Top tips for Driving in a Spain for UK drivers

August 20, 2024 Stan

Considering a road trip through Spain? If, like me, you’re a driver from the UK, you’re in for an adventure. The Spanish drive on the right of the road, as with most of Europe, so if you haven’t done that before it can be a bit strange to get used to initially. If you are taking your own car then you will have a different view point from other Spanish Drivers as their cars have the driver on the left. In this guide, I will share the essentials to ensure your Spanish driving experience is as enjoyable as ours was.

The Road Rules Spain vs. UK

Driving in Spain is like stepping into an alternate universe where roundabouts go the other way and road signage is confusing. Unlike the UK, Spain drives on the right side of the road. This fundamental change requires a mental reset for UK drivers, especially when navigating roundabouts, turns or merging into traffic.

Spanish roads are marked in kilometres, so adjust your speedometer readings accordingly. For us in our Hyundai Tucson it was easy to change the settings in the car to show kilometres.

Spain’s traffic laws may appear stricter but are designed for safety and whether you like them or not they are the rules there that you must abide by. It’s crucial to wear seatbelts at all times, and using mobile phones while driving is a no-go—unless you fancy a hefty fine.

Familiarise yourself with the concept of ‘priority roads’ in Spain—marked by a diamond-shaped sign—which allows you unbridled passage at intersections, a concept not common in the UK. Understanding these differences is key to driving confidently and safely in Spain.

Gearing Up for Your Spanish Road Trip

Preparation is key before hitting the Spanish roads. Start by ensuring your documentation is in order and copies with you for your travels. You’ll need a valid UK driving license, your vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance. If your car is older than four years, don’t forget the MOT certificate. A folder containing all these papers was the easiest option for us. I also added to the folder our European breakdown cover certificate and print outs of some of the common rules and road signs I thought we might need.

When packing your car you will need to pack a high-visibility jacket and a warning triangle, as these are legal requirements in case of a breakdown. Stock up on essentials like a first-aid kit, a good road map or ensuring your mobile phone maps work without internet, you never know when you will need it.

Consider familiarising yourself with the basic Spanish phrases related to driving and directions. While English is widely understood, a little local language goes a long way in building rapport and getting assistance. It is also wise to practice with how to use Google Translate or another similar translating app.

Roundabouts and Road Signs

Roundabouts in Spain operate counter-clockwise, a stark contrast to the clockwise flow in the UK. Enter the roundabout with caution, giving way to traffic already circulating so look left when you approach the roundabout.

Spanish road signs, while generally intuitive, have their quirks. Blue circles indicate mandatory actions like a turn or lane use, while white circles bordered in red signify prohibitions. Speed limits are displayed within red circles. Directional signs often feature town names with distances in kilometres, so a quick mental calculation might be necessary to gauge travel time.

Take note of ‘stop’ signs, even when they seem redundant. Spanish authorities take them seriously, and failing to stop completely could result in a fine.

Driving Standards in Spain

Speed limits vary, with 50 km/h typically imposed in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and up to 120 km/h on motorways. But remember, these limits can change unexpectedly, so stay vigilant, the signs sometimes seem to appear from nowhere!

The legal alcohol limit in Spain is lower than in the UK, currently at 0.5mg/ml. It’s best to adopt a zero-tolerance policy if you plan on driving, as random breath tests are common. We chose to not drink at all if we were driving and to be honest when you are driving in a strange country you need all your wits about you as it is!

Parking in Spain

Parking in Spanish cities can be confusing. Look for blue zones (Azul), where paid parking is the norm during business hours. Remember to purchase a ticket from nearby machines and display it prominently on your dashboard – if you don’t it could lead to a fine or a towed car.

Yellow lines signify no-parking zones, while white lines often indicate free parking areas. However, these spots fill quickly, especially in busy areas. Consider planning where you will park in advance and finding a paid car park to be sure you will get a space.

Alternatively, we found staying on the outskirts of a city where the hotel had free parking was easiest and then getting an Uber or Bolt into the city centre.

Staying Safe on Spanish Roads

Spain’s mountain roads, particularly in regions like Andalusia and the Pyrenees, can be a little challenging. Stick to lower gears on steep descents and watch for sharp, winding turns. Initially it is very daunting but I found you soon get used to it.

During the winter months, snow chains may be necessary in mountainous areas but while we were in Spain there were temperatures of 35-42°c so it wasn’t an issue!

Rainy conditions can make roads slippery, especially after prolonged dry spells. Remember to reduce speed, increase following distance, and use dipped headlights to enhance visibility. Just drive sensibly like you do in the UK.

Toll Roads

Toll roads, or autopistas, are a feature of Spain’s motorway network, offering well-maintained surfaces and faster travel times. Whilst it may seem frustrating the quality of the toll roads is so good you will be glad of them for an extra cost. Expect to pay varying fees based on distance and vehicle type.

Toll booths sometimes accept cash, but usually it is just debit or credit cards, and electronic payment devices like Via-T. We ordered toll tags, one for driving in France and one that covered Spain and Portugal. While they have an initial fee, I like the fact you know then what you have to do, simply drive in the T lane and when it beeps you can proceed. Some roads there isn’t a toll booth but there are readers for the tags so again, you know you are covered!

While toll roads offer convenience, they aren’t always necessary. Spain’s alternative routes, such as autovías, provide toll-free travel options, albeit with more variable conditions and traffic. I guess the choice is yours but we found the toll roads were best for us.

Conclusion

Driving in Spain as a UK resident can be challenging but the views are amazing. I have some more upcoming posts sharing videos and more photos of our drive and I know you will love them.

If you are in any doubt remember these key points for driving in Spain: