TRAFFIC RULES IN SPAIN

It would be a shame if your trip to Spain for the F1 race in Madrid came with a fine. Check out our tips on how to enjoy the F1 race in Madrid spending extra.

SPEED LIMITS

Speed limits

Highway 120 km/h

Outside the village 90 km/h

Village 50 km/h

VIGNETTE/TOLL

Some motorways in Spain are subject to tolls. Following major modifications in 2020 and 2021, a large part of the toll sections have been exempted from tolls. The toll sections are always marked in advance on the navigation signs with the word PEAJE.

If you do drive on a toll motorway, expect to pay at the toll booths. Tolls are quite expensive in Spain. You can calculate the cost of tolls at www.autopistas.com.

ALCOHOL BEHIND THE WHEEL

Spain? That's a great wine! You won't get it on the circuit, but you might be tempted by the evening bars and restaurants. In Spain, the driving limit is 0.5 per mille, which is about two glasses of wine. 

Be careful, because the penalties are severe if you exceed this benevolent limit. The minimum fine is €300; the maximum is €600. You also risk having your license revoked, and Spanish drivers also risk 6 points on their driving record.

WHAT TO DO IF I GET A FINE

Spanish police officers are very communicative and friendly, but they can be very tough if you break the rules, and it's not just in traffic. 

If you get a ticket for the speed measured by the automatic system, the police will notify the car owner by letter. We recommend that you pay the fine, which is usually no more than a few tens of Euros unless the speeding was serious.

It's safer than risking unpleasantness with the police next time you visit Spain.