Welcome to Spain.

Welcome to Spain! Driving here can be rewarding — sunshine, scenery, and great roads — but also challenging, especially if you’ve recently arrived from the UK.

This guide collects the 12 most important tips for expats. They’re a mix of driving habits, legal requirements, and cultural differences you’ll want to know before you hit the road.

We’ve divided them into two sections:

  • Driving Habits & Road Awareness – the things we can show you on the road.

  • Legalities & Enforcement – the things you must carry and comply with off the road.

Tip 1: Driving on the Right

For a UK driver, this is the single biggest adjustment. It sounds simple, but instinct can betray you when you’re distracted, tired, or leaving a quiet junction.

  • Practical anchors: Say aloud, “driving on the right, driving on the right”, in the first minutes. Stickers on dashboards help.

  • Turning left: You must cross oncoming traffic. That means checking both ways — obviously check left first before crossing the first lane, but always double-check to the right before committing fully across.

  • Turning right: When emerging from a side road, always check left first for approaching cars. The same applies when approaching roundabouts — traffic will be coming from your left.

  • Pedestrian danger: At zebra crossings, Brits often look the wrong way before stepping out — slow down early.

Tip 2: The Roundabout Melting Pot

Roundabouts are where Europe collides.

  • Spaniards may exit from the inside lane — don’t copy it.

  • Some drivers circle the outside lane signalling left all the way around. Watch out!

  • Best practice: stay right unless turning left immediately, always signal clearly.

  • In accidents, the inside cutter is usually at fault — but defensive driving saves hassle.

Tip 3: Motorways & Autopistas Aren’t the Same

[Insert Image: AP-7 toll road sign]

  • Autovía (A-7, A-31, etc.): Free, older, may have sharp bends or junctions.

  • Autopista (AP-7, etc.): Toll roads, smoother, straighter, less stress.

Merging rules:

  • Indicate left, not right.

  • Traffic already on the motorway has priority. No UK-style “zip merges.”

Tip 4: Speed Limits Aren’t the Same

[Insert Image: Spanish speed limit sign]

  • Motorways: 120 km/h (≈ 75 mph).

  • Secondary roads: 90 km/h, often dropping suddenly.

  • Urban: 30 km/h unless signed otherwise.

Key differences:

  • Frequent changes — especially near villages.

  • Blue circular signs = advisory speeds.

  • Enforcement: hidden fixed radars, mobile vans, and some average-speed checks (less common than in the UK).

Tip 5: Overtaking Isn’t the Same

[Insert Image: Two-lane rural road]

  • On single-carriageways, only overtake if you can return quickly.

  • No undertaking: It’s illegal (though some locals do it).

  • Watch motorcycles: More aggressive filtering than in the UK.

Tip 6: The Diamond Trap

[Insert Image: Priority road diamond sign]

  • Yellow diamond: You’re on a priority road.

  • Crossed-out diamond: Your priority ends, yield required.

UK drivers often misjudge this — either hesitating when they don’t need to, or failing to yield when they must.

Tip 7: Traffic Lights Work Differently

[Insert Image: Overhead Spanish traffic lights]

  • Often placed above the road or on the far side of junctions.

  • Extra low lights for motorbikes can confuse visitors.

  • Amber phase is short. Expect drivers pushing through.

Tip 8: Headlights Aren’t Just for the Dark

[Insert Image: Tunnel entrance sign]

  • Mandatory in tunnels, poor weather, and often on rural single carriageways.

  • Flashes mean “I’m coming through” or “go ahead,” not aggression.

  • Forgetting headlights can lead to fines.

Tip 9: Don’t Drink and Drive in Spain

[Insert Image: No drink-driving sign]

  • Limit: 0.5 g/l blood (0.3 g/l for new/pro). UK is 0.8.

  • One pint or large glass of wine may put you over.

  • Police checkpoints are common, even midweek.

  • Morning after: alcohol clears at about 1 unit/hour.

Tip 10: Parking Isn’t Straightforward

[Insert Image: Tow truck (grúa) removing a car]

  • Must park in the direction of traffic.

  • Kerb colours: Blue = pay, Green = residents, Yellow = no parking.

  • Some towns use odd/even day parking rules.

  • The grúa: Spain’s tow trucks are fast and ruthless — and very expensive.

Tip 11: Carry It or Get Fined

[Insert Image: Reflective vest and warning triangle]

Required items to carry:

  • Driving licence

  • Passport or NIE

  • Vehicle papers

  • Insurance certificate

  • Reflective vests for all passengers

  • Warning triangles or V16 beacon

Police do random checks, and missing one item can mean an on-the-spot fine.

Tip 12: Fines Count Even If You Don’t See Them

[Insert Image: Computer with DGT website]

  • Fines are logged digitally in the DGT system.

  • If the letter doesn’t reach you, the fine still exists.

  • Check online with NIE or reg plate.

  • Unpaid fines can block vehicle sales or escalate into bigger penalties.

Final Word

Driving in Spain is safe, enjoyable, and straightforward once you adjust.
These 12 tips will help you avoid the most common traps for expats — and keep you, your passengers, and your wallet safe.

DriveSafe: Safety First for Expats