Driving in Spain: Complete Guide for Tourists (2026)

Spain has some of the best roads in Europe, but also some of the strictest enforcement. Speed cameras are everywhere, fines are steep, and the rules are different enough from other countries to catch tourists off guard.

We've lived in Spain for years and rent cars regularly to explore.

We're used to driving on the left (South African expats), so switching sides took some adjustment. No fines yet (touch wood), but we've had a few close calls. The real wake-up call? Looking at the Spanish learner's exam. That's when you realise just how much you've been assuming.

This guide covers everything you need to know to drive legally and confidently in Spain.

Licence Requirements by Country

IDP (International Driving Permit): This is a translation of your licence, not a separate licence.

Get one before you travel from your home country's automobile association (AA, AAA, etc.). It's valid for 1 year.

Minimum driving age: 18 in Spain, but most rental companies require you to be 21 or older. Drivers under 25 often pay a young driver surcharge.

Staying longer than 6 months? You'll need to convert your licence to a Spanish one, which involves written and practical exams.

Speed Limits in Spain

Speed limits are strictly enforced. Cameras are everywhere, often disguised as electrical boxes.

Camera tolerance: On roads up to 90 km/h, cameras trigger at 7 km/h over the limit. On faster roads (100+ km/h), the tolerance is 7%.

Speeding fines: €100 for minor offences, up to €600 for serious speeding, plus points deducted from Spanish licences. Extreme speeding (60+ km/h over in urban areas) can result in criminal charges.

Road Rules You Must Know

The Basics

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left
• Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers, front and rear
• Headlights in tunnels, even in daylight
• No handheld phones, fines start at €200 (use hands-free only)
• Children under 1.35m must use child seats in the rear

Rules That Catch Tourists Off Guard

Yes, these are real. Spanish traffic law is detailed.

New 2025 Rules

Emergency corridor: When traffic stops on multi-lane roads, drivers must create a central emergency corridor. Left lane moves left, all others move right, leaving the middle clear for emergency vehicles.

Motorcycles in traffic: Motorcyclists can now use the right-hand hard shoulder during standstill traffic, but only up to 30 km/h and must yield to emergency vehicles.

Low Emission Zones (ZBE): All Spanish cities over 50,000 residents now have mandatory ZBE zones.

Foreign vehicles must comply. Check if you need to register before entering Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or Seville.

Required Equipment

Spanish law requires certain items in every vehicle. Rental cars should have these, but you're legally responsible for checking.

V-16 beacon: From January 1, 2026, Spain-registered vehicles must carry a V-16 connected beacon instead of warning triangles. Tourists in rental cars should still have the traditional equipment provided.

Alcohol and Drug Limits

Spain has strict drink-driving laws with limits lower than many countries.

Reality check: One glass of wine can put you close to or over the limit. If you're driving, don't drink at all.

Penalties: €500-1,000 fines, points deducted, and criminal charges for high levels. Refusing a breathalyser is an automatic 6-point deduction and serious consequences.

Renting a Car in Spain

We rent regularly, and it pains us to see couples stranded at the pick-up counter because they're missing documents.

What You Need

Manual vs Automatic

Manual cars dominate the Spanish rental market.

Automatics are available but rarer and more expensive. Book in advance, especially during peak season.

Insurance

Basic rental includes CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), but with high excess (often €1,000+). Options:

• Upgrade through the rental company: More expensive but seamless
• Third-party excess insurance: Cheaper, but you pay upfront and claim back
• Credit card coverage: Check if your card offers rental protection

Our advice: Get full coverage.

Narrow alleys and tight parking make scratches almost inevitable. I once scraped a mirror in Granada. Full coverage saved me €600. And don't forget to sort out travel insurance for Spain too.

Parking in Spain

Parking is where most people get caught out.

Pavement Markings

Parking Tips

• Double-parking is common but still illegal (you will get ticketed)
• Park legally: Spanish tow trucks are efficient and expensive
• Underground garages: Expect €20-30+ per night in cities
• Apps: EasyPark and similar apps work in most Spanish cities. For more app recommendations, see our guide to travel apps for Spain.

Road Types and Tolls

Road Classifications

Toll Payments

• Cash or card at toll booths
• VIA-T electronic device for frequent users
• Telepeaje lanes for registered users

The AP-68 to San Sebastián can cost €12+ one way. Google Maps can route around tolls if you prefer (slower but more scenic).

What It's Actually Like

We've learned there are two very different modes of driving in Spain.

Easy mode: The music's on, we're chatting, GPS muted because we don't need it.

Most of our road trips feel like this. Quiet highways, coastal roads, winding through hills. The roads are smooth, traffic is light. It's the kind of driving that feels like part of the holiday.

Mild panic mode: Things get louder when we head into a city. The streets are narrow, parking is creative, roads weren't built for modern traffic, and tourists step out like they're indestructible.

The trick: Plan ahead.

If you're entering a city, mentally prepare. Give your passenger the navigator job. If you're alone, go slow, stay calm. Take in the sights once you've found parking and your heart rate has returned to normal.

Getting Pulled Over

Police types:

• Municipal Police: Urban traffic enforcement
• Guardia Civil de Tráfico: Highways and rural areas

What to do:

1. Pull over immediately
2. Put on your reflective vest before exiting (if required)
3. Present licence, ID, and vehicle documents
4. Stay calm and respectful

Random checks are normal, especially near borders or during festivals. They're often checking for drugs, alcohol, or stolen vehicles.

On-the-spot fines: Police can demand immediate payment from tourists.

They may escort you to an ATM. If you can't pay, your vehicle may be immobilised.

If You Get a Fine

If you receive a fine (during your trip or afterwards via the rental company):

• Pay within 20 days for a 50% discount
• Check online at DGT or the miDGT app
• Rental companies charge admin fees (€20-50) on top of the fine

For full details, see our driving fines in Spain guide.