Renting a car in Spain is an efficient way to explore the country’s natural, cultural, and historical treasures at your own pace. Whether you want to visit multiple cities, coastal towns, or hidden gems across the country, car rental in Spain gives you the flexibility you need.
However, driving in Spain as a foreigner comes with certain rules and regulations. This page aims to take you through the rules for driving in Spain for foreigners, covering the Spanish driving license requirements, traffic rules, fees, and tips.
Do You Need a Car Hire in Spain?
It depends on your travel expectations. Spain’s transportation system is actually very convenient. The trains and buses smartly connect all major places, so it is possible to travel without a car.
However, if you want to save time, explore remote areas, or visit multiple places in a short period, driving in Spain as a tourist may be the most convenient option, so you can travel on your own schedule and discover places public transport cannot reach.
Driving in Spain: Requirements for Foreigners
The driving age in Spain is 18. If your license is issued in an EU or EEA country, it is valid in Spain. However, if your license is issued outside these regions, you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your international driving license in Spain acts as an official translation of your home country’s license and must be presented together with your original license whenever you drive in Spain.
What Insurance Do You Need for Hiring a Car in Spain?
Legally, you must obtain third-party insurance, which covers the harm to other road users, pedestrians, and passengers in your car. A third-party insurance is commonly included in car rental contracts, but if it is not, you will need to purchase it separately. Note that this insurance policy doesn’t cover violations of local laws, such as driving under the influence of alcohol. So you may need more comprehensive packages in these cases.
Two very common insurance policies are Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP), which limit the amount you would have to pay in the event of an accident or theft. Meanwhile, Zero Deductible Insurance provides full coverage, ensuring that you don’t have to pay anything in these situations.
Having a comprehensive insurance policy is essential. However, some car hire companies in Spain may provide options that include more coverage than you actually need. Therefore, the best way to rent a car in Spain is to compare all available offerings and find the best one for you.
How to Rent a Car in Spain?
To drive a hire car in Spain, you generally need a valid driver’s license, passport or ID card, and a credit card. Note that most rental companies don’t accept cash. The driving age in Spain for tourists is 18, but most rental companies require drivers to have held a valid license for at least 1-2 years. The renting options can also be more limited for 18-25-year-old drivers, and they often pay a young driver surcharge in addition to the rental price. Also, if more than one person will drive a rental car in Spain, all drivers must be listed on the rental contract.
Car Rental Fees in Spain
Daily car rental fees in Spain typically range from €20 to €70, depending on the type of car, the season, and the rental company. Opting for a compact car is often the most economical choice, especially if you plan to explore historic towns or city centers where streets are narrow and parking is limited.
You can use online comparison websites to find the best deals. Booking early can also offer great discounts, while last-minute reservations during peak season may be significantly more expensive.
Keep in mind that rental fees can be higher for drivers under 25 years old. Additionally, vehicles with automatic transmission usually incur an extra charge compared to manual ones. If you include multiple drivers on the contract, the rental fee may also increase.
Rules for Driving in Spain
The rules for driving in Spain are very standard. However, if you’re driving in Spain for the first time, it may be worth familiarizing yourself with local driving rules, speed limits, and parking regulations before setting off.
Spain has clear and strict traffic regulations to ensure road safety:
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Speed limits in Spain are 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on conventional roads, and 20-50 km/h in urban areas.
- Drivers must not use mobile phones without hands-free devices.
- Children under 135 cm must use an approved restraint system and are not allowed in the front seat.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l of blood for regular drivers and 0.3 g/l for professionals or new drivers.
- Helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists, moped riders, and cyclists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Rules in Spain
Here are some of the most common questions asked about driving regulations in Spain.
Q. Does Spain require an international driving permit?
A. Yes. If your driver’s license is issued in a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Q. Driving in Spain right or left?
A. All vehicles drive on the right-hand side, and overtaking is done on the left.
Q. What are the driving licence requirements in Spain?
A. To obtain a driving licence in Spain, you must enrol in an accredited driving school and pass a two-stage exam: a theory test followed by a practical road test. Once you’ve successfully passed both, you can apply for your official licence by submitting the necessary documents, which include a primary school diploma and a valid medical certificate.
Q. Can you rent a car in Spain with a US license?
A. Not directly. While drivers from the EU or EEA can use their licences without any issue, travellers from other countries (including the United States) must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their national licence. This process is simple and can be arranged before your trip.
Q. Are there tolls in Spain?
A. Most of the roads in the international network are free to use. However, some of them require the payment of a toll, but typically, there are alternative free routes.
Q. What to do if you get a fine in Spain?
A. If you receive a fine directly from the Civil Guard, you can pay it on the spot using a credit or debit card. If the fine is sent to your home address, payment can be made at any La Caixa (Caixabank) branch or through the official website of the Spanish Directorate of Traffic (DGT).
There is a 50% discount if the fine is paid within 20 days. After that, you have an additional 45 days to pay the full amount, and any delay beyond that will result in a 20% surcharge.
