Is an international driving permit mandatory?
Legal framework:
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. This country accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention (1-year validity) and the 1968 Vienna Convention (3-year validity).
Rules of conduct in Spain
Speed limit in built-up areas: 30 km/h on single-lane roads per direction, and 50 km/h when the road has at least two lanes per direction.
Speed limit outside built-up areas on conventional roads: 90 km/h.
Speed limit on motorways (Autopistas) and expressways (Autovías): 120 km/h.
Maximum blood alcohol content for most drivers: 0.5 g/l of blood.
Maximum blood alcohol content for young drivers (less than 2 years of license) and certain professionals: 0.3 g/l of blood.
Mandatory equipment: reflective vest accessible from the passenger compartment, two warning triangles or V16 emergency light, and spare wheel with tools.
Seat belt use is mandatory for all occupants; using a handheld phone is prohibited and checks by the Guardia Civil de Tráfico are frequent.
Tips from easy-idp.org
"In Spain, driving is on the right side of the road and overtaking is done on the left, returning to the right lane as soon as possible.
It is important to distinguish Autovías (expressways, often free, marked with an A) from Autopistas (motorways, often toll roads, marked with AP): anticipate exits and plan for a suitable payment method.
Roundabouts are very common: vehicles already on the roundabout have priority; never exit a roundabout from an inner lane without first merging to the right.
In large cities, low-emission zones (LEZs) are becoming widespread and may require an environmental sticker or restrict access depending on the vehicle.
Speed, alcohol, and phone use checks are deterrents: adopt a smooth driving style, strictly respect limits, and plan breaks on long journeys, especially during the summer period."
Watch our driving tips Short
Video plays here — stay on this page to order your International Driving Permit.