Spain By Car

Getting around Spain on public transport is very easy, but there definitely are advantages to travelling by car. You'll obviously have a great deal of freedom with your own car. Major roads throughout the country are very good, and traffic is hectic only in the cities. You will need to have fairly decent Spanish and a little bravery - Spain has one of the highest incidences of traffic accidents in Europe The good news is that there was an improvement when the new points driving licence came into force. Over the year 3,015 people lost their lives, compared to 3,332 in 2005.

Europeans will be pleased with prices for gas (called "sin plomo") or diesel, it will shock most Americans - filling a small car tank can easily run 60€. In the big cities at least you'll probably want to pay extra for a hotel with parking, use a guarded pay-car park, or be prepared to strip the car of all its contents should you park on the street.

Most foreign driver's licences are honored in Spain - including all EU, US and Canadian ones - but an International Driver's Licence (available from motoring organizations, like the AA or RAC, in your home country) is an easy way to set your mind at rest. If you're bringing your own car, you must have a green card from your insurers, and a bail bond or extra coverage for legal costs is also worth having, since if you do have an accident it'll be your fault, as a foreigner, regardless of the circumstances. Without a bail bond both you and the car could be locked up pending investigation.

Away from main roads you yield to vehicles approaching from the right, the rules of the road (except for speed limits) are generally adhered to. Speed limits are posted - maximum on urban roads is 50kph, on other roads 90kph or 100kph where there is an arcén, or hard shoulder; the limit on autopistas or motorways is 120kph. On the main highways speed traps are common, especially in the morning. If you're stopped for any violation, the Spanish police can and usually will levy a stiff, on-the-spot fine (which can range from 300-600€) before letting you go on your way, especially since as a foreigner you're unlikely to want, or be able, to appear in court. Should you not have the cash on you they will obligingly escort you to the nearest cash machine and issue you with a receipt there and then; should you lack the ability to pay up immediately they can impound the vehicle and take your passport as security.

Parking laws are rigorously enforced in cities, and any illegally parked vehicle will be removed promptly - the authorities sometimes (but don't count on this) leave a sticker on the road telling you where to pay the hefty fine (90€ upwards) to retrieve it. If your car disappears off the street it is best to assume that it has been towed to the local pound and enquiries in any hotel, government office or police station should produce the address. You will be required to pay the fine in cash. It's worth noting that it is also a towable offence to park on a taxi-rank, so study any street signs carefully wherever you park and if in doubt ask locals to be absolutely sure. The EU's new disabled parking badges will satisfy even the most pedantic of police.

Tip

Don't follow the example of the locals in speeding - they know where the traps are and are just now getting accustomed to the points system. The price of a speeding ticket is too high for a tourist. Plan ahead, give yourself time to make the journey safely and enjoy yourself - you're in Spain!

Spain By plane