Drinking And Driving:-If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is more than 0.05% or more, severe penalties can be imposed. These can include fines and withdrawel of visitors driving licence. For drivers with less than 2 years experience the limit 0.03%
Driving Licence:-The minimum age which a UK licence holder may drive a temporarily imported vehicle is and/or motorcycle(over 75cc) is 18. All valid UK licences should be accepted in Spain, including the older style paper licence, although these may be difficult to read and understand.
Fines:-Fines are usually issued on the spot. An official reciept should be obtained. Illegally parked cars can be towed away.
Fuel:-Unleaded petrol (95 and 98 RON) is readily available throughout Spain. Leaded petrol (4 star) is not available. The carrying of petrol in a can is also permisable. Diesel (gasoleo A)is also available(NOTE:- Gasoleo B refers to heating oil).LPG(autogas) is also available, but presently there are only a few outlets.
Lights:-It is prohibited to use full headlamps in built up areas, sidelights and dipped headlamps may only be used depending on how well lit the road in question is. Whilst in tunnels, dipped headlamps must be used.
Motorcycles:-Crash helmets are compulsary whilst riding a motorcycle 125cc or over. Dipped headlamps must be used at all times whilst riding.
Motor Insurance:-Third party insuance is the minimum compulsary.
Seat Belts:-If seat belts are fitted to the vehicle, it is compulsary that they be worn.
Speed Limits:-The following are standard speed limits for private vehicles without trailers, although they may be varied by signs. In built up areas the speed limit is 31mph (50kph). Outside of built up areas the limit is 55mph (90kph) on 2nd category roads 62mph (100kph) and on1st category roads and motorways 74mph (120kph). The minimum speed on motorways is 37mph (56kph) and in some residential areas 13mph (20kph)
Other Information:-In Spain, it is compulsary for drivers to carry a set of replacement bulbs and a warning triangle.(one compulsary for foreign registered vehicles, but 2 are reccomended as in an accident/breakdown situation, officials may issue a fine if only 1 produced) A driver who requires glasses to drive should also carry a spare pair. Equipment with a TV screen which may distract a driver (ie tv/dvd/video equipment) is prohibited, this excludes GPS systems. Radar scanning detectors are also prohibited. It is also now compulsary to carry a reflective jacket whilst driving in Spain, and they must be worn by every occupant of the vehicle if they exit the vehicle which has become immobilised on the motorway at night or in poor visibility. Please be aware that car hire companies are not under obligation to supply them to persons hiring vehicles , and often do not.