Barcelona
- Transport - Driving in Barcelona
Traffic on Barcelona streets can be very heavy at all times
of the day, and if you can avoid it do not bring your car into the
centre. If you do want to drive in Barcelona however keep in mind
that many of the streets are one way and that the speed limit on
local roads is 50 km/h (35 mph).
The City Council
of Barcelona have an excellent real time report of traffic status
on their website and detailed maps. You can also find a database
of parking facilities on the site.
Website: Barcelona
City Council Travel Information
Driving
regulations in Spain
In Spain cars
drive on the right hand side of the road. It is compulsory to wear
a seatbelt at all times. Children under the age of 12 may not travel
in the front seats of the car and must travel in an approved children's
car seat. The use of headphones or mobile telephones while driving
is strictly prohibited. Drivers are required to submit to alcohol
or drug controls which can be frequent on Spanish roads particularly
during the weekends. The legal blood alcohol limit is 80 mg.
Motorcycles
and Mopeds
You must wear
a crash helmet at all times and drive with the lights on. An international
driver's license is required to drive in Spain unless you have a
Drivers Licence from a European Union member nation. The minimum
driving age is 18 years.
If you are driving
your car from another European country or England you must inform
your car insurance company that you are taking your car abroad.
They will issue you with a Green Card. This card must be carried
with your valid car insurance certificate, your driving licence
and original vehicle registration document.
Speed
limits
Motorway 120kph
(74mph)
Open Road 100kph (64mph)
Urban Areas 50kph (12mph)
Cars towing trailer 80kph (48mph)
Useful
Numbers
Spain's Traffic
Authority (Dirección General de Tráfico)
Traffic Information Centre
Tel: 900 12 35 05
Emergencies
Tel: 112
