The 2025-2026 Stars and Stripes “European Road Guide” includes country-specific driving laws, vehicle purchase information and other essential details for drivers while stationed in Europe.

Here are the road laws and regulations for drivers while in Spain.

In Spain, third-party liability insurance is mandatory. It must cover bodily injury, liability of at least €50,000,000, and property damage of at least €75,000,000.

You must have an International Certificate of Vehicle Insurance, also called a green card, as proof of insurance. Keep a copy inside your vehicle.

• Inside City Limits: 50 kph

• Motorway in Urban Areas: 89 kph

• Minor Road Outside City Limits: 90 kph

• Major Road Outside City Limits: 100 kph

• Motorway (Autopista): 120 kph

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED

• Legal limit: Below .05 %

• New drivers (less than 2 years): Below .03 %

CELL PHONES: Only hands-free device use is permitted.

CHILD SAFETY: Spanish regulations require EU-compliant child seats

• Rear-facing seats are required for children up to 18 months old and less than 28 pounds.

• Forward-facing seats are required for children 18 months to 4 years old, and 20–40 pounds.

• Boosters in the back seat are required for children 3 to 12 years old and 33–80 pound, or over 12 years old and under 53 inches tall.

TOLLS: Tolls on certain motorways and tunnels can be paid at gates along the route. Visit viat.es to purchase an electronic toll device.

REQUIREMENTS

• Two warning triangles

• Reflective vest

• First-aid kit (recommended)

WINTER TIRES: Use of winter tires and snow chains in Spain depends on the region and winter conditions.

SAFETY:

• Beware of scams by individuals pretending to have car trouble; lock all doors and keep valuables out of sight if you stop.

• Robbery by individuals impersonating police officers have been reported in Madrid and Catalonia.

Only personnel and dependents with a TEI on stamped orders may fuel their registered vehicle on base at the NEX gas station or use the auto services. You can now prepay before using the pump to save time! Car detailing is open to anyone with base access.

Visit the NEX Customer Service Center on NAVSTA Rota to sign up for the gas card program. This allows you to purchase tax-free fuel from CEPSA gas stations across Spain.

• 200 liters of tax-free fuel may be purchased monthly.

• It takes roughly three months to receive your card.

Road Guide