With the weather getting (hopefully) better all the time, our thoughts collectively turn to holidays and trips abroad. If you’re considering driving in Spain, then take a look at these tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger (of the IAM).
- You are required to carry two warning triangles in your vehicle. In the event of a breakdown, they should be placed in front of and behind the car.
- If a driver wears glasses, they must keep a spare pair in the car.
- As with much of Europe, the drink drive limit is lower in Spain than in the UK. Bear this in mind, and if you’re going to drive, make it none for the road.
- Parking in many towns is controlled by blue zones (zonas azul) where a disc must be displayed.
- Don’t park on main roads with continuous white lines along the edge.
- Children can sit in the front seat but must be at least 12 years old, unless using a child restraint.
- Radar speed camera detectors are still allowed in Spain, but the authorities are considering banning them, so make sure you are up to date with this legislation before you travel.
- Remember that if you drive through France to get to (or from) Spain you have that set of rules to deal with as well
IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Rest up before any long journey, prepare your car for the trip, and if you have a passenger, get them to remind you each time you set off that you should be driving on the right-hand side of the road. The Spanish policía issue on-the-spot fines which can be rather hefty. Make sure you get an official receipt if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, so you have a reference in case you wish to appeal.”
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