Spain has excellent roads, and driving is often the best way to explore the country. Before you set off, here is everything you need to know about speed limits, tolls, parking, fuel, and the rules of the road.
Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking on the left. If you are travelling from the UK, this is one of the first adjustments to make — particularly at roundabouts, where you give way to traffic already on the roundabout (coming from your left).
Spanish speed limits are as follows:
Speed cameras are common, particularly on motorways and ring roads around cities. Average speed cameras (tramos de control de velocidad) are widely used — they measure your average speed over a section of road, not just at a single point.
Spain has an extensive motorway network. Many of the major routes — particularly in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and along the eastern coast — have tolls. The toll system is generally cash or card at the barrier, with some unmanned lanes for electronic payment (Via T). Your hire car will not have a Via T transponder unless specifically arranged, so use staffed or card-payment lanes.
Toll costs vary significantly by route. The A-7 coastal motorway between Barcelona and the French border, for example, can cost 25€ to 35€ for a one-way trip. Consider whether toll-free national roads (N-roads) are a viable alternative for your journey.
The legal blood alcohol limit in Spain is 0.5 mg/ml — stricter than the UK (0.8 mg/ml in England, Wales and Northern Ireland). For drivers who have held their licence for less than two years, the limit is 0.3 mg/ml. Penalties for drink-driving include heavy fines, licence points, and in serious cases, prosecution.
It is illegal to hold a mobile phone while driving in Spain. Hands-free use is permitted. Fines for handheld phone use can reach 200€, plus points on your licence. Using a sat-nav mounted on the windscreen or dashboard is legal, but it must not obstruct your view.
Several Spanish cities — including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia — have introduced low-emission zones (ZBE) restricting access for older vehicles. Most modern hire cars meet the required environmental standards and display an environmental sticker (etiqueta medioambiental). Check with your supplier that the vehicle you are collecting has the correct sticker for the cities you plan to visit.
Madrid's ZBE (Madrid Central and Madrid 360) and Barcelona's ZBE are the most actively enforced. Driving within a restricted zone without the correct classification can result in a fine of 90€ – 500€.
Petrol stations (gasolineras) are widespread across Spain, including on motorways. Most accept card payment. Diesel is called gasóleo or diesel; unleaded petrol is gasolina sin plomo (95 or 98 octane). LPG (autogas) is available at larger stations. Confirm which fuel your hire car requires before filling up — misfuelling can result in significant charges.
Fuel is generally cheaper in Spain than in the UK. Supermarket-attached stations tend to be competitively priced.
Parking rules in Spanish cities use a colour-coded kerb system:
Underground car parks (aparcamiento) are available in most city centres and are often the easiest option. Parking in a restricted zone or blocking a dropped kerb can result in clamping or towing, which is expensive and time-consuming to resolve.
By law, hire cars in Spain must carry:
Your hire car should come with these items. Check they are present at collection.
Alongside our standard rates, we offer great zero excess rates — so if something happens on the road, you are fully covered.
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