Driving in Andalusia – Rules, Tips & Road Safety

Driving in Andalusia differs in several ways from other European regions, particularly when it comes to speed limits, roundabouts, and local driving habits.

The further south you travel in Spain, the more intense traffic can feel. On Andalusian roads, driving is often fast-paced and assertive, and during the peak travel season, even short journeys can become surprisingly demanding.

Add visitors unfamiliar with the roads to this the mix of local drivers trying to get to work or home from work as quickly as possible, traffic situations can quickly become challenging. With these practical driving tips, we aim to help you prepare as well as possible for a road trip through Andalusia.

Driving in Andalusia at a Glance

This overview summarises the most important rules and key characteristics of driving in Andalusia, helping you get a quick and practical orientation.

Category	Key Information
Traffic side	Right-hand traffic
Urban speed limit	50 km/h (often lower in residential zones)
Rural road speed limit	90–100 km/h
Motorway speed limit	120 km/h
Blood alcohol limit	0.5 ‰ (0.3 ‰ for novice drivers)
Mandatory safety equipment	Reflective vest and V16 LED emergency light required
Roundabouts	Vehicles already in the roundabout have priority
Tolls	Some motorways are subject to tolls
Enforcement	Regular speed and alcohol checks

Required Equipment in Your Car

Every country has its own traffic laws, and Spain is no exception. To comply with Spanish regulations, there are several items that must be carried in your vehicle at all times. The following equipment is legally required when driving in Andalusia:

• A reflective safety vest for each occupant, stored within easy reach

• A spare pair of glasses for drivers who wear glasses or contact lenses

• A V16 LED emergency warning light, which will replace the two warning triangle from 2026 (warning triangle mandatory for cars with foreign licence plate instead)

• A first aid kit

• A spare tyre or tyre repair kit

• Anti-theft protection

• A DGT environmental sticker if you intend to drive into low-emission zones in cities

• Vehicle documents, including valid inspection certification (For Spanish-registered vehicles, this is displayed as a sticker on the windscreen)

  
  

In addition to the mandatory items, we strongly recommend carrying a large bottle of water in the boot or securely placed elsewhere. In case of breakdowns or delays, this can be essential. A hat and sunscreen are also useful, especially during warmer months.

It’s also important to note that there is no winter tyre requirement in Spain, and carrying fuel-filled canisters inside the vehicle is not permitted.

Drivers and Passengers: What Is Allowed and What Isn’t

In theory, drivers in Spain are required to keep full control of the vehicle at all times, which means both hands should remain on the steering wheel. As a result, texting or reading messages, holding a phone during calls, eating, drinking, or smoking while driving are not permitted. If you are caught, fines can be substantial — even though, in practice, hardly any driver follows these rules.

It is especially important to note that throwing cigarette butts out of the window is strictly prohibited, as it poses a serious wildfire risk, particularly in southern Spain. All occupants must wear seat belts, and if an animal is transported in the car, it must be secured with an appropriate restraint or carrier.

Driving shirtless is not allowed, nor is sticking hands, feet, or other body parts out of the window. This rule also applies to passengers. While passengers may eat, drink, and use their phones, the driver may not. Drivers must also pay attention to proper footwear: driving barefoot or wearing flip-flops is not permitted in Spain.

Speed Limits in Andalusia – Theory vs Practice

Speed limits in Spain were revised recently and currently apply as follows, unless stated otherwise:

• Urban roads with one lane per direction: 30 km/h

• Urban roads with two or more lanes per direction: 50 km/h

• Outside urban areas (rural roads): 90 km/h*

• Dual carriageways / express roads: 100 km/h or 90 km/h**

• Motorways: 120 km/h***

  
  

In practice, many drivers do not strictly adhere to speed limits. If you follow the limits consistently, you may even feel like an obstacle to traffic. This changes instantly, however, when a speed camera is known or visible — at that point, almost everyone suddenly complies with the regulations.

* Exceptions:

• Motorhomes: 80 km/h

• Passenger cars with trailers: 70 km/h

** Exceptions:

• Motorhomes up to 3.5 t: 90 km/h

• Cars with trailers or motorhomes over 3.5 t: 80 km/h

*** Exceptions:

• Motorhomes up to 3.5 t: 100 km/h

• Cars with trailers up to 750 kg or motorhomes over 3.5 t: 90 km/h

• Cars with trailers over 750 kg: 80 km/h

Motorways in Andalusia – Toll and Toll-Free Roads

Since we are already talking about speed, it makes sense to look at motorways next. In Andalusia, there are two types of motorways: toll-free roads and toll roads. The difference is easy to spot. Toll-free motorways are marked with an “A”, while toll roads are labelled “AP”.

The cost of each toll section depends on the route, time of day, and season, and prices can vary accordingly. You can check current toll rates on the official motorway operator websites. For example, information about the AP-7 motorway, which connects Málaga with the Costa del Sol, is available online from the relevant operator.

Roundabouts in Andalusia – How to Navigate Them Correctly

Because traffic lights are expensive to install and maintain, roundabouts are widely used throughout Andalusia. During your trip — whether in a rental car or your own vehicle — you will encounter many of them. However, the correct way to use roundabouts is not always obvious to visitors (and not even to all local drivers), so here’s a practical explanation.

In Andalusia, indicators are usually used only when exiting a roundabout or when a driver intends to stay in the roundabout for a full circle. Some drivers signal to the right, others to the left, mainly to ensure that vehicles in the inner lane can clearly see their intention to exit.

Lane usage when entering a standard roundabout

Although the roundabout itself often has only two lanes, there are usually three approach lanes:

• Right-hand approach lane: For drivers taking the first exit, merging directly into the outer lane of the roundabout.

• Middle approach lane: For drivers taking a later exit, who also merge into the outer lane.

• Left-hand approach lane: For drivers intending to go all the way around the roundabout, merging into the inner lane.

  
  

As a general rule, vehicles already circulating in the roundabout have priority, especially those in the outer lane. When entering, you must give way to traffic approaching from the left.

At normal intersections without priority signs, the rule “priority to the right” technically applies, although it is not always strictly followed in practice. One important detail to watch out for is that pedestrian crossings in Andalusia are often placed immediately after intersections or roundabout exits, meaning drivers must be prepared to stop right after turning.

Speed Bumps and Traffic Calming Measures

A cost-effective way to remind drivers of speed limits in Andalusia is the widespread use of speed bumps. These are often not the smooth rubber bumps found in other countries, but rather steep concrete humps designed to slow vehicles down quickly.

Driving over them too fast can easily cause damage to your car, so when you see a “reductor de velocidad”, slower is always better. At night, these bumps are sometimes poorly lit or difficult to spot, making extra caution essential. If you are unfamiliar with a road, it is wise to reduce your speed significantly — let impatient drivers pass and focus on driving safely.

Road Signs in Andalusia – Meaning and Local Quirks

Most road signs in Andalusia are similar to those found across other European countries. What often differs, however, is their accuracy or the logic behind their placement.

You may encounter speed limit signs that change abruptly every few hundred metres without an obvious reason, or distance signs indicating a town that suddenly shows a greater distance than it did just a few kilometres earlier. While these inconsistencies can be amusing at first, they can also become confusing when navigating unfamiliar roads.

In some cases, exit signs point to slip roads that lead only to narrow gravel tracks, while the actual exit follows shortly afterwards. At other times, important signs may be missing altogether.

For this reason, it is highly recommended to use an up-to-date navigation system when driving in Andalusia. Not only will it help you follow the correct route, but it can also suggest alternative roads that avoid toll motorways where possible.

When Is Renting a Car in Andalusia Worth It?

Renting a car in Andalusia is especially worthwhile for travelling between smaller towns or national parks, as it offers far greater flexibility than buses or trains and is often more cost-effective for longer stays.

Why Drive Your Own Car or a Rental Car in Andalusia?

Much of what we’ve described so far may sound discouraging and make you question whether driving in Andalusia is worth it at all. In reality, it often is — especially because the alternatives are not always ideal. In many parts of Andalusia, public transport is limited, and covering longer distances by taxi, including airport transfers, can be surprisingly expensive.

If you want to explore the lesser-known corners of Andalusia and travel with maximum flexibility, having a car is often the best option. It allows you to reach remote villages, natural parks, and scenic routes that would otherwise be difficult or time-consuming to access.

Don’t let other drivers unsettle you. While traffic in Andalusia can feel chaotic at times, drivers are generally tolerant and used to different driving styles. Stay alert, remain calm, and follow the tips outlined here — and you’ll be well prepared for a safe and rewarding road trip through Andalusia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in Andalusia

How does driving in Andalusia differ from the UK and Ireland?

Driving in Andalusia follows Spanish traffic laws and differs from the UK and Ireland mainly in driving on the right-hand side, speed limit structures, roundabout behaviour, and overall driving style. Drivers from the UK and Ireland may find traffic more assertive, especially in cities and at roundabouts, where defensive driving is recommended.

What speed limits apply in Andalusia?

In Andalusia, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90–100 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Lower limits often apply in residential zones and traffic-calmed areas.

Is driving in Andalusia safe for tourists?

Yes, driving in Andalusia is considered safe for tourists as long as traffic rules are followed and local driving habits are taken into account. Regular speed and alcohol checks contribute to overall road safety.

How do roundabouts work in Andalusia?

In Andalusian roundabouts, vehicles already circulating generally have priority. When exiting, drivers should indicate clearly, as lane changes within roundabouts are more common than in the UK and Ireland.

Is renting a car in Andalusia worth it?

Renting a car is especially worthwhile for travel outside major cities, such as visiting beaches, natural parks, or smaller towns. For longer stays, a car often offers more flexibility and convenience than public transport.