Added on October 22, 2019  The News Wheel

Travel Tips for Driving in Spain and Beyond

Last year, almost 42 million Americans traveled overseas for either business or leisure. Of these, some 45 percent went to Europe, an increase of 12 percent on the previous year. The U.K., France, and Spain are the most popular European travel destinations for Americans on tour, and while the U.K. is well served by the likes of Uber, rideshare apps are less common on the mainland. Driving in Spain, Portugal, and France is, therefore, the most common way for visitors to get around.

Renting a car and hitting the road is by far the best way to explore Europe on your own terms. You might think the idea sounds frightening, but Chevy Chase has a lot to answer for. In reality, driving in Spain and Europe is not so different from driving in the U.S.. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind. 

License requirements

If you intend to drive in Spain or other European countries and you hold a U.S. driver’s license, there are four things you will need in order to rent a car. These are your U.S. driver’s license, your passport, credit card, and an International Driver’s Permit. This is a recognized document that translates the information from your U.S. driver’s license into 12 languages. 

The IDP is inexpensive and can be obtained online in a matter of minutes. Without one, you will face problems trying to rent a car or deal with authorities in the event that you are stopped by the police. This is among the golden rules if you are planning on driving in Spain, where one of the most valuable driving tips for visiting drivers is to remember that Spanish traffic officers have a reputation for targeting foreign tourists for routine stops. Typically, they do not speak fluent English. 

Lane discipline

There’s been plenty of debate in the U.S. over the question of lane discipline over recent years. One thing that’s certain is that they are far more strict about it in Europe. When driving on the Autopista in Spain, the autoroute in France or autobahn in Germany, stay right and only move out into the second or third lane for overtaking, moving back across as soon as it is safe to do so. The same applies to U.K. motorways and dual carriageways, except, of course, it is reversed and the right lane is for overtaking. When there are three or four lanes, it is OK to stay in the second or third lane if the “slower” lanes are heavily populated with trucks and slow-moving vehicles. 

Lane discipline is particularly important when driving on the German autobahn, where large stretches have no speed restrictions. Here, faster vehicles can approach from behind in the blink of an eye, so keep your wits about you and don’t loiter in the overtaking lane any longer than you have to.

Roundabouts

The very word is enough to strike fear into the hearts of American drivers, but once you get used to them, you will come to love roundabouts. They are a great way of keeping the traffic flowing at busy intersections. Just remember that vehicles already on the roundabout have priority over those joining and you will be fine. 

Also, be aware that some roundabouts also have traffic lights, either permanently operating or just during periods of busy traffic. In this case, simply obey the lights, regardless of whether you are on the roundabout or waiting to join. 

Toll roads

If you decide to drive significant distances in Mediterranean Europe, for example in France, Spain, Italy, or Portugal, the quickest way from A to B is by using the network of toll roads. These provide well-maintained roads that are usually congestion-free, but you will need to pay your way. The fees vary but are based on the distance traveled, and work out at around 12 cents per mile. 

Most employ a simple system where you take a ticket when you enter the tollway and pay at a manned booth when you exit. The majority of toll roads accept cash or card payment, but check in advance and make sure you have some Euros on you, particularly when driving in Spain, just in case card payment is not possible. 

When driving in the U.K., there are just two significant tolls to keep in mind. One is the Dartford Crossing to the east of London, where your vehicle license plate is automatically recorded and you must pay online by the end of the following day. The other is the M6 toll, which bypasses the congested area around Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Here, you can pay by cash or card at toll booths. 

Safety rules in Europe

Driving safely and avoiding the unwanted attention of police officers in Europe is largely a matter of common sense. However, there are some specific rules that are a little different from the U.S. and are important to keep in mind:

• Don’t drink and drive – in most European countries, including Spain, France, and Italy, the blood alcohol limit for driving is significantly lower than in the U.S. DUI is a serious offense and can lead to major fines and even imprisonment.

• No right turn on red – in Europe, a red light means stop and there are no exceptions. Even if you are turning right, you must wait for a green light. 

• Lights on – in some countries, daytime running lights are a legal requirement. Check if the country you are visiting is on the list.

• Watch your speed – speed cameras are common in Spain and across Europe. and fines can be significant. Make sure you are familiar with the speed limits in the country where you are driving, but also watch the signs carefully.

• Put the phone away – distracted driving is the number one cause of fatalities on Europe’s roads, and mobile phone use is one of the biggest distractions. Using a phone while driving is classified as a major driving offense in most European countries. Driving in Spain with a cell phone in your hand means an automatic fine of €200, and other countries have similar penalties. Avoid temptation by switching yours off and putting it somewhere out of reach before you start driving.

Drive defensively and enjoy the experience

Driving habits vary from one country to another. Spend a few days driving in Spain, for example, and you will soon notice it is the locals who are worst at following the rules. So perhaps the most important piece of advice is to expect the unexpected. Remember those defensive driving tips from when you first learned to drive and you can enjoy a safe, relaxed driving experience. There’s a whole continent just waiting to be explored, and no better way to do it than from behind the wheel.