Driving in Andalusia: rules, roads, parking and fuel

Short answer. In Spain the limit is 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on most other roads and 50, 30 or 20 km/h in towns. The alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l in blood (0.25 mg/l breath), lower for new drivers. Since 1 January 2026 a connected V-16 beacon replaces warning triangles. EU licences are valid; drivers with other licences are advised to carry an International Driving Permit. The A-44 and A-7 around Vélez de Benaudalla are toll-free.

The main rules

Official figures from Spain’s General Traffic Regulation and the DGT. Signs on the road always take priority.

Sources: BOE (Reglamento General de Circulación, arts. 20, 48, 50) and DGT. Checked November 2026.
Topic	Rule	Good to know
Motorways (autopista, autovía)	120 km/h	Lower limits are often signposted.
Other roads	90 km/h	100 km/h only where the road has physically separated carriageways and it is signposted.
Towns	50 / 30 / 20 km/h	50 with two or more lanes per direction, 30 with one, 20 on single-surface shared streets.
Alcohol	0.5 g/l blood · 0.25 mg/l breath	0.3 g/l · 0.15 mg/l during the first two years of a licence.
Breakdown signal	Connected V-16 beacon	Mandatory since 1 Jan 2026, replacing triangles; not carrying it: €80 fine. In a rental, check it is on board.
Licence	EU/EEA licences valid	Other licences: carry an International Driving Permit with your licence and passport, or a licence in Spanish / official translation.

Roads around Vélez de Benaudalla

A-44 (Granada – coast)

Toll-free motorway between Granada and the coast; Vélez de Benaudalla sits at its southern end.

A-7 (coastal)

Toll-free motorway along the Costa Tropical towards Málaga and Almería.

AP-7 toll section

West of Málaga, part of the Costa del Sol has a toll motorway; free roads run alongside.

Mountain roads

Roads into the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada are narrow and winding: plan extra time and avoid driving tired.

Snow and road status

In winter, high roads in Sierra Nevada can need chains or close: check the DGT traffic information before leaving.

Road trip: Granada to the coast
Airports and transfers: Granada or Málaga

Parking

Granada centre

Access to parts of the historic centre is restricted to authorised vehicles. Use a public car park and walk or take the bus.

Beaches in summer

Car parks near popular beaches fill early in high season: arrive in the morning.

Blue and green zones

Coloured street markings mean paid or residents-only parking: read the nearby machine or sign.

At Rincón Salvaje

There is a public car park near the apartment.

Fuel

Official, updated prices for every petrol station in Spain are on the Ministry’s Geoportal de gasolineras: useful to choose where to fill up before returning a rental car.

With a full-to-full rental, fill up close to the return point and keep the receipt.

Car hire in Andalusia: real cost and fees

Breakdowns, accidents and fines

Breakdown

Switch on the hazard lights and activate the V-16 beacon from inside the car. Get out only if there is a safe place, behind the barrier.

Emergency

Call 112, free from any phone across the EU.

Rental car

Call the assistance number in your contract before arranging any repair.

Accident

Fill in a European Accident Statement with the other driver and take photos.

Fines

The driver pays; with a rental, the company usually adds an admin fee.

Car or no car?: coaches and alternatives

Rules can change: the BOE and DGT are the official references.

Driving to Rincón Salvaje

Rincón Salvaje is in Vélez de Benaudalla, inland at the southern end of the A-44, with a public car park nearby. From there the coast, Granada and the Alpujarra are all within reach by car.

Travelling with a pet: EU rules, beaches, car and a checklist

Frequently asked questions

What is the speed limit on Spanish motorways?

120 km/h on autopistas and autovías, unless signs show a lower limit.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Spain?

Not with an EU or EEA licence. With other licences, the DGT advises carrying an International Driving Permit together with your licence and passport.

Are warning triangles still required in Spain?

Since 1 January 2026 a connected V-16 beacon is mandatory and replaces triangles.

Are there tolls near Granada and the Costa Tropical?

The A-44 and A-7 are toll-free. Part of the AP-7 west of Málaga has a toll.

Where can I see fuel prices in Spain?

On the Ministry’s Geoportal de gasolineras, which lists official prices station by station.

Sources · Facts checked on 8 November 2026

Driving in Andalusia: the rules and practical tips