Hiring a car can be a fantastic way to explore more of Spain, whether you’re venturing to the mainland, the Canary Islands, or the Balearic Islands. However, before you pick up the keys, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the local driving regulations.
Apart from the obvious switch to driving on the right-hand side, holidaymakers should adhere to local rules and speed limits, and ensure they possess a valid licence. If your licence was issued in the UK, you can use it in the EU for up to six months.
2025 will bring about some changes to Spanish driving laws, so even if you’ve rented a car during a previous holiday, it’s important to stay updated with the new regulations. Here are the key changes to keep an eye out for – and remember, some of these also apply if you’re renting a scooter.
1. Drink drive limits are due to be cut
According to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), Spain is planning to slash its drink driving limit by over half. Currently, the limit stands at 0.05% BAC (blood alcohol content) or 0.03% BAC for novice drivers or those driving for work.
In contrast, the UK limit is 0.08% BAC. The impact of alcohol varies among individuals, based on factors like metabolism, and men typically can consume more than women before reaching the limit.
Under the existing Spanish laws, consuming more than one 330ml bottle of beer could push someone close to, or beyond, the limit.Two small glasses of wine could also put someone over it, and Spanish measures are smaller than the UK.
The law change could potentially see the limit cut to just 0.02% BAC, which would mean even one small drink could put you at risk of legal trouble. Drink drive laws in Spain are also relatively strict. Being slightly over the limit can lead to a €1,000 fine, while the worst offenders with a BAC of over 0.12% can face six months in jail.
If you’re driving in Spain, you may wish to avoid drinking altogether before getting behind the wheel and ensure any alcohol from the night before has had plenty of time to leave your body.
2. Emergency corridor rule
A new law that came into play in January 2025 aims to make it easier for emergency vehicles to get to their destination. It’s known as an emergency corridor – if you hear an emergency vehicle approaching you should move to the right.
When drivers on both sides do this, it creates a ‘corridor’ in the traffic, that vehicles such as ambulances can easily zip through.
3. Helmet laws will come into play
For those thinking of zipping around Spain on a motorbike, be aware that the government is making changes to the requirements for protective gear. Open faced helmets are no longer allowed.
Riders will need to wear a full, closed-face helmet and gloves while on their bike, and this is likely to extend to people hiring a moped too. The law has been proposed for a few years now, and although no date has been set, it’s likely to come into force in 2025.
4. Motorbikes will be able to use the hard shoulder during traffic
Motorcyclists will be thrilled to learn that they’ll be able to use the hard shoulder from 2025 when traffic is heavy. However, they should note that a speed limit of 30 km/h will be enforced, and motorbikes must give priority to emergency vehicles, cyclists, and other vehicles permitted to use the hard shoulder.
5. Introduction of low emission zones (ZBEs)
As of January 1, Spanish cities with a population exceeding 50,000 have been designated as Zona de Bajas Emisiones (ZBE) — low emission zones. These zones were already established in some major cities, although enforcement varies from area to area.
ZBEs prohibit older or more polluting vehicles from entering the city centre during specific times. This is typically indicated on signs around the zone. It’s unlikely to impact rental cars, as they are usually newer models, but it could affect drivers travelling from the UK to Spain in their own vehicle.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
