► the DO's and DON'Ts of DRIVING in Spain 🇪🇸 #003
Summary
TLDRThis 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
🚗 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.
🛣️ 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.
🔄 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.
👍 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Road Trip
💡Driving Laws
💡Speed Limits
💡Fuel
💡Roundabouts
💡Cyclists
💡Pedestrian Crossings
💡Parking
💡Distracted Driving
💡Bank Holidays
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.
you
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