Drive safely and legally

Started by fifi, August 14, 2013, 20:01:02 PM

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fifi

Drive safely and legally

Island connections article.


Following a number of enquiries regarding the road and traffic laws in Spain, we set out on a mission to clear up any confusion and hopefully help you do so as well.


Over the next few editions we will be highlighting some of the main differences between Spanish and UK law, as well as setting out other useful information.  First of all we shall look at two of the aspects that seem to have caused the greatest puzzlement.



Parking

Parking is regulated by the local authorities, though in line with laws set by the Spanish government.

Generally speaking the laws are common sense and very similar to the UK, i.e. you cannot park (or remain stationary) on motorways or any road that doesn't have designated parking zones; nor in bicycle or public transport lanes; on roundabouts, the pavement or pedestrian crossings; or anywhere where your vehicle blocks visibility or the free flow of traffic.   

Areas at the side of the road where it is prohibited to park or stop are denoted by a continuous yellow line: a broken or zig-zagged yellow line means you may stop, but not park.  A round sign with a red boarder and a diagonal line through it specify a loading and unloading (carga y descarga) area, which will usually show a time period during which it is illegal to park.  If times aren't shown then it is prohibited at all hours.

The round 'Vado Permanente' signs seen, usually, on garages and entrances mean that parking is prohibited, whilst a 'Vado' sign shows an entry or exit which may not be blocked.  If you park in these areas your car may be towed away – a privilege which you will have to pay for.

Parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities have a blue sign with a white wheelchair symbol and a 'P' on it.  At no time are you allowed to park in one of these bays unless you have a valid permit. If you are a holder of a UK badge see: www.fiadisabledtravellers.com where you can print off an official EU document in Spanish stating that you are a visitor from one of the EU member states and entitled to use your permit.

However, be warned, no disabled parking badge entitles you to park where the disabled bay sign also carries a name or car registration number on it.  These are explicitly reserved for the named owners or the specified car and anyone else parking there will be towed away and fined, whether they have a disabled parking permit or not.





Documents and accessories

There are certain items you are legally obliged to carry when driving in Spain. For instance, you must have reflective vests for the driver and any passengers in case of a break down.  These must be stored inside the car, rather than the boot, so they can be worn immediately.  You are also expected to carry two warning triangles and an inflated spare tyre, along with the necessary tools to fit it.  You can be fined for not doing so.

You must also have the vehicle logbook (called the Permiso de Circulación), the ITV roadworthiness inspection sticker in full sight on the windscreen and carry your insurance documentation.  Last, but not least, you must have your valid driving licence with you (plus your passport if you are not a resident or your licence does not have a photo on it): your car can be confiscated if you don't and there isn't a passenger carrying theirs that can take over the driving.   

Although original vehicle documents are preferred, it is possible to get certified copies via the Tráfico offices or an authorised notary.

The information in these articles is for reference only: readers should be aware that laws change constantly – see the article in this section on upcoming changes.   
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ridings.info

Great Info FiFi about the disabled side of things