If you are thinking of driving in Spain, keep in mind that they don’t mess around with drink-driving laws.
Police regularly stop drivers for alcohol and drug checks. Get caught, and you could be facing fines, losing your licence, or even a spell behind bars.
The police can also hand out on-the-spot fines for things like speeding. If you are quick to pay within 20 days, you will get a 50% discount.
Seatbelts are a must for everyone, front and back. Children under 1.35 metres have to be in an approved child seat in the back. They are only allowed up front if all the back seats are taken by other children.
Using your phone while driving is a no-go, even if you have pulled over. You need to be completely off the road to use it. And forget using an earpiece, only hands-free kits are allowed.
Driving in Spain: Low Emission Zones
Some Spanish cities have introduced low-emission zones called “Zonas de bajas emisiones” (ZBE). Cars need to meet certain pollution standards and display a sticker. Foreign cars don’t get these stickers, but some places make you register your vehicle beforehand.
On the motorways, you’ll spot emergency phones every couple of kilometres. If something goes wrong, dial 112 anywhere in Europe. Operators speak English, French, and the local language.
When driving in Spain, apart from your paperwork, you must carry a few essentials to avoid fines. A reflective jacket is compulsory, and you need to wear it if you stop on the road or the hard shoulder.
A warning triangle must be in every vehicle with four or more wheels.
And if you are on a moped, motorcycle, trike, or quad, helmets are compulsory, unless your vehicle has seat belts, of course. Motorcycles must keep their lights on at all times, no matter the weather or time of day.
Driving in Spain: Looking ahead
It’s worth noting that as of 1 January 2026, it will be mandatory for most vehicles to carry the V16 emergency light, which replaces the warning triangles.
