Traffic rules in Spain

Overview

Spain's traffic rules follow broadly standard European conventions, but a few specific rules and habits genuinely differ from what drivers from other countries expect — worth knowing before your first drive.

Requirements

• Applies to anyone driving in Spain, resident or visiting

Step-by-step process

• Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, as in most of continental Europe
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, front and back
• Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited unless using a fully hands-free system
• Headlights are required on motorways and dual carriageways at all times for motorcycles, and in poor visibility conditions for all vehicles
• Specific reflective vest and warning triangle requirements apply if you need to stop on the roadside — see the accident and emergency guidance for details

Required documents

• Valid driving licence and vehicle documents should be carried, or accessible digitally via the miDGT app

Common mistakes

• Assuming rules from your home country (like right turns on red, common in some countries) apply in Spain — they generally don't unless specifically signed
• Not knowing Spain's specific rules on roundabouts, where traffic already in the roundabout generally has priority

Practical tips

• Spanish road signage follows international conventions, but it's worth reviewing the specific signs before your first drive if you're not already familiar with them
• The miDGT app is worth installing, since it can hold your digital licence and vehicle documents, useful if you're stopped without physical copies

How Tuchati can help

If a specific rule or situation is confusing, Tuchati can help you understand what applies.