Costa Blanca Travel Guide

Expect the unexpected!

Spanish drivers have long been the butt of many a joke, and it doesn't take a driver new to Spain, much more than the first couple of roundabouts to understand why; stop to give way and you'll receive a horn blast and an unfriendly gesture from the car behind; try to make a swift exit by anticipating the other vehicles' intended course and you'll again end up receiving a horn blast and a gesture, this time from a vehicle taking a completely 'unexpected' exit. A no-win situation, well not really, the key to driving in Spain is to drive defensively and as the title says, always expect the unexpected from other road users. 

It is worth noting that many Spanish drivers are confused by roundabouts and will not give way to traffic already on it, as it used to be the case that traffic on the roundabout had to give way to traffic entering it. The famous mañana attitude of the Spaniards changes the moment they get behind the wheel of a car - turning into suicidal maniacs.

Spanish lorry drivers on the other hand are usually competent and courteous and will often use their right indicator to tell when it's safe to overtake and their left indicator to warn of oncoming traffic.

Not surprisingly, Spain has one of the worst accident rates in Europe, second only per capita, to Portugal. The Introduction of the points system along with increased vigilance by the Guardia Civil has attempted to improve conditions, unfortunately with limited success. Road traffic accident remains the largest cause of death among young Spaniards.

The road system in Spain has improved dramatically over the last few decades, with the implementation of road-building programmes, however, it has failed to keep pace with increase of vehicles on Spanish roads.

Many regions are saturated with vehicles and traffic jams are not uncommon on coastal roads and holiday resorts particularly during the holiday season.

Because of the siesta, Spain has four rush hours (horas puntas): 8 to 9.30am, 12.30 to 2.30pm, 3.30 to 5pm and finally 6.30 to 8.30pm. Major cities like Barcelona and Madrid appear to have rush hours lasting all day and should driving here should be avoided at all costs.

It still, however, possible to enjoy a quiet drive in rural areas, particularly out of season. The road network in general is good and well maintained with an excellent motorway network, albeit tolled. The toll motorways can be a favourable choice for travelling long distances, they are relatively quiet (I use the term 'relative' broadly as traffic can become very heavy around the toll booths), are generally in good condition with excellent facilities.

To close this introduction, it must be said that it is not the writer's intention to discourage driving in Spain, most of the time it is a pleasant experience to tour what must be described as a fantastic country, however, always expect the unexpected.

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Driving In Spain

• Drive on the right - Pay particular attention when pulling out from service stations or restaurants etc. on the left, as it is very easy to forget and lapse into driving on the left, especially at night or when the road is devoid of traffic.
• Take car when overtaking - allow more space between you and the car in front (this is particularly important when driving a right-hand drive car).
• Spain's drink driving laws are stricter than the UK - 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood (UK being 0.8).
• Seat belts must be worn front and rear at all times on all roads. It used to be law that seat belts were only required to be worn outside of towns. Children aged under 12 or less than 150cm (5ft) tall must travel in the rear unless the front seat is fitted with an approved child seat. Insurance companies can and do refuse to pay out in the event of an accident if you weren't wearing a seat belt.
• Speed limits are displayed and rigorously enforced by means of radar traps.
• Speeding offences and other driving offences are subject to on the spot fines. Non residents vehicles can be immobilised or impounded if they are unable to pay a fine, although the police may escort you to a bank or hotel where you can obtain funds. For residents, all 'on the spot' motoring fines (muitas) paid within 30 days will receive a discount of 30 per cent.
• The law regarding indicating, especially indicating on motorways is currently being rigorously enforced. You will risk being fined if you do not indicate before overtaking and again after the overtake when returning back to the nearside lane.
• Headlamps must be used when driving at night, in poor visibility during the day and in tunnels. Remember to dip your headlamps (luces de crucé) at night when following a vehicle or when a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction. Failure to do this can result in a fine.
• Traffic lights may be suspended above the road as well as the more traditional pole mounted. The sequence of the traffic lights (semáforos) is usually red, green, amber, red. Amber means stop, you may proceed only if stopping may cause an accident. While you should always stop for an amber light, it is worth noting that Spanish drivers, often very close behind you, routinely drive through amber lights - and ever red lights for that matter - and may be taken by surprise if you stop sharply at an amber light!
• Flashing amber lights at the road side usually indicate that you are approaching traffic lights or a built up area with a restricted speed limit. Flashing amber lights may be seen when approaching towns and their purpose is simply to slow the traffic down. Double amber lights mounted vertically are simply a warning to slow down and may have a red light mounted above. The lights will change to red if you approach them too fast - a good idea in theory - the only problem is, the Spanish drivers are impervious to red lights. Don't follow their example, however, as you risk a fine of between €90 to €600.
• An amber or green filter flashing light, with an direction arrow, means that you may proceed in that direction but must give priority to pedestrians or other traffic.
• A flashing red light means 'stop' or no 'entry'.
• All motorists must be familiar with the Spanish highway code (Código de la Circulación).
• All cars must carry a reflective jacket/waistcoat to be worn in the event of a breakdown and have to walk on the motorway. The jackets/waistcoats must be carried in the car, not in the boot. The position has been somewhat confusing, however, from June it will be compulsory to carry a jacket/waistcoat for every potential passenger in the car.
• The towing of a motor vehicle is prohibited in Spain. The only exception to this is, if the towed vehicle is on a trailer that complies with EU Directives and that the overall length of the convoy does not exceed 18.75 metres.

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Essential Items

• Always carry you driving licence, vehicle registration document (V5) and certificate of motor insurance.
• A replacement bulb set is compulsory
• Glasses (spectacles) wearers must carry a spare pair in the car at all times.
• Headlamp converters are compulsory (if applicable).
• A warning triangle is compulsory in Spain. One triangle is required for a non-Spanish registered vehicle and two triangles are requires for a Spanish registered vehicle, although we recommend that two should be carried.

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Points System

Brought in to reduce the high accident and mortality rate, Spain has implemented a points system, similar to that being used in Italy, Germany and France.

In simple terms (although the system is slightly more complicated), a driver will receive an initial 12 points on their driving licence (in some cases 8 points for some drivers with past serious offences or new drivers with less than 30 months experience).

When a driver commits an offence points are deducted depending on the seriousness of the offence. For example, using a mobile phone whilst driving or not wearing a seat belt is a one-point deduction; 'minor' speeding offences (less than 150 per cent of the maximum permitted speed), illegal overtaking or failing to stop at give way or stop signs will be a two or three point deduction; and the very serious offences such as drunken driving or speeding (at more than 150 per cent of the limit) will lead to four or six points deducted.  Drivers will automatically lose their licence when they have all 12 points deducted.

Points will be regained two of three years after their last offence, however, drivers who lose all their points will have to retake the driving test along with a psychological test not before six months from their last driving offence. This system does not apply to professional drivers such as lorry drivers and taxi drivers; they have a different system.

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Roads

Road denominations were revised and changed in 2004 in an effort to make them consistent with the rest of Europe. The following table explains;

* A two-letter prefix indicates the province, e.g MA for Malaga. Access roads to main cities are prefixed by the city of province code, e.g. B for Barcelona, M for Madrid and SE for Seville), followed by one or two digits, e.g. M-23 and B-21 shown on a blue background. Some minor roads are unnumbered.

Motorways - Most of Spain's motorways are toll roads and are relatively expensive compared to the rest of Europe. Toll charges do vary as each motorway has its own fee structure and are more expensive during the summer season. As most Spaniards avoid the motorways because of the high toll charges, they are 'relatively' safe and quiet.

Usually a ticket is issued at or just after the motorway entrance, this is typically an automatic device and is a case of taking a ticket from the machine. The charge is then payable when you reach another toll booth or on your exit from the motorway. Sometimes a toll may be levied at intermediate points.

On entering the toll booth area there are numerous lanes depending on choice of payment; credit card,  prepaid card, or cash, with a choice of manned or unmanned booths.

The motorways have excellent service areas with fuel, cafeteria/coffee shop, toilets, telephone and sometimes a restaurant and shops. You may even find repair workshops at some of the major areas. In addition to well equipped service areas, there are numerous rest stops along the motorways.

Main roads often run parallel to the motorways and are usually very busy to say the least. Many of the haulage firms cannot or wil not pay the tolls and so use the main roads. Many dual-carriageways (autovías) have the appearance of motorways and have the same speed limit. The sign cambio de sentido (change direction) indicates an opportunity to reverse you direction by way of an over or under pass.

Secondary roads vary greatly in quality, many with no road markings, barriers and un-signposted hairpin bends.

Emergency telephones are orange and pole mounted and sited every 5 km (3 mi) on motorways and main roads. Connected directly to the local police station, who will send out a tow truck (grúa).

The guardia civil will also provide assistance on main roads as do motoring organisations.

In the event of a breakdown on a motorway, you must park on the hard shoulder and place emergency triangles 30m behind and in front of you. Never remain in your car when it's parked on the hard shoulder.

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Speed limits

Recommended speed limits are shown on square signs in white figures on a blue background. These can be found when approaching sharp bends etc.

Cars towing a caravan or trailers up to 750kg and campervans are restricted to 90kph (56mph) on motorways and dual-carriageways, and 80kph (50mph) on other roads (unless a lower speed limit is in force). When towing over 750kg the restriction is lowered by a further 10 kph (unless a lower limit is force).

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Technical Inspection

The Spanish equivalent of the MOT, the ITV (inspección téchnica de vehiculos), is applicable to all cars over four years old.

The test must be carried out every two years until the car is ten years old, and then annually. Motorcycles are tested after they are five years old, every two years.

A vehicle may also have to undergo an ITV test after major repairs following serious accident damage.

Usual procedure - It is always advisable to make an appointment. On arrival at the test centre, take your relevant papers (registration and ITV document) to the office and pay the fee. Return to your vehicle and wait your turn. When it's your turn, you'll be ask to work the lights, wipers, horn, etc. Next on the list is likely to be the emission test - consisting of inserting a probe into the exhaust. You will then be asked to drive the vehicle onto a platform for the remainder of the test - brakes, suspension, steering etc.

If your vehicle passes the test, you will be given a sticker to affix to the windscreen (top right corner), and the ITV paperwork will be returned to you with the date of the next due test noted.

It is an offence to not have a current ITV certificate and you can also be fined for not displaying the sticker in the windscreen.

If your vehicle fails the test, you will be told what is required for it to successfully pass the test along with a blue form listing the faults.

 In Spain as in the UK or anywhere for that matter, if you do not have a trusted mechanic, it is always advisable to obtain a few quotes for repairs and ask around for recommendations from friends etc.

If possible, it is always advisable to ask your mechanic to look over your car prior to the test.

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Bringing your car to Spain

If you intend to stay in Spain for no more than 182 days, and you are a non-resident, you can bring your EU registered car to Spain without paying Spanish Taxes. The vehicle must be legal in the country of registration ie. for UK vehicles, MOT'd and Taxed. Should your MOT expire while in Spain it will require the Spanish equivalent, the ITV (see above).

If you intend to stay in Spain for longer than 182 days, you must register (matriculatión) your vehicle in Spain with the traffic department where you are a resident (as it is the law that you must register as a resident if you stay longer than 182 days). 

It is possible for non-residents to register a vehicle under the 'tourist registration' scheme (matrícula turística). You must provide proof that it was bought outside Spain. You will be issued with tourist plates which must be renewed annually. Spanish road tax will be applicable.

Should a non-resident become a resident, he has three months from the date of receipt of his residence card to change back to standard plates.  

It cannot be emphasised enough that the Spanish police are clamping down on the illegal use of resident and non-resident use of vehicles. The fines can be into four figures with the possibility of the vehicle confiscated for non-compliance.

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Buying a Car

New Cars - Generally speaking new cars in Spain more expensive than other EU countries, however, they are cheaper than the UK and they depreciate at a slower rate. A resident or non-resident owning a property in Spain or renting a property for minimum of a year is eligible to purchase a car in Spain. Residents can use Hire Purchase, although those who don't own property will need to obtain some form of financial guarantee or obtain a guarantor.

Used Cars - You will find that used cars in Spain are more expensive than in the UK, however, they do depreciate quite considerably in the first couple of years. A car of this age can be extremely good value, especially if it is slightly high mileage (many car rental companies exchange their vehicles around this and these vehicles can be excellent value for money, albeit some vehicles requiring some minor cosmetic repairs).

As in the UK and many other EU countries, used car dealers have a bit of a dubious reputation - and well deserved in many cases. Extreme caution must be taken when buying from these dealers and without doubt, it is worth asking a mechanic to check the vehicle over or employing the services of a professional independent vehicle inspection company before handing over cash. The charges for an inspection are very reasonable and can save you thousands of pounds.

Buying from a reputable dealer is usually more expensive, but have the benefit of being more approachable when things do go wrong - well that's the theory anyway.

The golden rule is to proceed with caution!

The main points to check are:

• Ensure it has a current ITV certificate;
• That the vehicle hasn't been involved in a major accident
• Cross-reference the vehicle's chassis number with that printed on the registration document (permiso de circulación);
• Assure yourself that the name on the registration document tallies with the seller (ask for id if necessary);
• Examine the service history paying particular attention to gaps an ensure that it corresponds to the current kilometre reading;
• Ensure that you receive a 'transfer of ownership' (transferencia) from the seller;
• Make enquiries with regards to any written guarantee.

Always ask for a reduction in the price, especially if dealing in cash, the seller will usually oblige.

The dealer will usually handle the transfer of ownership (for a small fee), alternatively you can do it yourself at the local provincial traffic department or employ the services of a gestor.

The seller of a second-hand car is responsible for the de-registering of it at the provincial traffic department, after which you will receive the registration document (permiso de circulacíon), the ITV certificate and card and photocopies, the road tax receipt and a photocopy, and a receipt for the payment of transfer tax (see 'Selling a Car' below). You have 30 days to register the vehicle in your name.

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Selling a Car

The seller of a second-hand car is responsible for the payment of transfer tax (imuesto sobre transmisiones partrimonials y actos jurídicos documentados/ITP) and this tax is usually included in the sales price.

The tax is 4 per cent of the vehicle's 'fiscal' value. The fiscal value of a car is determined by the tax office, when the car the car is new, and is reduced each year until the vehicle is ten or more years old, when the fiscal value is 10 per cent of the new value.

The tax must be declared on form 620 (compra-venta de vehículos usados entre particulares) and payment is made at the provincial tax office within 30 days of the sale. Again, if you are not familiar with the procedure, the services of a gestor may prove worthwhile.

As a word of caution, never allow any prospective purchaser to drive you car or sit in it with the keys unless you are in the car. It is not uncommon for thieves posing as buyers to drive off in the car after asking the owner to get out for one reason or another.

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Insurance

In Spain it is compulsory to have a minimum of third party insurance cover (responsabilidad civil obligatoria or seguro obligatorio).

As in the UK, third-party, fire & theft (responsabilidad civil obligatoria, incendio y robo), sometimes referred to as 'part comprehensive' and comprehensive cover, known in Spain as 'all risks' (todo riesgo) is also available.

In addition to the three levels of cover, there is usually an option available to take out driver and passenger insurance cover (seguro de ocupantes), which enables the driver to claim for bodily injury to himself, including compensation for his incapacity to work or for his beneficiaries should he be killed.

Your valid no-claims bonus will usually be accepted in Spain providing it is supported by written confirmation from your present of previous insurer.