Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, Spain has played a catch-up role in the western international community; it joined the EU in 1986. Continuing challenges include Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorism and further reductions in unemployment.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
2 warning triangles, a spare bulb kit and a spare wheel are all mandatory.
SPEED LIMITS
Cars only
Residential areas = 20 kph
Built-up areas = 50 kph
Roads outside towns = 90 kph
Major roads outside towns = 100 kph
Motorways = 120 kph
SPECIAL NOTES
Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
Driving licence and vehicle documents should be carried at all times.
Use dipped headlights in reduced visibility and tunnels.
Spectacle wearers should carry a spare pair in the car at all times
In urban areas horns should only be used in an emergency.
SEAT BELTS
Front Compulsory
Rear Compulsory if fitted
Children Under 12 years not allowed in front unless in an approved seat or harness.
Visit www.childcarseats.org for more information on safe travel with children.
DRIVING LICENCE
National driving licence is accepted but an International Driving Permit is required unless you have a Photo card licence. Minimum Driving age 18 - years.
FINES
Motoring offences usually result in an on-the-spot fine. A receipt should be issued.
DRINKING and DRIVING
Blood / Alcohol limit is 0.05%. The majority of road traffic accidents in Spain involve drink drivers.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Police 091
Fire Service 080
Ambulance 092
PARKING
Blue disc parking zones are common, discs available from hotels and travel agencies etc. Parking meters also operate. Illegally parked cars can be towed away. Do not leave anything of value in a parked vehicle.
FUEL
Unleaded Regular 95 = Gasolina sin plomo
Diesel = Gasoleo
Credit cards accepted at some petrol stations.
We offer car hire in Spain the following locations in Spain
Albacete, Alcala De Henares, Alcobendas San Sebastian De Los Reyes, Algeciras, Aranda De Duero, Badajoz, Badajoz Airport, Benicarlo, Bilbao, Bilbao Airport, Burgos, Caceres, Cadiz, Calahonda, Cartegena, Castellon, Chiclana, Chiclana De La Frontera, Concil, Conil De La Frontera, Cordoba, Cuenca, Cuidad Real, Denia, Estepona, Getafe, Gijon, Granada, Granada Airport, Huelva, Huesca, Irun, Jerez, Jerez Airport, La Coruna, La Coruna Airport, Las Rozas, Leganes, Leon, Llanes, Logrono, Madrid, Madrid Airport, Manresa (Barcelona), Orense, Oviedo Airport, Palencia, Pamplona, Pamplona Airport, Poio, Ponferrada, Salamanca, San Sebastian, San Sebastian Airport, Santander, Santander Airport, Santiago De Compostela, Santiago De Compostela Airport, Seville (Santa Justa), Seville Airport, Soria, Tarragona, Terrasa, Tres Cantos, Tudela, Valladolid, Valladolid Airport, Vigo, Vigo Airport, Vitoria, Vitoria Airport, Zaragoza, Zaragoza Airport and other car hire Spain locations.