Driving abroad
Driving in Spain: easy roads, strict police
Your UK photocard licence is fine for visits, and roads are very safe. Drive on the right. Police issue on-the-spot fines, and cities including Madrid and Barcelona have low-emission zones (ZBE).
- Very safe roads
- Generally safe
- Take care
- High risk
Spain's motorways are excellent and many are free. In the Canaries and Balearics, mountain roads are narrow with hairpin bends, and coaches have priority in practice if not in law.
Where driving differs
- Madrid, Barcelona, SevilleTake care
Low-emission zones and hard parking. Leave the car outside the centre.
- Motorways (autovías)Very safe roads
Fast and mostly free. The tolled autopistas are quieter.
- Island mountain roadsTake care
Teide, Tramuntana and La Gomera have tight bends and steep drops.
Hiring a car in Spain
- Check the fuel policy. 'Full to full' is fairest. Pre-paid tanks rarely work out cheaper.
- Bring a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit.
- Photograph the car all over before you drive off, and again when you return it.
- Insurance excess can be high. Standalone excess cover is usually cheaper than the desk's offer.
On the road
Spanish motorways are either free autovías or toll autopistas, signed 'peaje'. Roundabouts trip people up: the outer lane is for leaving, so move to the outside before your exit. Police can fine on the spot, and drink-drive limits are lower than in England.
Before you go
- If you wear glasses to drive, carry a spare pair.
- Emergency number: 112.
Official advice: FCDO road safety advice for Spain
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