Spain has a dense network of toll-free motorways (autovías) and only some tolled stretches (autopistas, marked AP). Tolls are paid by card at the barrier; there is no vignette. Your sat-nav will offer both options — budget roughly 1 to 12 euros for a tolled section, depending on its length.
Speed limits
Motorways are 120 km/h, rural roads 90 km/h and built-up areas 50 km/h. Since 2021, however, towns follow a finer rule: 30 km/h on streets with a single lane in each direction and 20 km/h where the pavement is not separated from the road. In practice, that means 30 km/h almost everywhere in Spanish city centres.
Roundabouts work differently
Traffic already on the roundabout has priority, as at home. The difference is lane use: Spanish rules say you should stay in the outer lane, with the inner one reserved for overtaking. Local drivers routinely do the opposite — they take the inner lane and cut across the outer one to exit. Stay outside, indicate before your exit and expect someone to cross your path.
Alcohol, speed cameras and fines
The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, or 0.3 g/l for drivers licensed less than two years. Checks are frequent, especially at weekends along the coast. Speed cameras are common on main routes and usually signposted. Speeding fines start at 100 euros and drop by half if paid within 20 days. The rental company charges an administration fee for passing on your details, typically 30 to 50 euros, even when you pay the fine yourself.
A hire car normally carries the mandatory kit — a reflective vest and two warning triangles — but check it is actually there when you collect the car; a missing vest is a 200-euro fine. Keep the vest in the cabin, not the boot: you are supposed to put it on before you step out.
