You will need to have the following in the vehicle with you at all times:

• Car hire agreement
• Driving Licence
• Passport or ID
• Warning triangles x 2 (provided by Drivalia for your convenience)
• Yellow reflective (Hi Vis) jacket (one is provided by Drivalia for your convenience)

And, if you need prescription glasses when driving, carrying a spare pair is advised.

The best advice is of course, NEVER drink and drive.

Penalties can be severe and include fines, withdrawal of the visitor's driving licence and even imprisonment.

The limit is 0.5 grams per litre of blood (0.25 mg / litre of breath) or 0.3 grams per litre of blood
(0.15mg / litre of breath) with less than 2 years’ experience.

Remember to give way to traffic from the left at roundabouts.

If you receive an on the stop fine for a traffic offence, like speeding, ensure you obtain an official receipt.

Many fixed speed cameras have been installed in Spain; if you fail to keep to the speed limit at all times, you might receive a fine at your home country address without prior notice.

You should use only the type of fuel specified on your documentation
i.e. either unleaded petrol (95 & 98 octane) or diesel.

Credit cards are accepted at most filling stations; check with your card
issuer for usage in Spain before travel.

You will find both self-service and serviced petrol stations.

When joining a dual carriageway or motorway you must give way to traffic from the left. Often there is a filter lane but sometimes there is not so be prepared to stop. You must not cross a solid white line: only join the main traffic flow where the white line becomes broken and it is safe to do so.

It is prohibited to touch or programme the device unless parked in a safe place.

N.B. Drivalia have GPS systems available for hire.

It is prohibited to sound the horn at any time in urban areas, except in an emergency. Lights may be flashed in place of using the horn.

You are required by law to indicate when changing lanes on a motorway. Also, ensure you do not cross the solid white line as you enter the motorway from a slip road: wait until the line is broken.

The use of full headlights in built-up areas is prohibited; use sidelights or dipped headlights depending on how well lit the roads are. Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels.

Talking on mobile phones when driving is forbidden, even when pulled over to the side of the road. You must be completely away from the road. Using an earpiece is also prohibited but units that are completely hands-free are permitted.

The use of any type of headphone or earphone (for example to listen to music or make telephone calls) by the driver is illegal and punishable by a large fine and penalty points.

If your vehicle is immobilised on the carriageway you must try to get the vehicle on to the hard shoulder, put the hazard lights on and place the warning triangles as follows:

On major roads and motorways with no on-coming traffic place one triangle 50 metres to the rear. On other roads with traffic in both directions place one triangle 50 metres in front of the vehicle and the other 50 metres behind the vehicle.

Please note: 50 metres is approximately 100 paces (walking).

Please remember to wear the Hi-Vis jacket when placing the triangles.

The wearing of a reflective (Hi Vis) jacket/waistcoat is compulsory if driver and/or passenger(s) exits a vehicle which is immobilised on the carriageway of all motorways and main or busy roads. You must put on the jackets before exiting the vehicle and so they should be kept within the passenger compartment or in the boot but accesible from inside the vehicle.

Car hire companies are not under legal obligation to supply them to persons hiring vehicles, so often don’t; however for your convenience and peace of mind Drivalia does provide one.

Required for all passengers in the front and back seats. No children under the age of twelve should be in the front seat and small children must be in an approved child safety seat in the back seat. Drivalia can provide a child seat: please request at the time of booking.

In Spain, the speed limits are generally:

• In built-up areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Outside built-up areas 90 km/h (55 mph)
• On main roads 100 km/h (62 mph)
• On major roads and motorways 120 km/h (74 mph)

But the best advice is: look out for signs. Radar speed traps are a regular occurrence and on the spot fines will be imposed if you are exceeding the limit. (see Fines)

The use of radar jammers is prohibited and there are severe penalties for non compliance.

Autopista de Peajes have toll booths at intervals. The toll fee can be paid in cash or by card with booth(s) dedicated to each: follow the appropriate signs.

Unless you carry an ETC device (Electronic Toll Collection) avoid the blue-laned booths as these are only for “non-stop” automatic payment. They are clearly labelled “TELEPEAJE”, “Via-t” or they have a blue “T” at the entrance.

Apparatus with a screen which can distract a driver (such as television, video, DVD equipment) should be positioned in places where the driver is unable to see them.

In town the best advice is to park in an official car park (multi-storey or underground). Prices will be displayed outside the car park - check before entering. Be careful of parking restrictions when parking on the street.
You might find there is a blue, orange or yellow line on the pavement.

• Blue or orange line = purchase a ticket from the nearest machine or ticket attendant. Check the time restrictions.
• Yellow line = NO parking.

Also look out for ‘no parking’ signs.

Motorists must not change lanes when there is a solid white line in the road. When entering a motorway from a sliproad, drivers must wait until the solid white line changes to a broken line before pulling out