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Car Hire Malaga - Know the Rules
Driving in a foreign country can be a daunting thought for some people, if you’re hiring a car whilst you are staying in Malaga there are some things you should know to make sure your trip is safe and worry free. A Hire car in Malaga is undoubtedly the best way to see the surrounding area of Spain. It also grants you much more freedom when you want to visit an area or spend an evening out. A hire car is also often the most cost effective method of transport, it will save you money when you factor in your airport transfers and taxi use during the week. Here are some guidelines for successful driving in Malaga.
Quite obviously the main difference yo will encounter is that the Spanish drive on the right hand side of the road. Take time to remind your self of this every time you get into the car. It can be especially difficult to remember to do this late at night if there is no other traffic on the roads or if you have just left an off road situation such as a large car park. If it helps you can even consider placing a note on your steering wheel. This doesn’t pose as much of a problem in a rented vehicle as the steering wheel is located on the left and it feels more natural. If driving a UK registered car it can be much more of a problem.
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A full UK driving license is required for driving in any country which is part of the European Union; ensure you have updated your license to include a photo ID card. The original paper section is not sufficient by it’s self and you will need both parts as proof of your qualification when you are renting your vehicle.
Make sure when you hire a vehicle that the insurance cover provided is adequate. There is sometimes the offer of extended cover; this is well worth looking at so consult your hire companies before you leave.
As in the UK the traffic on the roundabout has right of way, ensure you give way to vehicles from the left. Pedestrian crossings are often located close to roundabouts, be wary of this because it is very different to the UK. They are marked with black and white stripes, if a pedestrian is stood at them he has right of way over the traffic and you must stop to let him or her cross.
Every passenger including the driver in Spain must wear a seat belt, children under the age of 12 or any person under the height of 1.5 meters must not travel in the front of vehicle. This is a legal requirement and is easily forgotten when on holiday with the whole family. Pets must also be restrained.
Radar detectors which have become legal again in the UK are heavily frowned upon in Spain. Their use is illegal even having one in your car could cause problems so make sure you leave it at home. As in England mobile phone use in not permitted unless you have a hands-free headset
Spain has far stricter drink driving regulations than the UK allowing only 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per milliliter of blood. In the UK we are used to 0.8 milligrams; it’s even stricter for newly licensed drivers. Our suggestion is that if you’re driving in Spain avoid any alcoholic drinks if you know you are going to be driving in the near future. By sticking to this precaution you can be sure not to run into any unforeseen problems with the local police force. The Guardia Civil often use road blocks in the early hours of the morning where they test every passing motorist for alcohol levels.
Toll roads are quite common in Spain, know as ‘Peaje’ roads you often don’t realize you are using one until the time to pay arrives. Ensure you carry some small change in Euros in your car you don’t want to be stuck with out.
Parking can be difficult in Spanish cities don’t park where the edge of the pavement is painted red or yellow. Blue areas are designated for parking but you must buy a ticket on a pay and display basis. The underground municipal car parks are by far the cheapest option look out for this in Malaga.
Carrying a high visibility jacket in your car in case of breakdowns in compulsory, ensure you check your vehicle is fitted with one of these when you pick it up. In the same way you must carry with you a warning triangle.
In stead of the two rush hour periods in England Spain suffers with four because of the siesta break at lunch time. Roads can be clogged during these peak hours, look out for the football stadium and IKEA these two areas of town can get very busy.
Driving in Spain today is generally a very pleasant modern experience. A hire car will take you to all of the uniquely beautiful spots in Spain that would otherwise be missed. |
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