► the DO's and DON'Ts of DRIVING in Spain 🇪🇸 #003

Summary

This comprehensive video script provides essential tips for a smooth and enjoyable road trip experience in Spain. It covers practical advice on navigating the country's unique driving conventions, understanding road types, speed limits, and traffic laws. Additionally, it offers guidance on handling situations like roundabouts, cyclists, parking, and pedestrian crossings. The script emphasizes safety measures, such as wearing seatbelts, avoiding drinking and driving, and being cautious around speed traps. It also touches upon cultural nuances, like respecting local customs and being mindful during bank holidays. Overall, the script aims to equip travelers with the knowledge and confidence to embark on a hassle-free and memorable road trip adventure across the captivating landscapes of Spain.

Takeaways

• 👣 Familiarize yourself with driving on the right-hand side of the road and using the metric system for distances, speeds, and fuel measurements in Spain.
• 🚫 Never turn right on a red light or drive through a red light, as it is strictly prohibited in Spain.
• ⛽ Keep your fuel tank topped up, especially when driving in remote areas, as the distance between gas stations can be substantial.
• 🍷 Strictly avoid drinking and driving, as Spain has strict laws and severe penalties for driving under the influence.
• 🚗 Understand the different types of roads in Spain, such as autopistas (toll motorways), autovías (free motorways), and national/regional roads.
• ⚠️ Obey speed limits, which vary depending on the road type, and watch out for speed traps and cameras.
• 🚲 Exercise caution when driving near cyclists, maintaining a safe distance and reduced speed when overtaking them.
• 📵 Never use a mobile phone while driving, as it is illegal and can result in fines.
• 🔄 Learn how to navigate roundabouts correctly, following the right-of-way rules and using indicators.
• 🚨 Pay any fines on the spot or within 20 days to receive a 50% discount, and respect pedestrian crossings at all times.

Q & A

What measurement system is used in Spain for distances and speeds?

Spain uses the decimal system, meaning distances and speeds are measured in kilometres and kilometres per hour, respectively.

Can you turn right on red lights in Spain?

No, turning right on red lights is not allowed in Spain. Red means stop, and you can only proceed when the light is green or blinking.

What types of gas can you find at Spanish service stations, and what are their equivalents?

At Spanish service stations, you can find 'sin plomo 95' (regular unleaded), 'sin plomo 98' (premium unleaded), and 'gasóleo' or 'diesel' (diesel).

What is the legal blood alcohol level for driving in Spain?

The legal blood alcohol level in Spain is slightly above 0.5 grams per litre in the bloodstream.

What are the common speed limits on different types of roads in Spain?

The common speed limits in Spain are 120 km/h on motorways (autopistas or autovías), 90 km/h on conventional roads, and 50 km/h in cities, with some single-lane streets having limits of 30 km/h or less.

How should you behave around cyclists on Spanish roads?

Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists, and the speed at which you overtake should be 20 km/h less than the maximum speed limit of the road.

What are the consequences of using a mobile phone while driving in Spain?

Using a mobile phone while driving in Spain can result in fines and more severe consequences if an accident occurs while you are using the phone.

What is the rule for navigating roundabouts in Spain?

In Spain, the vehicle already in the roundabout has the right of way over those waiting to enter. You should use indicators to show your intention to exit the roundabout.

What is the discount policy for paying fines on the spot in Spain?

If you pay a fine on the spot in Spain, you can receive a 50% discount. This discount also applies if you pay within 20 calendar days.

What should you consider when parking in Spanish cities?

Parking in Spanish cities can be challenging due to various rules and regulations, so it's important to be aware of the local parking laws and guidelines.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Essential Driving Tips for Spain

Tony Gálvez from Road Trip Spain and Portugal introduces a guide for driving in Spain, emphasizing the importance of adapting to local practices for an enjoyable road trip. Key recommendations include familiarizing oneself with the decimal system for distances and speeds, understanding that driving is on the right side of the road, and not turning at red lights, which is prohibited. The video highlights the importance of keeping the fuel tank full, especially when venturing off major highways, and understanding the different types of fuel available. It stresses strict drink driving laws, with heavy penalties for violations, and advises on various road types and speed limits. Familiarity with service station protocols, road safety, including cyclist precautions, and the importance of using seat belts and indicators are also covered.

05:06

🛣️ Navigating Spain's Roads: Adventures Beyond Autovías

This section delves into the preference for national and country roads over autovías for a more scenic and enriching road trip experience. Despite the convenience of autovías for quick travel, they limit the opportunity to explore local villages and hidden gems. The video outlines the common speed limits across different road types in Spain and cautions against exceeding them due to the complexity of speed regulations and the presence of speed traps, including modern average speed cameras. The importance of seatbelt use, cautious driving around cyclists, and the strict prohibition of phone use while driving are emphasized. Additionally, tips on navigating roundabouts, using indicators, avoiding travel during bank holidays, ensuring child safety in vehicles, dealing with fines efficiently, choosing the right vehicle, and respecting parking and pedestrian crossing rules are provided.

10:08

🔄 Mastering Roundabouts and Ensuring Road Safety

This segment focuses on the nuances of navigating roundabouts in Spain, highlighting the distinction between those controlled by traffic lights and the more challenging 'pure' roundabouts governed by the Highway Code. It emphasizes the priority given to vehicles already in the roundabout and the importance of using indicators when exiting. Additionally, it covers the critical aspects of road safety, including the use of seat belts, indicators, and respecting pedestrian crossings. The video also advises on avoiding travel during peak bank holidays to escape traffic jams, ensuring children are properly secured in appropriate car seats, and the benefits of paying fines promptly to avail of discounts. It concludes with recommendations on selecting the appropriate vehicle for the trip and the dangers of stopping on roadsides unsafely.

15:11

👍 Wrapping Up with Practical Road Trip Tips

The final section wraps up the guide with a call to action, encouraging viewers to like the video, subscribe to the channel for more tips on road trips in Spain and Portugal, and engage in the comments section for any queries. It reiterates the importance of the provided advice for planning a successful road trip in Spain and ends with a friendly farewell in both Portuguese and Spanish, inviting viewers to stay tuned for upcoming content.

Keywords

💡Road Trip

A road trip refers to a long journey made by car or other road vehicle, typically undertaken for leisure or adventure purposes. The video is centered around providing practical advice and tips for planning and executing a successful road trip in Spain, highlighting the dos and don'ts for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

💡Driving Laws

Driving laws refer to the legal rules and regulations that govern the operation of motor vehicles on public roads. The video covers various driving laws in Spain, such as driving on the right side of the road, not turning on red lights, speed limits, alcohol limits, and rules regarding pedestrian crossings. Understanding and adhering to these laws is crucial for safe and legal driving in Spain.

💡Speed Limits

Speed limits are the maximum permissible speeds at which vehicles can legally travel on different types of roads. The video provides specific speed limits for motorways (120 km/h), conventional roads (90 km/h), and city streets (50 km/h or lower in some cases). It emphasizes the importance of adhering to posted speed limits and being aware of speed traps or cameras used for enforcement.

💡Fuel

Fuel refers to the various types of gasoline or diesel used to power vehicles. The video explains the different fuel types available at Spanish gas stations ("gasolineras" or "estaciones de servicio"), such as unleaded regular (sin plomo 95), premium unleaded (sin plomo 98), and diesel (gasóleo or diésel). It advises keeping the fuel tank full, especially when driving off the beaten path, and suggests checking the sticker on rental cars to determine the appropriate fuel type.

💡Roundabouts

Roundabouts, or "rotondas" in Spanish, are a common feature on Spanish roads. The video explains the two main types of roundabouts: those with traffic lights and those without, where right-of-way is determined by the Highway Code. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the rules for entering, navigating, and exiting roundabouts, as well as using turn signals properly.

💡Cyclists

Cyclists refer to individuals riding bicycles on public roads. The video highlights the need to drive safely around cyclists, who are a common sight on many Spanish roads. It provides specific guidelines, such as maintaining a minimum distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists and not exceeding a maximum speed of 20 km/h below the posted speed limit when passing them, to ensure their safety.

💡Pedestrian Crossings

Pedestrian crossings, or "pasos de peatones" or "pasos de cebra" in Spanish, are designated areas on roads where pedestrians have the right of way to cross. The video emphasizes the importance of respecting pedestrian crossings and stopping for pedestrians, as failing to do so is a serious offense and can lead to accidents.

💡Parking

Parking refers to the act of leaving a vehicle temporarily in a designated or suitable area. The video acknowledges the challenges of parking in cities and mentions the existence of rules and regulations governing parking practices in Spain. It recommends watching a separate video on the channel specifically dedicated to parking in Spain for more detailed information.

💡Distracted Driving

Distracted driving refers to engaging in activities that divert the driver's attention away from the primary task of operating the vehicle safely. The video specifically warns against using mobile phones while driving, as it is illegal and carries the risk of fines or worse consequences if involved in an accident.

💡Bank Holidays

Bank holidays, or public holidays in Spain, are times when many Spaniards take short breaks and travel, leading to increased traffic and crowding at tourist destinations. The video advises avoiding driving during bank holidays to minimize the likelihood of encountering heavy traffic and congestion.

Highlights

Introduction to driving in Spain with practical information and insider tips for a road trip.

Emphasis on familiarizing with the decimal system for distances, speeds, and measurements in Spain.

Driving on the right-hand side of the road in Spain.

Prohibition of turning right on red lights in Spain.

Advice to keep the fuel tank full, especially when going off the beaten track.

Different types of gasoline available at Spanish service stations and tips for refueling.

Strict drink driving laws in Spain with heavy penalties.

Understanding the types of roads in Spain for better navigation.

Recommendations for using autovías and exploring national and country roads for a more scenic experience.

Speed limits on various types of roads in Spain and recent changes towards slower speeds.

Awareness of speed traps, including traditional and average speed measuring cameras.

Mandatory seatbelt usage in Spain, regardless of the seat position.

Importance of driving safely around cyclists and specific overtaking rules.

Prohibition on using mobile phones while driving.

Navigating roundabouts in Spain and understanding priority rules.

Using indicators when changing lanes or exiting roundabouts.

Advice to avoid traveling during bank holidays due to traffic jams.

Child safety regulations in vehicles and the use of appropriate car seats.

Discounts on fines for on-the-spot payment or within 20 days.

Choosing the right vehicle for your trip and the non-necessity of a four-wheel drive.

Caution against stopping inappropriately for photographs and the requirement for a fluorescent jacket.

Respecting pedestrian crossings and the absolute right of way for pedestrians.

Parking challenges in cities and the importance of understanding local regulations.

Transcripts

In this video we're going to talk about the do's  and don'ts of driving in Spain. "Hola", I am Tony  

Gálvez from Road Trip Spain and Portugal, where  we help you plan the perfect trip with practical  

information and insider tips. It is so easy  to go about a wonderful road trip in Spain.  

To make your life even easier we have put together  a series of recommendations so, if you're ready,  

let's hit the road. We are aware that depending on  your country of origin, you will be familiar with  

some or most recommendations, which is good news,  as it means you are more than ready to drive in  

Spain. It is true that a substantial part of the  advice we give here can be applied to driving in  

any country on earth, so let's get started. Do get  familiar with the decimal system. Like the rest of  

Europe, Spain uses the decimal system. What that  means is that distances and speeds are expressed  

in kilometres and kilometres per hour rather  than miles and miles per hour. At the service  

station you will fill your tank by the litre and  not by the gallon. Do stay on the right. Yes in,  

Spain we drive on the right hand side of  the road. It will be obvious to many people,  

but this is a bit of knowledge you cannot take  for granted. Don't turn on red. The concept of  

turning right on a red light common in countries  like the United States does not exist at all in  

Spain, where red means red never go through a  red light. In the vast majority of junctions,  

you will simply see a red traffic light. However,  there are cases when a separate light allows for  

cars from the right lane to advance. But it will  be a green light or a blinking light. Do keep your  

tank full. This piece of advice is particularly  relevant if you are going off the beaten track.  

Always make sure you keep your tank full, you  never know how far you will have to drive till the  

next service station. If you plan on driving along  a motorway, be aware that the distance between  

service stations can be considerable, sometimes 40  kilometers or more. Be familiar with the types of  

gas petrol in Spain. On service stations in Spain,  called "gasolineras" or "estaciones de servicio",  

you will find mainly three types of gas:  sin plomo 95, which is equivalent to regular  

unleaded, sin plomo 98, equivalent to premium  unleaded and gasóleo, gasoil or diésel, which are  

Spanish terms for diesel. If you are driving your  own car you will know which type of gas to use,  

but if you are on a rented car, it's common  practice to have a sticker on the inside of the  

tank lid, and the sticker shows the type of gas  you should use. The way you go about filling your  

tank changes from one station to another. In most  service stations you will fill your tank first  

and then enter the store to pay for the amount of  gas you have used. In a small number of stations,  

however, there is someone in charge who will  appear to fill your tank as soon as you park your  

car. Don't drink and drive. Breath alcohol tests  are common. Drink driving laws in Spain are strict  

and the penalties include heavy fines the  loss of your license and even imprisonment.  

If you are involved in an accident while driving  drunk, you will be in serious trouble. The actual  

blood alcohol level allowed by law is slightly  above 0.5 grams per litre in the bloodstream,  

but our advice is quite simple: avoid all risks by  not drinking at all if you are driving. Never mind  

the chances of a serious encounter with the law,  the most important reason why you shouldn't drink  

and drive is that it is dangerous for you, for the  people traveling with you and for anyone else on  

the same road as you are. Do get familiar with the  types of roads. To help you understand the types  

of roads you can find in Spain, we have an entire  video on this channel. The link should appear  

on the top right corner of the screen right now.  Don't miss it. The good news is that the majority  

of roads in Spain are free to use. Do know when  to use autovías. Still on the issue of types of  

roads, while autovías, which are free motorways,  are great to take you fast and cheap from A to B,  

they are not that great when it comes to road  trips, as they won't take you through villages  

or allow for wonderful discoveries along the way.  On our road trips we tend to avoid autovías unless  

they are absolutely essential along the trip.  National and country roads are much more fun and,  

while it is true that traffic tends to be much  heavier on national roads, and driving behind a  

lorry can be painful, it is national and country  roads that lead to the most wonderful discoveries.  

Do find out what the speed limits are. While  there are exceptions to the general rule, the most  

common speed limits in Spain are: 120 kilometres  per hour on motorways, autopistas or autovías;  

90 kilometres per hour on conventional  roads, which can be "carreteras nacionales",  

"autonómicas" or "comarcales", and 50 kilometres  per hour in cities. However, there's been a recent  

move towards slower speeds, and in a substantial  number of single-lane streets the speed limit  

today is 30 kilometres per hour or even less.  The rules and its exceptions are complex,  

so always pay attention to the speed limits and  make sure you do not exceed them. Just because,  

say, the maximum speed limit on an autovía is 120,  it doesn't mean you cannot find a stretch of road  

where the limit drops drastically. Do check  out for speed traps. The truth is that if you  

stick to the speed limits there isn't much  reason for concern regarding speed traps,  

which in Spanish are known as "radares de  velocidad". But in any case, be aware there are  

many types of speed traps. On highways they might  be found well above your head, well identified as  

in the image. There is a speed trap right where  the panel is. But they might be much smaller  

and hidden, as in the images we are showing you  now, right at the entrance of a small village,  

where the speed limit drops substantially.  The speed trap is the grey box on the right.  

There is also more modern type of radar known  as "radar de tramo", which is an average  

speed measuring speed camera. Do you see the  little watch along the car on the panel above?  

It means there is a "radar de tramo" in operation.  They operate as two separate sets of cameras  

at a distance from one another, that control  your average speed along a stretch of road.  

Speed cameras can also be found on unmarked  police cars or even on board helicopters. Yes,  

you could be fined for speeding from a helicopter  without you even noticing. Do wear your seatbelt.  

Whether you're sitting on the front or the  back seats, always wear your seat belts. Always  

do drive safely around cyclists. Cyclists  are very common sight on many Spanish roads  

and cyclists safety is a huge issue in this  country. Very often it's people practicing a  

very popular sport in Spain. The number  of cyclists killed in traffic accidents  

is alarmingly high and the highway code has been  changed several times in recent years to introduce  

new provisions to protect cyclists. Before you  overtake a cyclist or group of cyclists, make  

sure you can keep a distance between your car and  the cyclist closest to you of at least 1.5 metres.  

On top of that, the maximum speed at which you  can overtake a cyclist is 20 kilometers per hour  

inferior to the maximum speed allowed on the road  where you are driving. So, if the maximum speed  

is 90 kilometres per hour, you cannot overtake  a cyclist at more than 70 kilometres per hour.  

Don't use a phone while driving. Law enforcement  agents do not take it kindly to people using  

their mobile phones while driving. It's a certain  fine and could have worse consequences if you are  

involved in an accident while holding your phone.  Do learn how to navigate roundabouts. "Rotondas",  

which is the Spanish word for roundabouts or  traffic circles, are such a common feature  

of the Spanish landscape that you should be  familiar with them. There is even an ongoing joke  

that describes Spain as a "roundabout nation". It  is a bit of an exaggeration, as roundabouts are  

quite common in other European countries  too, but there you go. There are mainly  

two types of rotondas. The easy ones are  those where several sets of traffic lights  

decide who can go and who has to wait. You just  follow the traffic lights. Now the difficult ones  

are the "pure" roundabouts, where the preference  is not decided by a set of traffic lights but by  

the Highway Code. And the rule is quite simple:  whoever has joined the roundabout has preference  

over those waiting to join the roundabout. So if  you are about to join a roundabout and there's a  

car coming from your left, you should let him go  before you join the roundabout. Once you are in,  

you are king, and other cars willing to  join the roundabout should wait for you.  

To leave the roundabout, make sure you take the  right lane and use your indicators to show your  

intention of leaving the roundabout. Do use  indicators. The majority of Spanish drivers  

use indicators every time they take a turn or even  move lane along a motorway and you should do that  

too. Also use them as we have just mentioned,  before you leave a roundabout. IT's quite funny  

because you could be overtaken at a 180 kilometres  per hour, way above the maximum speed limit,and  

the driver will use the indicator when he begins  to overtake you, and once he finishes overtaking,  

too. Do avoid bank holidays. Spaniards  are particularly fond of short breaks,  

and bank holidays are notorious for traffic  jams and huge crowds across tourist destinations  

all throughout the country. Bank holidays are the  times when the inhabitants of the large cities  

take to the road to visit smaller destinations in  nearby regions. Do look after your kids. According  

to Spanish law, children under 135 centimeters  in height must not sit in the front seat and must  

use a restraint system. If you are traveling  with children make sure you use the correct  

car seats. Do pay your fines on the spot. God  forbid you receive a fine while driving in Spain,  

but if that happens, and you pay the fine  on the spot, you should know it comes with a  

50 % discount. And the same 50 % discount applies  if you pay the fine within 20 calendar days.  

Do pick the right vehicle for your trip. Unless  your budget is unlimited ,you should know that  

even the most compact model of car will do the  trick. Sure, if you are thinking of coming to  

Spain during summer, we strongly advise you  to rent a car equipped with air conditioning,  

but other than that,there are no other specific  requirements you should be aware of. And not. you  

do not need a four wheel drive for a road trip  in Spain. Don't pull over just anywhere to take  

a picture. We have seen this scene too often, in  particular on small country roads. As soon as a  

great photo opportunity appears, the driver stops  the car in the middle of the road regardless of  

incoming traffic. Don't do that. You are going  to piss a lot of people off and, even worse,  

you can cause an accident. On top of that, be  aware that if you stop by the side of a highway,  

you must wear a fluorescent jacket. All Spanish  cars are equipped with one. If you don't put  

the jacket on, and a police car drives by, you  will be fined. Do respect pedestrian crossings.  

Pedestrian crossings, known in Spanish as  "pasos de peatones" or "pasos de cebra",  

are to be respected. The understanding for most  Spanish pedestrians is that they have the absolute  

right of way while on a pedestrian crossing.  And they are definitely right. Not stopping at  

a pedestrian crossing is a serious offense and  can cause a very serious accident. Don't park  

your vehicle any old how. While parking on remote  areas doesn't usually pose much of a challenge,  

the same cannot be said of cities, where parking  is no mean task and there are multiple rules and  

regulations. We have published a video, "parking  in Spain", full of tips and information on the  

issue. You should see the link on the upper  right corner of the screen right now. And that  

was our collection of advice for you, planning a  road trip in Spain. We hope you found it useful.  

If you have any questions, you are more than  welcome to use the commentary box below. Give  

it a thumbs up if you liked the video, and if you  are new to the channel, take the opportunity to  

subscribe using the button that should appear on  the screen. Wwe'll see you soon on another video  

with tips for a road trip in Spain or Portugal.  "Até mais". "Hasta la próxima". See you soon.

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