Destinations / Spain
Driving in Spain as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Non-EU tourists are commonly asked for an IDP alongside their licence in Spain and by most car-rental desks.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Spain expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h autopistas |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| In the car | Two warning triangles and a reflective vest must be carried. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Spare pair of glasses required if you wear them to drive. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.03% for novice drivers. |
| Right of way | Roundabouts: yield to traffic already circulating. |
On the road in Spain
At the pump
Stations sell gasolina (95/98 unleaded) and gasoleo/diesel A; many are self-service (autoservicio) and some rural ones close midday or only take cards overnight. Cards are widely accepted; petrol is around EUR 1.55-1.75/litre, often cheaper than France or Italy.
After a crash
Call 112; police must attend if there are injuries. For damage-only crashes complete the declaracion amistosa de accidente (European Accident Statement) signed by both drivers, photograph the scene, avoid moving vehicles when anyone is hurt, and notify the rental firm; carry and wear the reflective vest when exiting on a road.
Sources: spainonfoot.com · tyremap.com · cover4rentals.ie · europa.eu
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Non-EU tourists are commonly asked for an IDP alongside their licence in Spain and by most car-rental desks.
Which translation format is used for Spain?
Spain uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Spain ask for a translation?
Hertz, Enterprise and Alamo ask for an IDP for non-EU licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Spain?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.