Moving to Fuerteventura

Driving in Fuerteventura is usually a pleasure, due to the good quality of the main roads, long clear stretches, plentiful signs, and a lower number of vehicles than back in the UK. Of course there are some dangerous areas (as with anywhere) that demand extra concentration. Here are some helpful rules and tips whilst driving in Fuerteventura, and some Spanish driving laws.

• You must be 18 years old or over to drive a car and 21 years old to rent a hire car
• You must carry your driver’s licence and vehicle paperwork with you at all times
• You drive on the right and overtake on the left. Sounds obvious? You’d be amazed how many cars we see drifting  – especially on the busier airport days!
• You give way to traffic coming from the right when exiting a roundabout- this is why most people stay on the outside lane of the roundabouts here.
• You must not overtake on pedestrian crossings.
• All passengers are required to wear a seatbelt – including in the back if they are fitted.
• Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal despite the number of police that you see doing it.
• Driving shoes must have a strap behind the ankle – no flip flops! Crocs are fine though… as long as the strap is round your ankle.
• The limits on drink-driving are lower here than the UK. UK = 0.8. Spain = 0.5. If you passed your test less than a year ago, then it is only 0.1 – just don’t do it!
• Do not throw any refuse out of the window of your car – this includes cigarettes, chewing gum, children and nagging spouses.
• Children under 12 must sit in the back.
• Motorcycles should have their headlights on at all times (dipped during the day)
• It doesn’t matter that you’ve seen that copper with a ciggie in one hand, and a mobile phone in the other whilst driving – he’ll still fine YOU if you do something wrong. Play it safe

Items Required for your vehicle
Under Spanish driving laws you must carry the following in your car while driving. You can be fined on the spot if something is missing, and this can legally be per item, not just a one-off fine.

• Passport/Identification card and a driver’s licence You’ll have to show these if you get stopped by police. The EU driving licence has a ring of stars on it. If in doubt – ask before you start driving.
• Two reflective warning triangles You need these in the case of accident or breakdown, when they are placed both behind the car, and ahead of it.
• Reflective jackets You must wear a reflective jacket if you ever exit the car on a road outside urban areas. You must be able to put the jacket on inside the car. Keep one per passenger. Many drivers drape them over their seats so they can reach them easily. They’re no good in the boot.
• Spare lightbulbs and the correct tools to change them.
• If you wear glasses while driving, you must have a spare pair in your car.
• Valid car insurance – minimum of 3rd party – but the fully comprehensive cover is often not a lot dearer… and well worth it.
• Car ownership documents. If the car is not yours, you need proof of permission to drive it.

Fines
Fines for traffic violations can vary greatly, depending upon the severity of the driving offence. In some areas the fines may be payable on the spot and in others you need to visit the local police station. Always ensure that you get a receipt for any fines paid.

Car Accidents
Car accidents happen everywhere, and Fuerteventura has a high rate of these, as most of Spain. Make sure that your vehicle is correctly insured, and that all your paperwork is up to date. Your car hire company should give you a number to call in case of emergency – so keep this in your car at all times. Your insurer should also provide you with an accident report form. If an accident occurs, then it is vital that you fill the form with full details of all the vehicles involved. Do not accept liability. And do not move your vehicle until the police arrive.

Drive safely!