Driving in Spain is essentially not very different to how we drive in the UK, but here are a few pointers to make sure that you get the best from your hire car in Murcia and avoid any potential problems.
The main difference is that in Spain they drive on the Right hand side of the road. Be especially careful when setting off from petrol stations, service areas or any off road situations such as large car parks. Take time and remind yourself of this as it can easily be forgotten after driving in Spain for a few days.
If you're driving a UK registered car in Spain leave more room between yourself and the car in front when over taking. This gives a better view of the road ahead and should eliminate any problems you might have when trying to get around slow moving traffic. The best way to eradicate this problem is to hire a car once you reach Spain.
Spain has far stricter drink driving regulations than the UK allowing only 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per milliliter of blood. In the UK we are used to 0.8 milligrams; it's even stricter for newly licensed drivers. Our suggestion is that if you're driving in Spain avoid any alcoholic drinks if you know you are going to be driving in the near future. By sticking to this precaution you can be sure not to run into any unforeseen problems with the local police force.
As in the UK seat belts must be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle both in the front and back. This is common sense these days in the UK but is still rigorously enforced in Spain.
Recently the rules for motorway overtaking have been re-written in Spain; make sure you clearly indicate before overtaking as well as when you pull back in on a Spanish motorway. Likewise when entering a motorway from a slip road ensure you wait until the white line becomes broken before pulling out. Not obeying either of these rules could land you with an on the spot fine.
Children under 12 years of age must not travel in the front of a car in Spain unless the car is fitted with a suitably adapted seat belt restraint. This is a rule we don't have in the UK and when you and your family are enjoying a holiday it can be easily forgotten.
Should you break down in Spain a warning triangle is compulsory. This should be carried in the car at all times. If the car is Spanish registered you actually have to carry two so make sure your hire company has equipped the car with these before you leave the rental office. Similarly, high visibility vests need to be carried incase of breakdown. If you should be unlucky enough to breakdown on a motorway make sure you and your passengers don't sit in the vehicle on the hard shoulder. Leave the car with the hazard lights on and warning triangles set up at the appropriate distances away, sit safely on the grass verge until help arrives.
A 'green card' for driving in Spain is not compulsory but it's a good idea to advise your insurers of your intended trip. It's also a good idea to let your bank know that you are traveling abroad so that they don't put a hold on your card if transactions pop up in places they wouldn't expect and they think they might be fraudulent.
A vast majority of Spanish filling stations now accept credit cards out of hours I.e. between 12 pm and 3 pm, or late at night. However your card may not work as they are designed for Spanish credit cards only. Be sure to top up with fuel regularly and during shop opening hours to avoid running dry.
Always carry with you a new photo identity driver's license, your passport, vehicle registration certificate and relevant insurance documents from your hire company.
Having read all of these precursory "do's and don'ts" try not to worry, driving in Spain is straight forward and really very similar to the UK. A Hire car is a fantastic way of enhancing your holiday experience, make sure you take full advantage of it and enjoy it to its fullest.
Car Hire Murcia is the perfect way to explore the region. With so many interesting places to discover car rental is the recommended and most cost effective transport option.
