TRAFFIC RULES IN SPAIN

It would be a shame if your trip to Spain for the Barcelona F1 race didn't come without a fine. Check out our tips on how to enjoy the Formula 1 race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya without incurring extra costs.

SPEED LIMITS

Motorways 120 km/h
Roads 90 km/h
Cities 50 km/h

VIGNETTE/TOLL

Tolls are charged on some motorways in Spain. Following major modifications in 2020 and 2021, most of the toll sections will be exempt from tolls. Tolls are charged on the C-32 south of Barcelona along the coast and on the C-16 northwest. The toll sections are always marked with the word PEAJE on the navigation signs. Along the toll motorway, there is usually a lower-quality four-lane road, which is only slightly slower. However, non-toll roads tend to have much heavier traffic.

If you are on a toll motorway, you will have to pay at the toll booths. Tolls are quite expensive in Spain. 

ALCOHOL AND DRIVING

Spain? That's a great wine! You won't get it on the racetrack, but you might be tempted by the evening bars and restaurants. The driving limit in Spain is 0.5 per mile, which is about two glasses of wine. 

But be careful, because if you exceed this benevolent limit, the penalties are severe. The minimum is 300 euros and the maximum is 600 euros. You also risk losing your driving licence and, if you are a Spanish driver, 6 points on your driving licence.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET A FINE

Spanish  police are very communicative and friendly but can be very strict if you break the rules. And not just in traffic. 
If you get a ticket for speeding, the police will send a letter to the owner of the car. We recommend that you pay the fine, which is usually no more than a few tens of euros unless the speeding was serious. And it's safer than risking an unpleasant encounter with the police on your next visit to Spain.