Warning on driving in Spain

FOREIGN holidaymakers renting cars in Spain this year need to beware they don’t get caught out by changed driving laws and harsher penalties for traffic offences.

They include:

• Fines of up to €500 (£396), and the loss of six licence points, for being just 1km per hour above the speed limit.

• The Spanish police do not now need to stop a car in order to prosecute; they can just note its registration number.

• A minimum fine of €1,000 (£792) if drivers are found to have more than double the drink drive limit of 0.5mg, unless you passed your test within the last two years, or are a professional driver, in which case it is 0.3mg. The fine also applies if you are a repeat drink -driving offender, if you refuse to take the breathalyser test, or if you are driving under the influence of drugs.

'Driving abroad can be daunting for some motorists,' said Ken McCall, managing director at Europcar. 'We advise drivers to familiarize themselves with the driving laws of any countries they are visiting if they’re planning to drive either their own car or a hire car. For instance, in France it is a requirement for drivers to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicle; in other countries there’s a zero alcohol limit. 

Whichever country you are visiting, don’t get caught out by assuming that foreigners will be exempt from the law. Make sure you do your homework before arriving at your destination.'

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
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