Driving in Spain

Getting behind the wheel in Southern Spain can be a frightening prospect for some. As soon as you leave the airport the pace is fast and furious and signposts leave little time for hesitation. If you don't get it right first time you won't be the first and certainly not the last. Some visitors have reported taking an entirely unintentional trip around Malága before heading out on the Marbella road. Some signposts are for Cadiz and some for Algeciras. Confusing as this may seem, both will take you onto the toll way to Marbella.

Driving on the right in left hand drive vehicles might mean that those of you from the UK spend the first few hours trying to change gear with the door handle and wondering where the rear mirror has gone. Don't despair - it does become easier.

Unless you are staying in the centre of town, a car in Southern Spain is very useful. If you plan to live permanently in Spain, having access to a car is a basic necessity. Public transport tends to keep to the main road, unlike most schools, golf courses, houses and other places to which you might want to go.

Spanish law demands that a driving licence, photographic identification, car registration document and current insurance cover are carried at all times when driving your vehicle. There is some ambiguity about whether a British licence must be exchanged for a Spanish licence if you are an official Spanish resident. Ask a gestor, (legal administrator), if you are in any doubt about the necessity of this.

Other rules of the road state that seatbelts must be worn in the front and back at all times and that less than 50mg of alcohol should be present per 100ml of blood when driving, which is less than in many countries.

By law drivers must carry two warning triangles, a full set of spare light bulbs, a spare tyre with the correct air pressure, the equipment needed to fit it and a fluorescent jacket that must be worn outside your vehicle in the event of breakdown.

The use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited when driving unless your car is equipped with a completely hands free system. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the front seat or on motorbikes. Helmets must be worn on motorbikes.

Speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on dual carriageways, 90 km/h on single carriageways and 50 km/h in towns. Signs will display the speed limit of the road on which you are travelling.

When driving you should give way to the right and priority is to those already on a roundabout.

Failure to comply with any of these rules can result in fines or driving bans. Serious offences include refusing a breath test, racing, carrying too many passengers, driving negligently or dangerously, parking dangerously and throwing objects from your vehicle.

Prompt payment of fines often ensures a discount and tourists will be expected to pay on the spot. For very serious or repeated offences expect a court date and subsequent ban.

Petrol and diesel are widely available 24 hours a day and prices vary little from garage to garage. At night you might be expected to pay at the kiosk before you put fuel into your vehicle.

A map is a good idea if you are planning a route through Andalucia, as signposts cannot always be depended upon to lead you towards your destination. Toll roads are often worth the cost due to their lack of congestion and speed.

Do be aware that the Spanish style of driving is fast and forceful. If you hesitate at traffic lights expect to hear a chorus of impatient beeps. Don't give way if you don't have to as this will not be expected and might cause confusion. It's not commonplace in Spain to 'thank' another road user. Don't let this offend you.

Be aware that someone might conduct a dangerous or thoughtless manoeuvre in front of you as there are people driving on Spanish roads from all over the world and a high percentage of vehicles are hire cars containing tourists who might be totally unfamiliar with the roads on which they are travelling.