During the summer months nothing is better than driving around the coastal roads of Spain, convertibles are a great but expensive option with very limited supply. If you end up hiring something more practical, make sure it's got air conditioning.

It's easy to forget with all the excitement of going on holiday, your plane landing and picking up your car that the Spanish drive on the right hand side of the road. Generally there are lots of friendly signs reminding you around the airport. It's when you are leaving a petrol station or just had a great meal in a restaurant that you tend to forget or get a bit confused. Try to relax, be vigilant and you should be fine. Oh, and it's always good to remember you go anti-clockwise on the roundabouts.

You may not realise it, but in Spain the pedestrian has the right of way at road crossings. Some drivers like to ignore this but we recommend that you always stop; steep fines could await you if you get caught, let alone upset locals.

Spain does have toll roads, so make sure you plan your trip well and know where you are going. It's always a good idea to keep hold of some spare cash just in case you need to use one.

If the unfortunate event of an accident occurs, you must do the following. Exchange the usual details with the other party (if there is one), obtain a police report and contact the local car rental company, they will also be able to help with any problems you are having with your car hire in Spain

Useful Spanish driving phrases

Abierto: Road open

Carretera de peaje: Toll road

Ceda el paso: Give way

Cerrado: Road closed

Despacio: Slow

Desviacion: Detour

Estacion de peaje: Toll station

Gravilla: Loose chippings

Obras: Roadworks

Peligro: Danger

Priordad: Right of way

Prohibicion: Prohibited

Salida: Exit

Essential Information

• Seat belts are to be worn by everyone in the vehicle at all times.

• If drivers need glasses they must carry a spare pair in the glove box, just in case they lose or break the main pair. You could face a spot fine if you don't.

• Headlamp converters must be used if you are taking a car to Spain from the UK.

• A full Bulb Kit should be stored in your car at all times.

• 2 Warning Triangles - If an accident occurs, one triangle must be placed in front of the car and one at the back.

• A reflective safety vest should be kept in the car at all times (You are not allowed to walk to emergency phone without one).

• Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the front of the car unless in an approved seat or harness.

• Motorcyclists – They must wear a crash helmet and a dipped headlamp must be used at all times.

Do not worry if your hire car does not contain all of the required safety equipment. Although they should be present for your safety, sometimes it is not possible to provide these for every single vehicle. Fines that are issued by the police for the lack of safety equipment will be paid or refunded by the car rental company.