Driving and Motoring

One of the best ways to dicover rural Andalucia is by car © Michelle Chaplow
One of the best ways to dicover rural Andalucia is by car

Driving in Andalucia

Driving in Andalucia is very similar to driving in other European countries, but there are numerous differences – often quite subtle – so it pays to take the time to be sure understand the rules in Spain before heading out onto the roads.

Spanish drivers carry a license that is based on a point system that subtracts points based on infractions committed and can result in a loss of license and a return to driving school. Permanent residents can obtain a Spanish point-based driving license from their provincial Jefatura de Tráfico offices.

In addition, many Spanish motorways have been outfitted with radar cameras that turn in photos of speed limit violators who then receive their fines by mail, and Guardia Civil vehicles are also equipped with computers to input car number plates for instant information regarding a vehicle’s insurance status.

Tourists and non-residents driving in Spain should be aware that if they are stopped by police or Guardia Civil and given a fine for breaking the rules of the road, they will be required to pay a fine before continuing on their journey. In theory it is posible to later contest this imposition, via courts system, and if successful obtain a refund.

This section is about driving and motoring in Andalucia and Spain.
Cars and Motoring is a section orientated to those considering owning a car in Andalucia.
Car Hire is the section about hiring a car in Andalucia.
Driving Itineraries are suggested routes for driving around Andalucia. 

Starting from the village of San Miguel, look out on the left for the salt pans Salinas de Acosta, a vast 4km-long wetland created by a lagoon with blindingly white mounds of salt heaped up. Here… More →

Torremolinos was the first town on the Costa del Sol to introduce a Low Emission Zone. This was on 1st January 2024 and covers a part pedestrian area of the historic town centre.

Granada was one of the first cities to announce a ZBE; this was in July 2020 for implimentation in January 2021. Four city centre zones were published in November 2022. No impplementation date is… More →

Malaga is one of the many towns across Andalucia that is introducing ZBEs. The Malaga Town Hall approved the draft munuicipal ordinance in December 2023, it is hope to put the ZBE in operation… More →

Cordoba is the second town tin Andalucia to introduce a ZBE and the first to introduce on in the historic city centre.

Seville is one of the many towns across Andalucia that are introducing ZBEs. The Seville Town Hall introduced the ZBE in January 2023, the first in Andalucia .

In December 2022, a new Spanish law came into force that requires towns and cities of a certain population to create low emission zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones, or ZBE) in their centres. This… More →

Marbella is one of the many towns across Andalucia that is introducing ZBEs. The Marbella Town Hall approved the plan, and in December 2023, put up the signage just ahead of the 31-12-23 deadline… More →

Estepona is one of the many towns across Andalucia that is introducing ZBEs. The Estepona Town Hall approved this ordinance on 19 January 2023, and was expected to be introduced in October 2023… More →

At 1,248 km in length, this huge highway from Cadiz to Barcelona was the longest road in Spain. It is colloquially known as the Spanish Route 66, and many have travelled the entire route and… More →

Much has been written about the Osborne bulls, large black sherry advertisements which you may well have seen by the roadside all around Spain. Another, less well-known but equally classic,… More →

Enjoy a collection of Andalucia Road Trip Videos that have been sent to us. Starting in the delightfully vibrant Malaga, my gorgeous accomplice and I spent 2 weeks travelling around as much of… More →

You may have noticed while driving around Andalucia a number of small, solid-looking, single-storey stone buildings beside the road, often with a distinctive station platform-style terrace in… More →

You may have noticed old concrete milestones by the side of Andalucian roads - local and national, not motorways. While most of these were replaced long ago by painted metal signs, a few still… More →

All the town of Andalucia are linked by national ( N-340) (Red Signage) or Andalucia ( A-346) (Green sinage) roads. There are still some smaller provincial roads (MA-2547) (Yellow signage) and… More →

All it takes is a drive across Spain to see the legendary brandy advertisement that has become a symbol of Spanish culture both here at home and abroad. The Osborne Bull is the black silhouette of… More →

Lookout for specific speed limits. These will be signed but if you are driving across country you may forget the specific limit applies. Tunnels and underpass even on motorways will be limited… More →

The main motorways in Spain are generally well signed. However, if you are unfamiliar with Spanish geography, you’d best travel with a good road map. This is because signs will indicate the next… More →

GPS works well throughout Andalucia, but there is no substitute for a good road map when it comes to planning out a journey or ensuring you can find alternative routes when construction blocks off… More →

Almost all garages sell petrol at the maximum price permitted by the government. This can vary. As a general rule, most stations are self service. The exception is in some rural areas. Credit… More →

Spanish vehicle number plates feature the European logo (a circle of yellow stars on a blue background), above "E" for España (Spain), on the left-hand side of the plate. The format of the… More →

The National Traffic Authority in Spain is called the DGT – “Dirección General de Tráfico” and co-ordinates traffic across the country. The DGT’s website provides some information in English and… More →

All of the provincial capital cities of Andalucia are now linked by two lane fast motorways. The toll motorways are from Seville to Jerez (free of charge since the 1st of January 2020) and from… More →

Motorcycle drivers must have the appropriate license and insurance at all times, and properly fitted helmets are compulsory on all bikes, even on small motorbikes under 50cc. These drivers are… More →

In addition to losing points from the point-based driving license, traffic law violators in Spain also receive fines. As a tourist or holidaymaker you will be asked to pay the fine on the spot. If… More →

Depending on where you are coming from, drivers in Spain will seem either aggressive or polite! Visitors or new residents from countries where driving is more chaotic will probably be pleasantly… More →

These are the most basic requirements for drivers on Spanish roads: Driving license, car document and insurance must be carried at all times. Seat belts are worn in front and back seats at all… More →

In this section we have suggested some itineraries that you can use as a base for tours in Andalucia. These itineraries also link together many other information pages. As always the greatest… More →

Five excursions - Gibraltar and Los Barrios shopping, the Ruta del Toro to Jerez, Tarifa and the beaches and villages of the Costa de la Luz, Castillar, Jimena and inland villages and the Costa… More →

CAR HIRE

Hiring a car is best way to tour Andalucia. Travel with ease, stop where you want and enjoy the beautiful views!. We have a page about every village including things to see. Consult our general Car Hire page for car hire tips and advice on rental groups, insurance excess, young drivers, DVLA code, fuel policy and security, plus links to a range of car hire companies. Check out our specific car hire pages in each of our airport and main train station pages. Malaga Airport Car hire, Gibraltar Airport Car Hire.

Usefull Facebook page

N332 Facebook page - Practical information about driving from Police Officers and volunteers translate in their free time, relevant information published by official sources which can be useful for the international community who live in Spain and don't speak the language

Travel