Driving in Lanzarote

Driving in Lanzarote is usually a pleasure, due to the good quality of the main roads, plentiful signs, and a lower level of traffic than back in the UK. Of course there are some treacherous areas (as with anywhere) that demand extra concentration. Here are some rules and tips whilst driving in Lanzarote, and some Spanish driving laws.

• You must be 18 years old to drive a car and 21 years old to rent a car
• Carry your driving licence and car documents with you at all times
• You drive on the right and overtake on the left. Sounds obvious? You’d be amazed how many cars we see drifting over to the left – especially on changeover days!
• On roundabouts you give way to traffic coming from the right - this is why most people stay on the outside lane of the roundabout here.
• Do not overtake on pedestrian crossings.
• All passengers are required to wear a seatbelt – this includes in the rear of your car
• Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal
• Driving shoes must have a strap behind the ankle – no flip flops!
• The limits on drink-driving are lower here than the UK. UK = 0.8. Spain = 0.5. If you have only passed your test less than a year ago, then it is 0.1 – just don’t do it!
• Do not throw anything out of the window of your car – this includes cigarettes, children and nagging spouses.
• Children under 12 must sit in the back.
• Motorcycles should have their headlights on at all times (dipped during the day)
• It doesn’t matter that you’ve seen that copper with a ciggie in one hand, and a mobile phone in the other whilst driving – he’ll still fine YOU if you do something wrong.

Items Required
Under Spanish driving laws you must have the following items in your car while driving. You can be fined on the spot if something is missing, and this can be per item, not just a one-off fine.

• Passport/ID card and a driver’s licence You’ll have to show these if you get stopped by police. The EU driving licence has a ring of stars on it. If in doubt – as before you drive!
• Two warning triangles You need these in the case of accident or breakdown, when they are placed behind the car, and ahead of it.
• Reflective jackets You must wear a reflective jacket if you ever exit the car on a road outside urban areas. You must be able to put the jacket on inside the car. Kepp one per passenger.
• Spare bulbs and the correct tools to change them.
• If you wear corrective glasses while driving, you must have a spare pair in your car.
• Valid car insurance – minimum of 3rd party – but the fully comp cover is often not a lot dearer… and well worth it.
• Car ownership documents. If the car is not yours, you need proof of permission to drive it.

Fines
Fines for traffic offences can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the driving offence. In some areas the fines may be payable on the spot and in others you need to visit the local police station. Always get a receipt for any fines paid.

Car Accidents
Car accidents happen everywhere, and Lanzarote has a high rate of these. Make sure that your vehicle is correctly insured. Your car hire company should give you a number to call in case of emergency – so keep this in your car at all times. Your insurer should also provide you with an accident report form. If an accident occurs, then it is vital that you fill the form with full details of all the vehicles involved. And do not move your vehicle until the police arrive at the scene.

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