Driving a car in foreign countries, especially in Spain is not uncommon but most travelers prefer to enjoy the trip depending on how their itinerary is arranged for them. There are some travelers, however, who prefer to drive a car around the country, especially when they are travelling in groups like families or friends. Driving in Spain is relatively safe but you should know their laws regarding driving in the roads of this country.
- If you are travelling with children and want to drive your own car, you are not allowed to carry your child in your arms. Children under twelve years of age are not allowed to sit in the front seat with an exception where an approved seat for the car is fitted for certain purposes. For children aged under three years should use approved seat for cars that is designed for their weight and height which will be placed at the back seat. A person of any age that has a height under 1 and half meters must use a seat suitable for their weight and size designed for cars. All these instructions are also applied to riding taxis, especially when you are travelling with a baby.
- You can find out the road conditions in Spain in real time by accessing their website from the Department of Transportation. Radio stations also provide real time information regarding the situation on the roads.
- When you violate a traffic or road law, you should pay a fine. You can pay them in one of these options: dialing 060 but only available in Spanish- use credit card to pay for fine; online through Department of Transportation; postal service office and any branch of Banco Sandtander. If you pay the fine within twenty days you get to avail a fifty percent reduction of the price. If you are fined by the local authority when you drove in the urban road, you are recommended to refer to the traffic department's City Council directly.
- Fuels sold in the country are biodiesel, diesel A, unleaded gasoline 98 and 95. For locations on different stations in the country, you can find them in this website: http://geoportalgasolineras.es/
You must be over eighteen years of age to be able to drive in Spain but to rent a car in the country you must be 21 and above. For travelers coming from the EU countries, they only need their driver's license.