drink in any respect if we have been driving and to be trustworthy if you end up driving in an odd nation you want all of your wits about you as it’s!
Parking in Spain
Parking in Spanish cities will 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 – when you don’t it might result in a tremendous or a towed automotive.
Yellow traces signify no-parking zones, whereas white traces typically point out free parking areas. Nevertheless, these spots fill shortly, 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 resort had free parking was best after which getting an Uber or Bolt into the town centre.
Staying Secure on Spanish Roads
Spain’s mountain roads, notably in areas like Andalusia and the Pyrenees, is usually a little difficult. Stick 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 mandatory in mountainous areas however whereas we have 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 scale back pace, improve following distance, and use dipped headlights to boost 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 sooner journey instances. While it could appear irritating the standard of the toll roads is so good you can be glad of them for an additional price. Anticipate to pay various charges based mostly on distance and car sort.
Toll cubicles typically settle for money, however normally it’s simply debit or bank cards, and digital fee 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 payment, I like the very fact you recognize 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 recognize you’re lined!
Whereas toll roads supply comfort, they aren’t all the time mandatory. Spain’s various routes, similar to autovías, present toll-free journey choices, albeit with extra variable situations and visitors. I assume the selection is yours however we discovered the toll roads have been finest for us.
Conclusion
Driving in Spain as a UK resident will be difficult however the views are wonderful. 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 pink triangle and excessive vis jacket
- Drive on the appropriate
- Look left at roundabouts!
Have you ever ever pushed in Spain? Would you ever contemplate it? Is there something particular you desire to me to handle in an article that might aid you?