Features » Motoring in Spain » The Car Clinic
DRIVING LEGALLY IN SPAIN
Tony Banham (The Car Clinic) / 2011-03-20 10:44:43
Driving is a dangerous activity at best of times and it’s not made any easier here in Spain unless you are aware of a few facts. Here’s a few for you to remember.
Let’s start with my pet hate, indicators, nobody ever bothers to use them. The law in Spain regarding the use of indicators is strictly enforced especially on motorways.
You risk being fined for not indicating. Always indicate before overtaking and again before pulling back to the nearside. Do not cross the solid white line as you enter the motorway from a slip road, but wait until the line is broken.
Seat belts should be worn at all times front and rear, this applies to children too. Children under 12 cannot travel in the front unless using a suitably adapted restraint system. In the rear, passengers under 135cm tall must use specially adapted safety devices and restraints.
Firstly for your own safety, but don’t wear them and you will fall into the hands of the M.I.G and their famous €150 fines. Most fines are on the spot so always ensure an official receipt is issued by the Men In Green.
Always carry Documentation. By this I mean; your driving licence, vehicle registration document (Permisso De Circulacion and the Trajeta Inspection Tecnica De Vehiculos).
A valid certificate of motor insurance with proof of payment. If your licence does not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive.
Drinking and driving.
Don't do it. Over 0.05% and you could face anything from a severe fine, withdrawal of your licence or even a trip to prison. One sure way of enhancing your conversational Spanish!
Spectacle wearers must carry a spare pair in the car at all times. Forget these and is another €150 toward the M.I.G Christmas ball!
Replacement bulbs are still compulsory, although the law is changing about this dew to the complexity of changing bulbs by the roadside. High visibility jackets, one per number of seats in your vehicle, also compulsory. Romours are about that you must now by law carry a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, as far as I am aware this has not been passed by Spanish law.
Warning triangles are also compulsory. One only is required for non-Spanish registered vehicles. Two required for Spanish vehicles, but to avoid difficulties with the police I would recommend two triangles.
Just a few tips that may make the difference between turkey and trimmings and cheese on toast at the M.I.G Christmas ball. Be careful out there. Until next time, ask most men define marriage and you may find the answer is “an expensive way to get laundry done for free.”
Happy motoring
Tony
thecarclinic@hotmail.com
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