How To Drive In Spain: Tips for Navigating Spanish Roads

Are you about to embark on a road trip in Spain? If so, you may have heard that Spanish roads can be intimidating and challenging to navigate. There aren't yet many self-driving cars on the road, so you’ll still need to be the one controlling the wheel. But don’t worry, with the right preparation and knowledge, driving in Spain can be an enjoyable experience. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with essential tips and advice to help you stay safe while driving in Spain and get the most out of your journey. Read on to find out more!

Learn the Basics of Spanish Road Signs and Markings

When planning a road trip from Malaga, Spain, it is important to be familiar with the Spanish road signs and markings. The Spanish roads are very different from what most visitors may be used to. Knowing the basics of Spanish road signs and markings can help make your road trip from Malaga safe and enjoyable.

Some common road signs you will find in Spain include stop signs, yield signs, no-entry signs, speed limit signs, and warning signs.

Stop signs indicate that you must come to a complete stop, and yield signs indicate that you should slow down and let other cars go first.

No-entry signs indicate that you cannot enter a certain area or proceed in a certain direction.

Know the Speed Limits

When driving in Spain, it’s important to know the speed limits. Speed limits vary depending on the type of the road and the time of day. Generally, the speed limit is 50km/h in urban areas, and 90km/h in other areas. On highways, the speed limit is usually 120km/h, but may be higher in some areas. It’s important to keep an eye out for speed limit signs as you drive, as they may change from time to time.

It’s also important to be aware of the speed limit in tunnels and on bridges. In some tunnels, the speed limit may be reduced to 30km/h, while on bridges it is usually 70km/h. Pay attention to these signs as you drive, and make sure you don’t exceed the speed limit at any time.

Use Your Blinkers

When driving in Spain, it is essential to use your blinkers to indicate your intent to other drivers. Blinkers or indicators are used to signal when you plan to turn or change lanes. They are also useful when slowing down or stopping at a stop sign or traffic light. It is important to remember that in Spain, right turns on red lights are not allowed, so you must use your blinker when making a right turn. Additionally, if you are going to be parked for a longer period of time, you should use your blinkers to alert other drivers of your presence.

Be Wary of Roundabouts

Roundabouts are one of the most common road features in Spain. While they may seem intimidating at first, with a bit of knowledge you’ll be navigating them like a pro in no time.

When approaching a roundabout, use your indicator to signal your intention and approach slowly. At the entry point, give way to traffic already in the roundabout. Generally speaking, vehicles already in the roundabout have priority over those joining.

Once inside the roundabout, remember to always drive in a clockwise direction. You must indicate your exit with your indicator and look out for pedestrians who may be crossing the road. Be sure to check your mirrors as you exit to ensure that no other vehicle is trying to enter the roundabout at the same time.

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