Driving tips to take the pain out of Spain

Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive is offering weekly motoring tips to drivers from its head of training, Simon Elstow. This week he is advising on driving regulations for Spain.

You are required to carry two warning triangles. In the event of a breakdown, they should be placed in front of and behind the car.

If a driver wears glasses, they must keep a spare pair in the car.

As with much of Europe, the drink drive limit is lower in Spain than in the UK. Bear this in mind and if you’re going to drive, just don’t drink.

Parking in many towns is controlled by blue zones (zonas azul) where a disc must be displayed.

Don’t park on main roads with continuous white lines along the edge.

Children can sit in the front seat but must be at least 12 years old unless using a child restraint.
 
Elstow said: “Rest up before any long journey, prepare your car for the trip, and if you have a passenger get them to remind you that you’re driving on the right-hand side of the road.
 
“The Spanish issue on-the-spot fines and these can be hefty. Make sure you get an official receipt if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, so you have a reference in the event you wish to appeal.”
 
To help drivers stay safe and enjoy their driving this summer, the IAM has a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts, and driving tips, including: driving abroad, cycling, coping with Olympic congestion, and loading the car for a long journey.