Driving in Spain

So you've booked your ferry crossing or arranged to pick up your hire car at the airport - what else is there to worry about?

Obviously, you'll have had the car serviced and arranged all the appropriate insurance and breakdown cover. Make sure you know the emergency number and policy number if you need to callFirst as soon as drive off the ferry or pick up your hire car you'll have to get used to driving on the right, that also means driving round roundabouts the other way!! With an English car your main problem comes with overtaking. You need a co-driver whose judgment you can trust so that you don't have to edge right out to see if it's safe. Obviously if you're on a motorway or dual carriageway, there's no problem.

Next, equipment-don't forget to carry the original car registration document, green card and driving licence - warning triangles (2 if you're going to Spain), fire extinguisher, set of spare bulbs, first aid kit and fluorescent jackets (again in Spain you must wear these if you have to get out of the car in the event of a breakdown).

Also essential are up to date maps for your journey and some small value Euro notes for paying tolls.

If you're taking a mobile phone do make sure that you've arranged with the phone company for it to work abroad. Don't use your mobile while you're driving unless you've got a hands free kit.

Next, the driver needs to be bright and alert. It's a disaster waiting to happen if you've been to work, driven some way to the ferry and then expect to drive through the night to reach your destination. It's so easy to fall asleep at the wheel on a long straight foreign motorway.

As to driving on the right, it's easier when there's some traffic. When you park, park on the right hand verge. The worst time is first thing in the morning.

Speed limits- in France 130kms/hr on motorways (110km/hr if it's raining).
110kms/hr on dual carriage way.
90kms/hr on ordinary roads.
50kms/hr in towns.

In Spain 120kms/hr on motorways.
100kms/hr on dual carriageway.
90kms/hr on ordinary roads.

Within towns, max speed can be signed as 40, 50 or 60kms/hr. Don't forget also that if you're driving a motorcaravan or you have a trailer then lower limits will apply. Many people also advise carrying a spare wheel for the trailer if you can.

French and Spanish traffic police issue on the spot fines for many types of driving offences - don't take that radar detector with you - they're illegal in France and Spain - a friend had his confiscated when he parked in a layby where there was a police car - he also had to pay a fine of 500Euros on the spot!

Special notes for hire cars.

Arrange for child seats, roof rack etc in advance.

Check also that you won't have to pay extra for full collision damage waiver - some companies also charge more for late night pick-up or drop off.

Don't try and carry more passengers than the car's limit - it's illegal and you won't be insured!

Find out the fuel arrangements - some companies will charge you for a tankful whether you use it or not, others will make no charge if you return it full.

Check the car thoroughly for any damage before you drive off.

Finally laws change on a regular basis so check for up to date rules before setting off. Ignorance is no excuse in the eyes of the law.

Author: Pam and Geoff Franks