Driving in Spain
Drivers licence
Non-Residents can drive in spain on a foreign driving license for a maximum
of 6 months in the calendar year.
EU residents
can drive on their existing EU license until it runs outs. When it
does run out
you must apply for a Spanish driving licence. Non-EU residents must
obtain a Spanish driving license after one year.
Road Tax
Road tax in Spain is paid to the local government. The fee is related to the
individual vehicle and the area. All vehicles are required to undertake
an annual inspection ( called an ITV), to check the condition of the vehicle.
Major towns and cities have several ITV stations to which you can take
your car.
Insurance
As with most other European countries third party insurance is mandatory.
If you provide proof of at least 5 years no claims from your previous insurer
you can reduce your insurance premiums.
Speed
Limits
Autopistas/autovias 120kph
Dual carriageways 100kph
Country roads 90kph
Urban roads 50kph
Residential areas 20kph
Parking
No parking in spaces painted yellow or (obviously) in areas with "No
Parking" signs.
Parking spaces with
meters are marked in blue where a ticket can be purchased from an attendant
or machine.The machine may be halfway down the block; don´t assume
that because there is no meter near the car that parking is free. These
spaces are usually for two hours maximum. Fines vary between areas
but can be substantial.
Fines
Fines for speeding are paid on the spot and are calculated at 1,000 pts
per kilometre over the limit.
The legal drink-drive
limit is 50mg per millilitre with breath test a frequent occurance.
Fines for this are very high.
Seatbelts
It is compulsory to wear both front and rear seatbelts.
For more in depth
information on this topic, we highly recommend:
Living
and Working in Spain: A Survival Guide
Click the link above
to check the price at Amazon UK
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