A truly breathtaking getaway with a volcanic backdrop, renting a car is the perfect way to discover the islands of El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, Lanzarote and Tenerife.
Why not read our Canary Islands travel guide? You may also like to view information about destinations in the Canary Islands.
Tips for driving in the Canary Islands
Which side of the road do they drive on?
Traffic drives on the right here.
Seat belts
Seat belts are to be worn in the front and rear of the vehicle.
Driving with children
Children under 18, shorter than 1.35m, must use a suitable child seat or booster seat.
They must not sit in the front seat, unless the rear seats are occupied with children. Children taller than 1.35m may use an adult seat belt.
Blood alcohol limit
The blood alcohol limit is 50mg alcohol per 100ml blood. For professional drivers or drivers with less than two years’ experience the blood alcohol limit is 20mg per 100ml blood.
Glasses
In Spain if you require glasses, you must carry a spare pair in the glove box in case you lose or break the 1st pair.
Reflective vests, triangles & other essentials
A reflective vest and two warning triangles should be kept in the vehicle at all times. If present this must be accessible from within the car and not kept in the boot.
Parking
In one way streets in some cities, vehicles must be parked on the side of the road where houses bear uneven numbers on uneven days of the month, and on the side of even numbers on even days.
Horns and headlights
You must not sound the horn at any time in urban areas, except in an emergency. You can flash your lights instead. Only sidelights or dipped headlights must be used in built-up areas. You must use dipped headlights in tunnels.
Speeding
Speed traps are very common in Spain and fines are high. If oncoming vehicles flash their headlights they could be warning you of a speed trap. Alternatively, flashing headlights can also mean the driver is warning you it’s their right of way.
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