Spain is a dream vacation for many people. Perhaps you want to spend time exploring Barcelona and sights such as the Basilica of the Sagrada Family and Casa Batllo. You can visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, Plaza de Espana in Seville, and more. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Montserrat Monastery, and Volcan El Teide are just a few of the other destinations you may want to experience.
Renting a car in Spain
Foreign drivers on vacation are able to drive in Spain with their national driving permits and international driver’s license. The minimum age for driving a vehicle in Spain is 18 years old. Different rental agencies may require renters to be older than 18 and to have had their license for a certain number of years.
Vehicle are required to have two warning triangles and reflective vests for all occupants of the vehicle. When renting a car, make sure that it has these items. While not required, it is suggested that you have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit as well. You will need to have your license, rental car documents, and insurance information handy while driving. When renting a vehicle in Spain, make sure to get the phone number and emergency contact information from the rental company.
Road conditions and safety
The roads in most of Spain are in good condition, have no major issues, potholes, or rough passages. Getting around should be easy, particularly when you are traveling on the main roads and near the larger population centers. However, when you head to some of the smaller towns and some of the out of the way areas, you will find that there the road conditions may suffer somewhat. In the winter, if you will be going to any of the mountainous areas in the country, you should make sure the rental agency offers snow chains.
In Spain, the traffic flows on the right side of the road, and you overtake on the left side of vehicles. Passengers and the driver need to wear their seatbelt, and it is a requirement that drivers are to aid accident victims if they are the first on the scene. Kids who are under 12 need to sit in the backseat of the car.
You are supposed to give way to traffic on the right, and priority is given to those who are already in a roundabout.
Speed limit
Always obey the posted speed limit signs while driving through Spain. Speed limits on the Spanish roads are as follows.
- Motorways – 120 km/h
- Dual carriageways – 100 km/h
- Single carriageways – 90 km/h
- In cities and towns – 50 km/h
Toll roads
Spain has a number of toll roads, bridges, and tunnels. The names of the toll roads will typically begin with AP. Some of the toll roads you may encounter while driving through Spain are as follows.
- AP-7, Barcelona – Tarragona – 13.75 Euros
- AP-9, Ferrol – La Coruna – 4.35 Euros
- AP-61, Madrid – Segovia – 8.15 Euros
Having a rental car will make it nice and easy for you to get more out of your vacation. See more and experience everything you want in Spain.
