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 roads with only one lane per direction of traffic, and 50 km/h if the road has at least two lanes per direction.
On conventional roads outside built-up areas: 90 km/h.
On motorways (Autopistas) and expressways (Autovías): 120 km/h.
Maximum authorized blood alcohol level: 0.5 g/l of blood for standard drivers, and reduced to 0.3 g/l for young drivers (less than 2 years of license) and professionals.
Mandatory equipment: a reflective vest (accessible from the passenger compartment), two warning triangles (or the new V16 light beacon), and a spare wheel with the necessary tools.
Tips from easy-idp.org
"Driving is on the right.
In Spain, a distinction must be made between 'Autovías' (free expressways, indicated by an A) and 'Autopistas' (often toll motorways, indicated by AP).
Roundabouts are extremely common: the strict rule is that the vehicle driving on the outer ring always has priority; it is forbidden to exit a roundabout from an inner lane without having first moved to the right.
In cities, low-emission zones (ZBE) are becoming widespread, requiring an environmental sticker or restricting access. The Guardia Civil (Tráfico) police are very present, and fines for speeding or phone use are very deterrent."
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