Tips For Driving In Spain
National Laws
Be aware that the Guardia Civil collect fines on the spot from non-residents, so always carry cash or a bank debit card. If you are not carrying cash, they may impound your car if you cannot find a resident to sign on your behalf.
The Guardia Civil is the arm of the government that patrols the highways. Since joining the European Union, the laws have become stricter and are more enforced. Here is a sampling of current fines:
150€: Not wearing a seat belt, not having a valid ITV sticker, a person under 1 metre 50 in the passenger seat or running a red light.
Drink driving is not tolerated. In addition to a steep fine, on the first offence the licence is taken away for three months; second offence it doubles; third it triples and fourth it is permanently removed.
It is common for the Guardia Civil to stop cars in the evening and use alcohol detection tests. If you are stopped it is extremely important that you maintain your composure, be polite. If you have to make a court appearance, your behaviour will be mentioned. Refusing to take the test is cited as disobedience (article 556 of this Act. In the Spanish Crimes Act.) If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and to have the counsel of a lawyer.
Spanish Traffic Regulations require that all drivers carry the following in their vehicle:
Two warning triangles - officially approved by the Ministerio del Interior i.e. with the round symbol E9 and the code 27R03).
A spare tyre and the tools to replace it.
A set of bulbs and tools to replace them.
A reflective jacket and spare glasses (if the driver wears them).
Driver's licence / insurance information.
These items must be in your car at all times by law even during ITV inspection. When the car goes through its ITV these items may be checked for.
Fines paid within thirty days receive a 30% discount. Fines can be paid by mail with a money order and sent to the Jefatura de Tráfico (must note citation on cheque), paid in person at the Jefatura or paid at the Banco Santander Central Hispano (take the ticket with you.)
Road Service
RACE (Real Automóvil Club de España) Provide assistance on rural roads, across the European continent and along the Mediterranean in Africa and the Middle East. They also provide personal and road assistance, Tel: 902 404 545.
Assistance can be contacted using the roadside SOS telephones, which connect you to the nearest police station.
For any questions call the Marbella traffic department 952 772 549.
Directions & Useful Maps
Help in Finding Local Addresses on the Internet and in English! Want to know how to get to a shop or a house and you are clueless? Enter origin and destination, complete with postal codes and it gives you a map and written directions in English: www.micoche.com
There is another great page for getting directions (in Spanish) at the website: www.calleacalle.com.
As a rule of thumb, if you are in a hurry, take the toll road. Free maps indicating the toll roads are available from your local tourist office, or on the Aseta webpage: www.aseta.es.
Autopista del sol office
Tel: 902 100 227