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Driving in Spain – Recommendations, Tips and Tricks
26. Roads in the countryside are considered one of the most dangerous in the country. As a rule, they have only one lane in each direction, so it is not recommended to drive on such roads at high speed.
27. Highways are usually equipped with large electronic signs, which display a lot of useful information for drivers. For example, these signs can display the cost of fuel at nearest gas stations or the information about traffic jams on the road.
28. The majority of roads are equipped with radar sets that are used to monitor speed limit. The places with radar are marked with special «RADAR» or «Control de velocidad» signs that are usually located approximately 0.5 - 1 km before the device. On freeways radar is often installed on the back side of illuminated signs.
29. Local drivers are always very enthusiastic about driving and enjoy this process, but they often neglect traffic regulations. In small towns and in the country the approach of traffic police to drivers is less formal, so numerous motorists drive safely even without a license.
30. According to the statistics, the majority of car accidents occur on national holidays. At this time of year a huge number of citizens get in their cars and go to visit relatives. Therefore, there are often several kilometer long traffic jams.
31. Sometimes disciplined tourists who follow all traffic rules also become participants of road accidents. Of course, following traffic regulations is important, but it is important to monitor the situation on the road and pay attention to behavior of other motorists all the time.
32. It is not recommended to trust drivers, who ride in front of you, especially if they have local registration numbers. If a car has turned on the left turn signal, it does not mean that it is going to turn left, and if the traffic light has switched to red, it does not mean that all the cars that are in front of you (and, most importantly, that are in the back) will stop.
33. There are truly reckless drivers on the roads, who enjoy organizing races and dislike speed limits. It is not recommended to follow their example, as well as to stay on the way of these enthusiastic and excited drivers.
Hints on Car Hire in Spain
When choosing a car for your Spain trip, don’t forget to check and compare the franchise amount (indicated in the rental conditions) for all cars considered in your selection. The franchise may vary from 200 to 2000 euro/dollars even for cars of the same class. A thorough comparison will allow you to choose the option with the lowest franchise.
During your booking, we will offer you to take a full coverage of the franchise ('No Risk' or 'No Excess' package). If you book a car without full coverage, it is recommended to take it at the pick-up time - this will substantially reduce your financial liability in Spain for the whole rental period.
During your car pick-up in Spain, do not forget to check what to do in breakdown-, accident- or theft-cases. Most of our offers include 'Breakdown Assistance' package. Besides this, every rental office would be happy to assist you with this package.
Prior to the car return, please check your voucher for the fuel conditions. If it is indicated that a driver shall return the car with a full tank, do not forget to refuel it on the way back, this will save you from additional charges at the rental office.
If you are looking for a car hire in Spain, we advise you to check OrangeSmile.com actual rental offers. Just use the orange search form at the top. We guarantee that you would not be able to find better rates anywhere else!
35. Pedestrians also often become the main reason for accidents. They can calmly cross the road, without paying any attention to cars that have collided because of them.
36. Quite an interesting fact - after the introduction of the rule that makes the use of motorcycle helmets and seat belts mandatory, local drivers punctually followed that rule for a long time. The new rule was interesting to them, but eventually they lost interest, and the rule was slowly forgotten.
37. It should be noted that the number of motorcycles and mopeds on local roads is very impressive. The two-wheeled motor vehicles often make a lot of problems to car drivers - drivers of mopeds and motorcycles move fast between rows of cars, changing lanes constantly.
38. In numerous city roads traffic lights are not just attached to special racks, they can be fixed at a lower level. This is done for convenience of drivers. However, drivers are not recommended to rely on traffic lights only.
39. The cost of parking in different cities is different and it depends on several parameters (the type of a parking space and the distance from important objects). One hour of parking will cost you from 1 to 5 euro. The payment for parking is made through a special machine, so make sure you have a sufficient number of coins in small denomination.
40. Some roads in Spain are paid. The toll can be paid both in cash and by non-cash means. On a number of highways the toll depends on a particular day of week and current time, and can range from 0.50 to 10 euro.
41. During first six months after arrival in the country drivers can use driving licenses received in their home countries. The local driving license is necessary only to drivers who are involved in goods transportation.
42. In addition to excellent quality and numerous information boards, toll roads are distinguished by a rich choice of gas stations and attractive cafes. There are hotels that are perfect for relaxing after a long drive close to many large highways.
43. All highways have convenient enters with payment points, so traffic jams are really rare on them. When choosing a lane to drive through checkpoints, drivers should pay attention to the signs.
45. Highways have special phones with the «SOS» mark. These phones are used to call for help in case of a breakdown or an accident. As a rule, such phones are located at a distance of 2 km from each other.
46. Travelers, who expect to save on traveling on toll roads, can always use free highways (Leteral). Their main drawback is that they are very winding, so it will take much longer to reach the point of destination by a free road than by a toll highway. However, free roads are often located in very beautiful places.
47. If a local driver “winks” with his car’s beams, this sign can be interpreted in a number of ways. This way local drivers can warn others of the presence of road patrol, ask to give way, or simply express their anger.
48. If there is a need to park a car for a long time, it is better to use the services of underground parking. Finding a free parking space in the central part of the city is always very difficult.
49. Foreign guests must pay fines right “on the road”, otherwise they need to name a guarantor - a citizen of Spain, who can guarantee the timely payment of the fine instead of the violator. If a driver refuses to pay, the police can confiscate his vehicle until full repayment.
50. If you pay the fine within 20 days of receiving the receipt, you can get a decent "discount" of up to 50%. If a driver appeals against the fine, he loses the right for the discount. One of the largest fines is charged for the use of radar detectors - 6,000 euro.
51. Serious violations imply not only paying large fines. Drivers also get special penalty points. Once the number of these points reaches the critical level, a driver loses his driving license temporarily.
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