DRIVING IN SPAIN - USEFUL INFORMATION

Driving Licence

Any driving licence issued in the EU is valid in any EU country. Driving licences issued in Spain last until the age of 70.

Under the age of 45, driving licences are valid for 10 years, between the ages of 45 and 70 licences are valid for 5 years. Over the age of 70 you will have to renew your licence every year.

Driving tests are taken on a machine, rather like a computer rally game, and involves anwering questions about the Highway Code.

Which side do the Spanish drive on?

The first point to remember is that the Spanish drive on the right hand side. If you take your own right hand drive car to Spain, remember to keep on the kerb side at all times.

Petrol

Gasolina fuel is available in four grades: Super Plus (98 octane), Super (96 octane) and often sin plomo unleaded, Mezcla or Normal (90 octane), and gasoleo or gasoil (diesel).

What do I need to carry with me when driving?

A new road safety law came in force in 2004: all drivers must now have at least one luminous jacket available in any vehicle whilst on the road. The law states that this jacket must be worn if you breakdown on any highway.

The jackets are relatively cheap and available at many supermarkets and car shops.

In Spain you should always carry your Driving Licence, car purchase and car insurance documents together with a bank receipt showing that the insurance premium for the current period has been paid. The police can stop you and demand to see them. Failure to produce can result in a fine. There is an on the spot if you are stopped by the traffic police and found to be without the correct documents. If unable to pay, your car can be towed away for later retrieval and probably incur another charge.

General rules

Yellow Lines mean "No parking". Many people ignore this. Cars can be clamped for being on yellow lines. Unknown costs to retrieve.

Blue Lines mean "Find a meter" and pay for the time you require. Meters are situated at the side of the road or against buildings. The authorities rarely chase people who fail to pay but when you come to sell your property all such tickets are registered against the property as a debt, plus interest.

Cars may also be towed if found parking without a valid ticket.

If you do find a parking fine stuck under your windscreen wiper you will find a form and a small envelope attached, you have the option to fill in the form, pay the amount it asks for into one of the parking ticket machines.

Firstly press the Red button, pay in the money then press the Blue button. The machine will print out a receipt.

Detach the small receipt portion at the bottom, then place the other portion and the form into the envelope and post in the slot at the bottom of the machine.

Retain your proof of payment or it can be more expensive later.

Many supermarkets have their own free car park but in some you have to collect a ficha (disk) for raising the exit gate when paying for shopping.

Halt signs in Spain must be observed; there is an on the spot fine for not complying. The law officially states that you must be seen to physically stop, break on, off, gear change and go, however many drivers ignore this.

Well, there you have it: by following some simple guidelines for driving, your time in Spain can be spent enjoying the climate, the culture and relaxed way of life, without road rage!

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About the Author

Grace Turner is a Director of

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Editor: Barrie Segal. Barrie is the founder of AppealNow.com - http://www.appealnow.com and website http:www.animals now.com