Renting a car can be an excellent way to see more of Spain. But before you collect the keys, it’s important to know the rules of the road in your destination.
Aside from the obvious change of driving on the right, tourists should follow local regulations and speed limits, and make sure they have a valid licence. If you got your licence in the UK, you can use it in the EU for up to six months.
2025 will also see some changes to driving laws in Spain, so even if you’ve hired a car on a previous holiday, you should make sure you’re aware of the new rules. Here are the main changes to look out for, and don’t forget, some of them apply if you’re hiring a scooter too.
Drink drive limits are set to be cut
According to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), Spain is set to cut its drink driving limit by more than half. At the moment, the limit is 0.05% BAC (blood alcohol content) or 0.03% BAC for new drivers or those who are driving for work. By comparison, the UK limit is 0.08% BAC. The effects of alcohol vary from person to person, depending on factors such as metabolism, and men can generally drink more than women before hitting the limit.
Under the current laws, drinking a second 330ml bottle of beer could put someone close to, or above, the limit. Two small glasses of wine could also put you over, and bear in mind, Spanish measures are smaller than the UK.
The law change could potentially see the limit cut to 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.
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.
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.
Motorbikes will be able to use the hard shoulder during traffic
Bikers who find themselves in a traffic jam will be pleased to hear they’ll be able to use the hard shoulder from 2025. However, they should be aware that they won’t be able to zip along.
Speed limits of 30 km/h apply. In addition, motorbikes will need to give priority to emergency vehicles, cyclists, and other vehicles allowed to use the hard shoulder.
Low emission zones introduced
From January 1, Spanish cities with over 50,000 residents became Zona de Bajas Emisiones (ZBE) — low emission zones. These zones were already in place in some major cities, although some areas are more rigid with enforcement than others.
ZBEs restrict older or more polluting vehicles from entering the city centre during certain times. This is usually displayed on signs around the zone. It’s unlikely to affect hire cars, as they tend to be newer models, but it could affect drivers travelling from the UK to Spain in their own vehicle.