driving in spain!!

Tabmow

Watch where you park - if there a blue lines (Zone Azul) you probably have to pay, even if the ticket machine is hard to find.

LesD

Also check out the AA website.

This says that GPS systems are excluded from the ban on 'distracting screens'!

What is a bit concerning is it says that hire companies are not obliged to provide the yellow emergency jackets which must be worn if you get out of a broken down car! I've always assumed it was their responsibility but maybe we all need to take our own (*)!

(*) £1 each in Poundland I think!

TBeckett100

Tabmow wrote:

Watch where you park - if there a blue lines (Zone Azul) you probably have to pay, even if the ticket machine is hard to find.

that reminds me I have an outstanding fine from my Polish parking ticket

Shaun_d123

Economy Car Hire state in their guides that should safety equipment not be provided eg hi viz vest, safety triangle then any associated fines will be refunded by the hire company

http://www.economycarhire.com/driving-abroad/driving-in-spain.php

gatita

It is a bit of a grey area regarding Tomtom/GPS, as you are not allowed a screen which could distract you.......... as the navigation is via a speaker these are o.k!:p They are NOT illegal. ANYTHING in the ear is prohibited, except a hearing aid I would imagine

bargain_babe

We hired a car in Spain from Barcelona airport. Found driving really fine. (well hubby did!). I think I prefer driving abroad,(we've driven in holland, Belgium, Spain and France (even I drive in France!) roads are so much better and signposted well and the roads aren't as busy. Hope it goes well for you x

guy999

Yep GPS is a bit of a grey area, however if your stopped by police and a gps is visible - a ticket will be issued.
Try arguing with a Spanish cop and tell him you were only listening to it - wonder what he would do?

LesD

Ok folks, how about taking a ruling on the GPS issue from the Spanish version of the Highway Code as published by the Dirección General de Tráfico??

"Quedan prohibidos los dispositivos que puedan distraer al conductor, como
pantallas con acceso a internet, monitores de televisión y reproductores de
vídeo o DVD. Se exceptúan a estos efectos el uso de monitores que, aún estando a la vista del conductor, su utilización sea necesaria (visión de acceso o bajada de peatones, maniobras traseras...) así como el dispositivo GPS."

Which BabelFish translates as:

"They are prohibited the devices that can distract the conductor, like screens with access to Internet, monitors of television and reproducers of video or DVD. They to this end except the use of monitors that, still being at sight of the conductor, their use is necessary (vision of access or slope of pedestrians, back maneuvers...) as well as device GPS."

bushranger31

so is ok to use tom tom or not in spain? yes or no ?

LIDON

No simple answer, depends what province your driving in and who you are stopped by.
I'm Spanish now living in London, my brother is a local police officer concentrating on traffic duties in Benicàssim, Castellón.. of Valencia.

Generally local police okay, but national police then guardi civil terrible
Basically if he stops you and sees device instant penalty and hes just local

However if in another province may choose to intrepet law differently.
Me I would use one but keep it out of sight and just listen to it

Basically Spain has had influx of immigrants and tourists, and depts getting more strict. For instance if your stopped have no id, where as spanish people have to carry id, you can be detained by police until proving you are not an illegal.