Paul D.Smith

Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK and
Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road signs,
know anything that is "different" etc.

Thanks,
Paul DS.

P.S. Yes, I know to drive on the other side of the road ;-).

--
Please remove the "x-" if replying to sender.

Geraint

sgwennodd "Paul D.Smith" yn neges
news:[email protected]...
    > Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK and
    > Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road signs,
    > know anything that is "different" etc.
There isn't really anything dramatic you should know about..... Drive like
you do at home, and you'll be fine!

To blend in, just to be really slack with your driving (indicators seem
optional - particularly on motorways), and join in the fun and sound your
horn regularly. It's quite a relaxed place to drive.....

hwyl!
geraint.

R J Carpenter

"Barbara Vaughan" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

    > The only thing I found a bit odd is the traffic lights that punish you
    > for exceeding the speed limit in built-up areas. Often there is not even
    > a cross road. Go too fast and there's a red light in your path.

On "La Manga del Mar Menor" peninsula out of season (early Oct) the slowing
lights were still working.

I noticed that the hot-rod locals would go so fast that the light didn't
have time to turn!

Barbara Vaughan

"Paul D.Smith" wrote:
    >
    > Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK and
    > Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road signs,
    > know anything that is "different" etc.

The only thing I found a bit odd is the traffic lights that punish you
for exceeding the speed limit in built-up areas. Often there is not even
a cross road. Go too fast and there's a red light in your path.

Also I found the road signs somewhat lacking. Have a very good map and a
navigator. If not, you'll probably get lost regularly.

Barbara

Adrian Rothery

"Barbara Vaughan" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > "Paul D.Smith" wrote:
    > >
    > > Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK
and
    > > Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road
signs,
    > > know anything that is "different" etc.
    > The only thing I found a bit odd is the traffic lights that punish you
    > for exceeding the speed limit in built-up areas. Often there is not even
    > a cross road. Go too fast and there's a red light in your path.

http://www.ospreyweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/edr/spain.htm

Adrian
www.eurodriveregs.co.uk

Tandp

"Paul D.Smith" schrieb:
    >
    > Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK and
    > Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road signs,
    > know anything that is "different" etc.
    >
    > Thanks,
    > Paul DS.
    >
    > P.S. Yes, I know to drive on the other side of the road ;-).
    >
    > --
    > Please remove the "x-" if replying to sender.

Like in France and other European countries, observe right before left
priority at unmarked junctions within builtup areas.

Tom

The Reid

Following up to Paul D.Smith

    >Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK and
    >Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road signs,
    >know anything that is "different" etc.

Road signs are much the same. No overtaking is 2 cars with red stripe
across, grey version ends it. These signs *mean it*, unlike UK where
it means "we dont want you to overtake in case your an half blind
idiot driving a milk float" in Spain it means "we assume you are Pedro
Alonso driving a Ferrari".

Theres not a lot to worry about, dont believe the latin temperment
stuff. Spanish drivers are easy going and polite.
But they will follow too close if wanting to overtake.
Do remember in the unlikely event of getting stopped for speeding you
must pay in cash, so carry lots, no pay, no car.
Alcohol limit is lower than UK, 50 Mg IIRC.

Maps tend to be poor, we always carry 2 and compare!
Pay motorways are usually empty.

Dont expect the amount of coddling you get from British traffic
engineers, your expected to be able to look at the road and decide how
fast to go. In the wet the road surfaces turn lethal in usually dry
areas. You will only meet traffic jams in the obviuos major cities inc
Cadiz (one road out) and El Ferrol. The main road down the east coast
is horrible, out in, say, extremadura on minor doads you may drive all
day without seeing a car!
--
Mike Reid
Spanish regional cooking at
"http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"

Anjo

On Tue, 15 Apr 2003 17:29:44 +0100, "Paul D.Smith"
wrote:

    >Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK and
    >Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road signs,
    >know anything that is "different" etc.
    >Thanks,
    >Paul DS.
    >P.S. Yes, I know to drive on the other side of the road ;-).
A zebra crossing is taken seriously.
A pedestrian will cross the road without looking left or right.

Tim

    > >Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK
and
    > >Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road signs,
    > >know anything that is "different" etc.
    > >
    > >Thanks,
    > >Paul DS.
    > >
    > >P.S. Yes, I know to drive on the other side of the road ;-).
    > A zebra crossing is taken seriously.
    > A pedestrian will cross the road without looking left or right.

Like a lot of mainland Europe, traffic-lights in off-peak periods go on
flashing-amber phase, which means use the road markings to decide who has
priority -officially - in practice it meant be very careful.

Barbara Vaughan

R J Carpenter wrote:
    >
    > "Barbara Vaughan" wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]...
    >
    > > The only thing I found a bit odd is the traffic lights that punish you
    > > for exceeding the speed limit in built-up areas. Often there is not even
    > > a cross road. Go too fast and there's a red light in your path.
    >
    > On "La Manga del Mar Menor" peninsula out of season (early Oct) the slowing
    > lights were still working.
    >
    > I noticed that the hot-rod locals would go so fast that the light didn't
    > have time to turn!

Yes, we once got stopped by a light intended to punish the guy ahead of
us.

Barbara

John Stolz

Paul D.Smith wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK and
    > Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road signs,
    > know anything that is "different" etc.
    > Thanks,
    > Paul DS.
    > P.S. Yes, I know to drive on the other side of the road ;-).
    > --
    > Please remove the "x-" if replying to sender.
Be afraid, be very afraid.

Miguel Cruz

Anjo wrote:
    > Paul Smith wrote:
    >> Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK
    >> and Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road
    >> signs, know anything that is "different" etc.
    > A zebra crossing is taken seriously.
    > A pedestrian will cross the road without looking left or right.

That is one of the great things about Spain vs UK - as a pedestrian I feel
much more comfortable there, because drivers actually occasionally pay
attention (one gets spoiled living in the USA, where pedestrians are still
sort of treated like human beings).

miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu
Latest photos: Dubai and Vietnam

Frank Matthews

I have two comments.

First note that left turns often require that you pull off to the right
and then cross the road at a right angle.

Second remember that many Spanish towns are medieval in origin and have
sections that are only navigable in an automobile. There is a reason
that the average Spanish car is well scraped.

Frank Matthews

Paul D.Smith wrote:
    > Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK and
    > Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road signs,
    > know anything that is "different" etc.
    >
    > Thanks,
    > Paul DS.
    >
    > P.S. Yes, I know to drive on the other side of the road ;-).
    >
    > --
    > Please remove the "x-" if replying to sender.
    >
    >

Tandp

Frank Matthews schrieb:
    >
    > I have two comments.
    >
    > First note that left turns often require that you pull off to the right
    > and then cross the road at a right angle.
    >
    > Second remember that many Spanish towns are medieval in origin and have
    > sections that are only navigable in an automobile. There is a reason
    > that the average Spanish car is well scraped.
    >
    > Frank Matthews

That reminds me- a compass could be useful. Driving round Cordoba I got
totally
disorientated in the narrow winding streets.

Tom
    >
    > Paul D.Smith wrote:
    > > Can anyone point me at a good reference for the differences between UK and
    > > Spanish "rules of the road"? For example, I want to see some road signs,
    > > know anything that is "different" etc.
    > >
    > > Thanks,
    > > Paul DS.
    > >
    > > P.S. Yes, I know to drive on the other side of the road ;-).
    > >
    > > --
    > > Please remove the "x-" if replying to sender.
    > >
    > >