What do I need to know about driving in Spain?

If you are planning to rent a car in Spain, applying for an international driving permit is important. Spain requires foreign drivers who have a license in English to obtain an IDP prior to arriving in Spain. This driving permit is a requirement to drive in Spain, and without the permit, you could face punishment if stopped by law enforcement officials while driving. American drivers must have both their domestic license and IDP in their possession while driving.

An international drivers permit in Spain is a translated version of your original license. It is available only to those who are currently licensed in their home country. The license makes it easy for law enforcement (and others like staff at the rental car desk) to learn your name, address and other information without language barriers standing in the way. Click here to learn more about driving in Spain.

Never drive drunk. The Spanish drink-drive limit is 0.5 mg/ml of blood, down to 0.3 mg/ml for people with fewer than three years’ driving experience.

Most road signs are fairly consistent across the continent, and they’re fairly easy to decipher.

Children up to the age of 12 and measuring less than 135cm travelling on the front seat of a car must be seated in a child restraint system adapted to their size and weight. Children measuring more than 135cm may use an adult seat belt.

Children measuring less than 135cm travelling on the rear seat must also be placed in a child restraint system adapted to their size and weight, except when travelling in a taxi in an urban area.

Parking is prohibited within five metres of a bend or intersection. The blue parking zone ("zona azul" ou "zona O.R.A.") is indicated by signs. The maximum parking period is usually two hours during the day; there is no parking limit between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. hours, depending on local dispositions.