Traffic rules in Spain: what a tourist needs to know

Renting a car in Barcelona gives you freedom of movement, but it is important to remember that Spain has its own traffic rules. To avoid fines and unpleasant situations, familiarize yourself with the basic traffic rules and peculiarities of driving in this country. Here's what a tourist needs to know.

Basic rules of the road

1. Right-hand traffic
   • In Spain, as in most European countries, traffic is right-handed.
2. Seat belts
   • The use of seat belts is compulsory for all passengers. Children under 12 years of age or under 135 cm tall must be in child seats.
3. Speed limit
   • In the city: 50 km/h.
   • Out of town: 90 km/h.
   • On highways: 120 km/h.
   • Please note that in residential areas the speed limit may be reduced to 20-30 km/h.
4. Alcohol behind the wheel
   • The permissible blood alcohol limit is 0.5 ppm (0.3 ppm for drivers with less than 2 years' experience). Violation is punishable by heavy fines and deprivation of license.
5. Using a cell phone
   • It is prohibited to talk on the phone while driving without hands-free. The fine for violation is from 200 euros.
6. Parking lot
   • Parking spaces in the center of Barcelona are paid for. Look for the blue lines on the pavement - they indicate paid zones. White lines are free parking, yellow lines are no parking.
   • Use parking meters or mobile apps to pay.
7. Circular motion
   • At traffic circles, priority is given to those already in the circle. When entering, you must give way.
8. Traffic lights and signs
   • Traffic lights are often located not only in front of the intersection, but also on the opposite side.
   • Pay attention to signs, especially those that indicate speed limits or prohibit entry.

Driving peculiarities in Barcelona

• Narrow streets. Streets can be very narrow in the historic downtown area, so be careful when maneuvering.
• Areas with restricted traffic. There are areas in Barcelona where only locals or vehicles with special permits are allowed to enter (e.g. Zona de Bajas Emisiones).
• Cyclists. There are many bicycle lanes in the city, so always watch out for cyclists, especially when turning.

Penalties for violations

• Speeding: from 100 to 600 euros, depending on the degree of violation.
• Parking in an inappropriate place: 80 to 200 euros.
• DUI: from 500 to 1000 euros and deprivation of license.

Useful tips

• Use the navigator. This will help you avoid mistakes on the road and find parking quickly.
• Research the route in advance. Especially if you're planning a trip out of town.
• Stay calm. Drivers in Barcelona can be impulsive, but keep cool and follow the rules.

Following the traffic rules will make your journey safe and comfortable. If you rent a car in Barcelona, familiarize yourself with the traffic rules in advance and enjoy your trip!