DRIVING IN SPAIN

Leave the crowded coastal strip behind and Spain a wonderful country to explore by car. Roads are generally well-maintained and free of traffic, and Spain has a fine autopista (motorway) network, much of which is toll-free. A bail bond is no longer required when taking your car to Spain.

Turning left

When turning left across oncoming traffic it is usually necessary first to pull off the right of the road and stop before crossing both carriageways once the road is clear. Do not turn left across an unbroken white Iine down the centre of the road; drive on until you reach a turning place. Give way to the right where no priority is signposted. It is compulsory to carry a spare pair of glasses if you need to wear them to drive.

Weather conditions

Inland Spain has a continental climate, fiercely hot in summer when air conditioning can be a boon. Winter can be surprisingly cold (don't forget Madrid is half a mile above sea level) so watch out for ice on the roads and snow in hillier parts.

Breakdowns

Cars in Spain must by law carry two warning triangles. If you break down or are involved in an accident, place one triangle in front of and one behind the car. From June 2004 a reflective jacket must also be carried, to be worn in the event of a motorway breakdown. Be cautious when driving along coastal routes, which can be crowded and are notoriously dangerous. Stay alert in cities and at motorway service stations for con-men who distract the driver by indicating a defect to their car while an accomplice reaches inside and grabs their valuables

Fuel

LPG is not available in Spain. Parking in many towns, is controlled by blue zones (zonas azul) where a disc must be displayed. Do not park on main roads with < continuous white line along the edge. The police are authorised to impose on-the-spot fines.

Bull fight

Spain's supreme court has granted a reprieve for the giant bull silhouettes that form such an evocative feature of the Spanish landscape. The bulls -promotional hoardings for Osborne brandy - have been a source of heated debate since 1989 when roadside advertising was outlawed in Spain

           

Speed limits	Urban	Open road	Motorway
Car	50 kph	90 -100 kph	120 kph
Towing	50 kph	70 - 80 kph	80 kph
Traffic regulations
Essential equipment	Two warning triangles, spare bulbs, reflective jacket
Minimum driving age	18 years
Drink-drive limit	50mg alcohol per 100ml blood
Child in front seat	Min 12 years unless using child restraint
Seat Belt	Compulsory in front and rear seats
Motorcyclists	Must wear crash helmet and use headlamp at all times
Emergency telephone numbers
Police	112
Fire	112
Ambulance	112

Extracted from Haynes Glovebox guide DRIVING ABROAD by Robert Davies. This authoritive guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of driving abroad.

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