Driving Tips - Driving in Spain - More Useful Information

The law regarding pedestrian crossings used to be quite relaxed and still, in no way compares to the strictness of the UK, where the driver is automatically at fault if he hits a pedestrian on a crossing. If you are the pedestrian, be sure to look LEFT first and it is considered advisable to hold up the palm of your hand to oncoming traffic. Drivers can now be penalised for not stopping at a crossing.

Be aware that traffic lights are often situated right at the stop line, making it very difficult to see when they turn green, except where there is a lower set of lights on the post. There are often flashing amber lights to warn that you are approaching a set of traffic lights and sometimes there are lights which will detect your speed and turn to red if you are exceeding the limit. Very sensibly, stop lights are often turned off, replaced with flashing amber, at night and at other times when the traffic flow is much less.

Parking is prohibited where there is a yellow line along the edge of the curb. You will note that Spaniards have double parking down to a fine art and any roundabout, pavement, corner or pedestrian crossing will also serve as a convenient parking space. However, if you are driving a foreign registered car, you would be well advised to stick to legal parking as you otherwise risk being towed away. In most towns there is plentiful cheap parking, usually restricted to a two hour maximum, designated by blue lines. You will need to buy a ticket at the nearest machine, but you will mainly find that parking is free until 9:30am, between 1:30 and 4:00pm and after 8:00pm (hours differ from winter to summer). You will also find some free parking. Be careful of small, privately owned car parks. These often close over the (long) lunch break so be sure to check or you may have a lengthy wait to retrieve your car.

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