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Driving in Spain | Spain Driving Tips (August 2009)
Driving in Spain is an unforgettable experience, partly due to the amazing scenery and partly thanks to courteous drivers. Spain is the second largest country in Europe after France and there is a lot of ground to cover, so hire a car from CarHire4Less and start exploring. There are many tourist attractions and natural wonders that undoubtedly make driving in Spain worth the effort. Below are a few useful driving tips, courtesy of CarHire4Less, to make your Spanish driving experience even more enjoyable. One drives on the right-hand side of the road in Spain, just like in the rest of Europe bar the UK. You are also expected to have your driver’s licence with you, as well as your vehicle registration document and insurance certificate. If your driver’s licence does not incorporate a photo of you, some other form of photo identification is required, like your ID document. The speed limit in Spanish towns and cities is 50km/h. On the open road, it is either 90 or 100km/h and on motorways, 120km/h. Speed limits are strictly enforced and may change frequently, so keep an eye on the signposts, as there are many radar traps. All passengers must be belted in and no children under twelve years of age are allowed to ride in the front seat unless a special child restraint is installed. All the common fuel types like unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are available in Spain, but take note that some filling stations in rural areas may close over lunch, which could stretch from 12h00 noon to 15h00. The Spanish have interesting habits and legislation. Do not be alarmed when a driver flashes his headlights at you before overtaking – it is the law! If you are wearing glasses, you are expected to carry a spare pair in your vehicle at all times; you should also have a spare light bulb set, but this is usually supplied in hire cars. Other compulsory items that you should have in your car are a visibility vest (to be kept in the passenger area, not the boot), a first aid kit, two CE-approved warning triangles and the documentation mentioned in the second paragraph. You have to wear your reflective vest if your car breaks down and you have to get out. Failure to do so could incur a hefty fine. You are also not allowed to turn left out of a road if there is a solid white line in the centre. Tollgates are commonplace, so be sure to have spare cash at hand. Spanish Police is friendly and approachable and usually more than willing to help tourists. The Municipal Police (blue uniform) is responsible to the local mayor and issues traffic and parking tickets. The National Police (black uniform) fights more serious crimes and the National Guard (green uniforms) is responsible for national security and issues tickets for violations on motorways. Jumping red traffic lights is relatively common in Spain, and while this practice is by no means encouraged, you should still be aware of what is going on behind you when a light has just turned red. Avoid harsh braking, because there is a definite chance that you might get rear-ended. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, swop personal details with the other person involved and wait for the police to arrive. You need the police report to submit to your insurance company. Driving in Spain is most enjoyable because it is a beautiful country and is ideally toured with a hire car, which allows you to set your own itinerary and proceed at your own pace. CarHire4Less has offices in Spain and will assist you with a rental vehicle of your choice at an unbeatable price, so contact us today. |
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