When you go on vacation in Spain, you probably think first and foremost of sunny days spent on the beach. However, there are many other ways to spend your free time. Spain offers just as many opportunities to get out and about by car. This makes it all the more important to familiarize yourself with the most common traffic rules before you travel. Although these do not differ significantly from those in Germany, it is always advisable to know them.
What are the general differences in road traffic between Germany and Spain?
The differences in traffic regulations between Germany and Spain may not be too great, but they are enforced much more strictly in Spain. In plain language, this means that Spain sets higher fines and may even confiscate the car in the event of an offense.
A good example of this is the child seat that is always required in Spain when children are in the car. Although there are also certain requirements for this in Germany, in Spain the rules in this regard are treated with much more attention. If the child seat is not in accordance with the law, the Guardia Civil (the traffic police in Spain) can confiscate the car.
Tip: If you are traveling by car with your children in Spain, it is therefore essential to check the applicable regulations beforehand to avoid any problems.
How do the speed limits in Germany and Spain differ?
The speed limit regulations in Spain are similar to those in Germany. Here is a brief overview of the speed limits in Spain:
- In urban areas: 50 km/h, unless there is an individual regulation by means of signage
- Out of town: 90 km/h or 100 km/h, depending on the width of an existing hard shoulder
- Expressways: 100 km/h
- Freeways: 120 km/h regular, on some freeways the speed limit has been increased to 130 km/h
The aforementioned hard shoulders should have a minimum width of 1.5 meters outside built-up areas. As long as this is guaranteed, the maximum speed limit is 90 km/h. However, if the hard shoulder is wider than 1.5 meters, the speed limit increases to 100 km/h.
On freeways, it is always advisable for drivers to pay attention to the signs. In 2021, the speed limit on some Spanish freeways was increased and has been 130 km/h since then. However, if you are unsure whether this is the case on the highway you are currently using, you should play it safe and stick to 120 km/h.
By the way: speed traps are much more widespread in Spain than in Germany. At the same time, so-called radar detectors are prohibited. In addition, the Guardia Civil does not have to stop a vehicle to impose a fine. All they need to do is note the license plate number.
What special traffic rules apply in Spain that do not exist in Germany?
Spain has a few differences compared to Germany, especially when it comes to parking. For example, parking spaces are marked with colored lines:
- Yellow line: no parking
- Yellow broken line: stopping and boarding permitted
- White line: free parking lot
- Blue line: follow the signs
- Green line: Parking is provided for residents, signage provides further information
A fine may be imposed if the parking rules listed are violated. In addition, parking in Spain is exclusively on the right-hand side, unless you are on a one-way street.
Another important difference comes into play at traffic lights. When a traffic light switches from green to amber, it flashes for a certain amount of time before finally changing to a steady light and only then switching to red. Drivers are urged to stop when the light is solid yellow in order to avoid dangerous situations. If the driver commits a red light violation, they must expect a fine of 200 euros or more.
How high are the fines for traffic offenses in Spain compared to Germany?
The prosecution of traffic offenses is treated with much greater attention in Spain than in Germany. Accordingly, the country also imposes higher penalties in terms of potential fines.
For example, if you exceed the speed limit by 20 km/h, you can expect a fine of 100 euros. If you were over 50 km/h on the speedometer, you will pay a fine of 600 euros or more. Drivers should bear in mind that they must also pay the fine directly on the spot. Prosecution abroad is possible without any problems thanks to an agreement concluded by the EU, which can be enforced for fines of 70 euros or more.
Finally, there is also the blood alcohol limit, which differs only slightly in Spain from that in Germany. The police may carry out an alcohol and drug test at any time during a stop. The limit is 0.5 per mille in the blood and 0.25 per mille in the breath test.
The special feature: novice drivers who have held their license for less than two years may have up to 0.3 per mille in their blood or 0.15 per mille in the breath test. In the event of a violation, the driver must expect a very high fine as well as a custodial sentence.
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