Children

Children should always travel in the rear seats

Documents

Drivers must at all times carry their current driving licence and a copy of the contract from the car hire company, plus one other form of identification preferably with a photograph.

Minimum age of driving

The minimum age for driving cars in Spain is 18. Some car companies will only rent to people aged 25 and over.

Mirrors

An interior mirror and left hand mirror are compulsory.

Parking

Most towns have parking areas denoted by a white P on a blue background. Yellow lines on the kerbs mean parking is prohibited. Many parking areas are marked with blue road markings and you will find parking meters nearby. In the main resorts there are blue parking bays. There are pay machines located at the side of the road with instructions how to use them in English. If cars are parked illegally they will be towed away and impounded until the driver has paid the fine, which in most cases is substantial.

Right of way

In all cases give way to the right. On roundabouts you will need to give way to the left.

Spare tyres

As most cars now carry the spare tyre under the rear chassis, always check this is still in place before embarking on a journey. If this is stolen, a police report must be obtained, otherwise you will be charged the cost of the replacement by the hire Car Company.

Theft

In the event of car theft, the local car hire company (or the emergency assistance numbers if out of office hours) and police must be contacted immediately.

Accidents

In the event of an accident involving other vehicles, it is of vital importance that the accident form supplied with the car documents is filled out with full details of the vehicles involved, including a number plate and model of car. Both parties must sign an accident form. Do not move the car until the police arrive.

Driving offences

Fines for a traffic offence in Spain can either be payable on the spot or at a local police station depending on which district the offence occurred in. Like anywhere the police are particularly hot on speeding, parking illegally and drink driving. The police must give you a receipt for the amount of fine paid.

Alchohol

Drink driving is an offence and you will be prosecuted if caught. Limits are the same as the UK and the police are vigilant in and out of resort.