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Car Hire Alicante - Know the Rules
Driving in Alicante during your vacation should be a stress free, pleasant experience after all the only main difference when it comes to motoring is that they drive on the other side of the road. Spain was recently voted one of the safest countries in Europe for driving and 99.5 percent of cars hired in Spain are returned completely damage free. This figure speaks volumes and proves that a hire car is not only a financially wise option but also a safe one. Hiring a car can mean you get to see many more hidden pockets of Spain, the parts of outstanding beauty, culture, or entertainment that other tourists may miss out on. Here is a short list of regulations and guidelines which should make your holiday run as smoothly as possible.
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The biggest difference you’ll find driving in Spain is that you are required to drive on the right hand side of the street. It really only effects us here in the UK and anyone from Australia, but it can be the biggest reason for apprehension when you come to think about hiring a car. To make sure this isn’t a problem, simply remind yourself every time you get into the car, if it helps leave a post-it note on your steering wheel. Make sure you pay particular attention when you’re leaving any off road situations such as large car parks or private driveways. It’s much easier to forget when there is no other traffic around, take your time and remind yourself regularly. Remember you must give way to vehicles from the left particularly at roundabouts.
Alcohol is less tolerated when your driving in Spain their legal driving limit is 0.5 milligrams per milliliter of blood, our limit in the UK is 0.8 milligrams. For any new drivers or younger drivers there is a zero tolerance policy in place. We recommend to avoid any unforeseen problems if you know you’re like to be driving simply don’t drink. It’s the best way to ensure you won’t have any issues.
In Spain you must carry a high visibility vest in you vehicle, this is compulsory and you should check that your rental vehicle has one before you set off. The vest should be carried in the passenger area of the car not the boot, so that it can be put on before you leave the vehicle. If you are forced to stop anywhere on the hard shoulder the vest must be worn at all times.
The rules for indicating on motorways in Spain are currently being enforced after a recent change to the regulations, ensure you indicate both before and after you pass a car, also make sure you wait until the white line becomes broken before entering the motorway as crossing the solid line is an offense. Not adhering to the rules could mean incurring an on the spot fine.
Traffic lights in Spain tend to be placed quite high above the roads and can easily be missed we’re not accustomed to seeing them like this. When you’re driving through built up areas or towns remember to keep a close look out for traffic lights. Spain currently has over 2000 kilometers of toll roads and plans to introduce more of them, remember to keep some change in your car to pay for these tolls. Quite often you have to pay when leaving the toll road and you may not realise you were on one to begin with.
One rule which we aren’t used to in the UK is that children under the age of twelve, or any one under 1.5 meters tall must use a booster seat or have an appropriately adjusted seat belt restraint. Always carry with you a new photo identity driver’s license, your passport, vehicle registration certificate and relevant insurance documentation from your hire company. Doing all of this should mean that if you are unlucky enough to be stopped everything should be in order.
The vast majority of Spanish petrol stations now accept credit and debit cards at the pumps, although they tend to only work with Spanish cards. Be sure to remember this when you’re planning on filling up, as they are quite often unmanned or closed during Siesta hours or throughout the night.
Hiring a car and Driving through Spain is a fantastic way to see this uniquely beautiful country. It really is very similar to driving in the UK so don’t panic sit back take your time and enjoy your driving experience in Spain.
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