Driving in Spain: Key Traffic Rules and Safety Tips for Expats
When driving abroad, it’s crucial to respect local traffic regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Spain, the UK, and other EU countries share some common road safety rules, but there are significant differences, such as speed limits, toll systems, and road signage, that expats and tourists should be aware of.
By understanding these differences, drivers can avoid fines and ensure safer, more confident driving on Spanish roads. Whether you’re on holiday or living in Spain, knowing the local traffic laws can prevent accidents and other negative consequences.
In the following sections, we will explore key aspects of driving in Spain, including mobile phone restrictions, alcohol limits, speed limits, and more. Comparing these with regulations in the UK and other EU countries will help you stay informed and drive safely.
Mobile Phones
Using mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited in Spain, the UK, and across the EU, except when using hands-free devices. Spain has recently increased penalties, aligning with the UK's approach, where offenders face fines and penalty points on their licences. It’s important to note that you cannot touch or manipulate your phone, even if it’s mounted in a cradle. If you need to take a call, only do so using a hands-free system.
Alcohol Limits
Drink-driving is a serious offence that can lead to significant legal problems in most countries. However, not all have the same limits, so it’s worth reviewing them.
Spain’s blood alcohol limit is 0.5 grams per litre for most drivers and 0.3 grams for professional drivers. For a breath test, the permitted levels are 0.25 mg/l and 0.15 mg/l, respectively.
However, Congress in Spain has recently approved a proposal to lower these limits to 0.2 g/l in a blood test and 0.1 mg/l in a breath test for all drivers, including professionals and new drivers. These lower limits will be effective once the relevant modifications to Article 20 of the General Traffic Regulations are written into law, which is expected to be sometime in 2025.
In contrast, the legal alcohol limit for driving in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is 0.8 grams per litre of blood, or 0.35 mg/l in breath.
Scandinavian countries generally have lower limits (0.3–0.5 g/l blood), while most of continental Europe sticks to 0.5 g/l. However, some Eastern European countries, such as Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, operate under zero-tolerance policies regarding alcohol and driving.
The consequences of driving under the influence are severe across these regions, often resulting in fines or even imprisonment. However, the greatest risk is not the fine but the likelihood of an accident. The only truly safe level is 0.0 g/l.
Speed Limits
On motorways, Spain allows speeds of up to 120 km/h, while the UK generally limits speeds to 112 km/h. In Scandinavia, the limit is 110 km/h, whereas in France you can drive up to 130 km/h, and parts of Germany’s autobahn have no formal speed limit (though a maximum of 130 km/h is recommended).
On conventional roads, Spain’s speed limits range from 90–100 km/h, while in urban areas, speeds typically top out at 50 km/h, sometimes dropping to 30 km/h in residential zones. It’s essential to be mindful of these limits to avoid fines or worse consequences.
Headlights and Fog Lights
Spanish law requires that vehicles driving between sunset and sunrise must use the appropriate lighting. Drivers of any vehicle, motorised or not, should switch on their lights as the sun begins to set and daylight fades.
Additionally, headlights must be used when driving in tunnels, during poor visibility caused by weather (fog, heavy rain, snow), or in special lanes (e.g., reversible or additional lanes).
Motorcycles, on the other hand, must always have their dipped headlights on, regardless of the time of day.
While front fog lights are recommended for narrow, poorly lit, or winding roads, their use isn’t mandatory in Spain, and not all vehicles are fitted with them. However, the rear fog light is mandatory to signal the vehicle’s position in low visibility but should only be used when necessary, as it can dazzle drivers behind.
Toll Roads
Spain has an extensive network of toll roads (known as ‘autopistas de peaje’), which differs from the UK, where toll roads like the M6 are less common. Expats should be prepared to encounter toll booths and have cash or electronic payment options ready. Frequent travellers might consider a transponder device to simplify payments.
Impact on Car Insurance
Obtaining car insurance in Spain is essential when driving on Spanish roads, and a driver’s profile plays a significant role in risk assessment and pricing. Factors such as age, years of driving experience, and accident history are carefully analysed by insurers to calculate premiums. Drivers with a clean record or those who haven’t been at fault in accidents are generally rewarded with cheaper insurance. However, those with multiple accidents might face higher premiums or even refusal of coverage.
At Generali, we offer a range of car insurance options, from third-party liability to fully comprehensive policies, all tailored to meet your individual needs.
Generali Expatriates has a network of professional expat agents and brokers ready to assist you in finding the most suitable insurance. Their coverage can protect against fines, accidents, or other inconveniences while driving in Spain.
Request a quote today and drive with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your car is protected—or find your nearest broker or agent here.