Car Hire From Murcia(san javier) Airport
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Stay Safe on Spanish Roads
The Spanish are not the most considerate of road users. When merging with a motorway, don’t expect drivers to slow to let you on – you may have to stop at the end of the slip road. Many drivers show complete disregard for speed limits and you may find some obstinant road users who deliberately straddle two lanes to prevent such speed freaks from passing.
Speed Limits on Spanish Roads
Expressways & major highways 75mph
Other roads 55mph
Built-up areas 30mph
Residential areas 15mph
Types of Roads in Spain
Spanish road names that begin with an ‘A’ are toll roads and as a result are usually relatively free from traffic. They will invariably have a toll-free road running more or less alongside, which will be busier and probably more picturesque.
Fully-fledged expressways are actually few and far between - most of the country is served by 'N' roads, which can vary in design quite considerably. Some resemble expressways in all but name, others have traffic lights and people's driveways leading straight onto the road!
What You Need to Carry with You When Driving in Spain
The following items must be carried at all times when driving in Spain.
Drivers license
Insurance documents
Ownership documents (or rental documents)
Wearers of spectacles should carry a spare pair
Fluorescent jacket (for all occupants)
Two warning triangles
Fire extinguisher (recommended)
First-aid kit (recommended)
Important Rules to Follow When Driving in Spain
Seatbelt: Passengers MUST wear seatbelts in front and rear of car.
Parking: Do not park where the pavement line is in yellow or no signs are visible. You can park in blue areas (pavement line in blue) but you would need to purchase a ticket. If parking illegally the “grúa” tow truck will pick your car up and take it, and getting it back will cost you fines and lots of time.
Drinking laws: The law in Spain is stricter that the law in the UK. Spanish limit is 0.5 ml for an experienced driver and 0.1 ml for a new one.
Cellphones: The use of cellphones while driving is prohibited. Hands-free kits are permitted, but they are not allowed to have earpiece attachments. (Astonishingly, 98% of Spaniards don't know this!)
The use of screen-based navigation systems is prohibited.
What to Do When Stopped by the Police in Spain
The Guardia Civil is the lowest of the three types of police officer (the others being the Policia Municipal and the Policia Nacional) and they are known to have quite an inferiority complex at times, which means that if they can get you for something, they will. The most likely thing they will catch you for is not wearing your fluorescent jacket when stepping out of the car, which Spanish law says must wear whenever you stop by the side of a highway. So, when they stop you, take your time to put it on before you get out of the car.
The Guardia Civil are entitled to ask you to pay your fine immediately as a tourist, unless you can prove you have a Spanish address that will cover for you if you don't pay. If you are unable to pay immediately, they can impound the car. It is therefore wise to pay immediately, especially as there is a 20% reduction if you do so. Be sure to get a receipt, especially if you think the police officer has been unfair.
Translation of Types of Gas in Spain
Leaded = super or super 98
Unleaded = sin plomo 98 or Eurosuper 95
Diesel = gasoleo