Check our company listing if you wish to rent a car in Fuerteventura

DRIVING IN SPAIN

DRIVING LICENCES.
On the 9th of September, 2004, the Law in Spain was changed as the result of a decision handed down by the European Court of Justice.

This means that your EU foreign licence, the one with the ring of stars on the front is legal to use in any EU country (that includes Spain). The card has been available in the UK for some time. In Spain they have been issued since 2005. The older pre-EU type licences must still be changed for a Spanish one or an EU one from your home country (if you stay for more than 6 months in Spain).

However, non-Residents who do not hold a EU type driving licence can drive in Spain on an old foreign driving license (the folded card ) for a maximum of 6 months in the calendar year.

Unlike England, in Spain, there are no provisional licences so before passing your test and getting a full license, the only person you can drive with is your instructor.

All the paper work has to be done at your nearest 'Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico'.

REQUIREMENTS FOR YOU CAR:
When you are driving in Spain you are required to have with you the following:
• 2 warning triangles
• Replacement bulbs
• A reflective jacket
• Driving licence
• Vehicle registration
• Certificate of motor insurance
• Spare pair of glasses (for those who wear them)

WARNING TRIANGLE.
One only is required for non-Spanish registered vehicles. Two required for Spanish vehicles, but to avoid difficulties with the police we recommend two triangles should be carried
Reflective jackets :
They are now compulsory in Spain (and likely to become compulsory throughout the EU) if you need to walk on a motorway. Visibility vests must be carried inside the car, rather than in the boot. If you breakdown on the motorway you will be breaking the law if you walk to an emergency phone without one.
INSURANCE:
As with most other European countries third party insurance is mandatory.
GLASSES (SPECTACLES):
Wearers must carry a spare pair in the car at all times.
SPEED LIMITS:
Motorways : Autopistas/autovías 120kph / 75mph
Country roads 90kph/ 56mph
Urban roads 50kph / 31mph
Residential areas 20kph 12mph
TOLL ROADS:
There are no toll roads in Fuerteventura.
SEATBELTS:
Whilst driving in Spain it is obligatory to wear ones seatbelt, both in the front and rear seats (if fitted).
DRINK-DRIVING AND ALCOHOL LIMIT:
The legal blood/alcohol limit in Spain is 0.5 grams of alcohol contained per litre of blood, 0.25 micrograms of alcohol contained in litre of breath.
In Spain, a normal penalty for driving with excess of alcohol includes a statutory minimum period of 12 months driving licence suspension and a fine or weekend arrest. You do not need to have commited a moving traffic offence. The law changed recently in the sense that driving under the effects of alcohol can be regarded as a criminal offence, it is up to the police to decide whether or not to press crimminal charges.
MOBILE PHONES:
It is illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving – fines can be up to 300 euros.
FINES:
Foreigners must pay fines on the spot unless they can present a Spanish bail bond or an address of a Spanish friend or company who will guarantee payment of the fine. If the fine cannot be paid or guaranteed, the vehicle will be impounded and the driver detained until the fine is paid. There's usually a discount of 30 percent for immediate settlement. The police will issue a Boletin de Denuncia which specifies the offence and the amount of the fine. Check carefully that the fine amount noted on the document matches the amount you paid. Follow the English instructions on the back of the document if you want to dispute the charge; you have 15 days to file a written dispute, and you can write your argument in English.
A FEW BASIC RULES
Give way to traffic from the left unless otherwise signed, especially on roundabouts. Do not pull into the middle of the road to turn left if there is a solid line in the road. There are often special lanes for this, signposted cambio de sentido (change of direction), especially on the autovias and Autopistas. All people in the car must wear seatbelts if fitted, and children must be in specially approved (EU) seats situated only in the rear due to possible injury by front airbags in the event of a crash.

DRIVING IN FUERTEVENTURA
You have to bear in mind that certain areas (parques naturales/ parques nacionales) are restricted to motor vehicles. Do not drive your car in Corralejo dunes or in any beach as you could be heavily fined if caught.

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