Road Rules in Spain — What Expats Need to Know Before They Drive

Spain has some excellent roads — well-maintained motorways, scenic coastal routes, and efficient urban networks. But it also has a set of driving laws that differ in meaningful ways from the rules that most British, American, and Northern European expats are used to. Getting caught out by the differences isn't just embarrassing — it can mean an on-the-spot fine, points on your licence, and potentially a serious legal complication if an accident occurs.

This guide covers the rules that matter most to expat drivers in Spain: the ones that are different from what you're used to, the ones that carry serious penalties, and the ones that have changed recently.

Speed Limits in Spain

Spain's speed limits are clearly codified and strictly enforced through a network of fixed and mobile speed cameras, as well as police patrols. The limits are:

Note the 30 km/h urban limit — this catches many expats off guard. Spain introduced the 30 km/h limit for most residential streets in 2021, reducing the previous 50 km/h urban default on narrower roads. In many towns and cities, you will see explicit 30 km/h signs, but the rule applies even where signs are absent on roads with a single lane of traffic in each direction.

Speed cameras in Spain include both fixed installations (marked with warning signs in advance) and mobile units operated by the Guardia Civil, DGT, and local police. The radar de tramo — a section-based average speed camera — is increasingly common on Spanish roads and catches those who slow for fixed cameras and then speed up again.

Drink-Drive Limits — Lower Than You May Think

Spain's alcohol limit for driving is 0.5 g/L of blood alcohol — lower than England and Wales (0.8 g/L) and higher than Scotland (0.5 g/L, matching Spain). For new drivers (within two years of passing their test) and professional drivers, the limit is 0.3 g/L.

In practical terms, the 0.5 g/L limit means that one glass of wine or one beer may be enough to take some people over the limit, depending on body weight, food intake, and metabolism. The safest policy — and the one the DGT actively promotes — is zero alcohol if you're driving. Roadside breathalyser checks are common, particularly at weekends, during the evening, and near coastal tourist areas during summer.

Penalties for drink-driving range from a fine and points deduction to licence suspension and criminal prosecution for high readings. If you cause an accident while over the limit, criminal liability is significant.

Mobile Phones — Stricter Than Most Expats Expect

Spain has some of the strictest mobile phone laws in Europe. The rules are:

• You may not hold or use a mobile phone while driving — including while stationary at traffic lights with the engine running
• You may not use a phone resting on your lap, on the seat, or on any surface that requires you to look away from the road
• Hands-free kits (Bluetooth earpieces or car speakerphone systems) are permitted, but you may not touch the phone to answer or adjust settings
• Using your phone for navigation is legal only if the device is mounted in a holder and you do not touch it while the car is moving

The fine for using a handheld phone while driving is €200 and six points deducted from your licence (out of 12 for an experienced driver). This is one of the highest point deductions for a single offence in the Spanish system.

Roundabout Priority — A Common Source of Confusion

In Spain, traffic already on the roundabout has priority over traffic entering. This is standard European practice but is occasionally misunderstood by expats from countries where roundabout priority rules vary (or where roundabouts themselves are less common, as in parts of the US).

When approaching a roundabout in Spain, look for the Ceda el Paso (give way) sign and the dashed white line across the entry road — these confirm that you must yield to circulating traffic. Do not enter the roundabout until there is a clear, safe gap. Inside the roundabout, stay in your lane and signal when exiting.

Lane discipline on multi-lane roundabouts in Spain can be inconsistent, particularly in older town centres where road markings are unclear. As a general rule, use the outer lane for the first or second exit, and the inner lane for exits further around. Always signal when leaving the roundabout.

Overtaking Rules

Overtaking in Spain follows standard European practice: overtake on the left, not on the right. On motorways, the right-hand lane is the driving lane — the left lane is for overtaking. Do not sit in the left lane at motorway speed — this is an offence in Spain (as it is in the UK).

When overtaking on single-carriageway roads, you must have clear visibility, sufficient space, and cross a dashed white line (never a solid white line, which indicates no overtaking). When returning to the left lane after overtaking, signal and return smoothly without cutting in front of the vehicle you've passed.

Children in Cars

Spanish law requires children under 135 cm in height to travel in an approved child restraint system appropriate for their weight and height. The rules are:

• Children under 135 cm may not travel in the front seat unless there is no rear seat, or the rear seats are already occupied by other children in restraint systems
• If a rear-facing child seat is placed in the front seat, the front airbag must be deactivated
• Children over 135 cm and adults must wear a seatbelt at all times

Fines for transporting a child without an appropriate seat are substantial, and enforcement is increasing.

Compulsory Items to Carry in Your Vehicle

Every vehicle in Spain must carry the following:

• V-16 emergency beacon: From 2026, this orange flashing beacon (which connects to the DGT's alert system via GPS) has replaced the requirement for warning triangles. See our dedicated guide on V-16 for full details.
• High-visibility vests: One for each occupant. These must be worn before you exit the vehicle on a road after a breakdown or accident — not after you've already stepped out.
• Spare glasses: If your driving licence specifies that you must wear corrective lenses, you must carry a spare pair in the vehicle.

It is also advisable (though not legally compulsory for most vehicles) to carry a spare wheel or tyre inflation kit, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher. Some vehicle types — commercial vehicles, for example — have additional legal requirements.

The DGT Points System

Spain operates a licence points system. Experienced drivers start with 12 points; new drivers (within two years of passing their test) start with 8 points. Points are deducted for offences:

• Using a handheld mobile phone: 6 points
• Drink-driving (above limit): 4–6 points depending on severity
• Speeding (moderate excess): 2–6 points depending on how far over the limit
• Not wearing a seatbelt: 3 points
• Driving without a helmet (motorcycles): 3 points
• Driving recklessly: 6 points

When your points reach zero, your licence is suspended for up to six months (or 12 months for a second suspension). To recover points, you must complete a driving awareness course or go two years without any further offences.

What Happens If You Get a Fine as a Foreign Driver?

Spain has reciprocal enforcement agreements with all EU member states and the UK, meaning that traffic fines issued in Spain can be pursued through the enforcement systems of those countries if unpaid. If you are stopped by police in Spain and required to pay a fine on the spot, a 50% early payment reduction is usually available if paid within 20 days.

Do not ignore a Spanish traffic fine. Fines that go unpaid accumulate surcharges and are passed to debt collection or foreign enforcement agencies. The amounts involved can grow significantly.

Priority Roads — Something Many Expats Don't Know

Spain uses a priority road system indicated by a yellow diamond sign. When you see this sign, you have absolute priority over all roads that join yours — even at unmarked junctions. The priority continues until you see a crossed-out version of the sign, or until you reach a give-way or stop sign.

At junctions on non-priority roads without specific signs, the default rule is priority to the right (prioridad a la derecha). This means vehicles approaching from your right have priority. Understanding the priority road system is essential — approaching a junction on a non-priority road without yielding to a priority road is a common cause of accidents and carries serious legal implications.