Driving in Malaga

Malaga, frequently referred as the capital of Costa del Sol is a divine city that takes pride in its Roman and Moorish genealogy. Surrounded by exotic whitewashed buildings, the architecture of Malaga runs deep into traditions, from Moorish to Baroque. On other hand, the golden sandy beaches and its crystalline waters will pamper you with great, Mediterranean beachside food. If you want to experience, all of this at your own leisurely pace, then Malaga car hire is the only option. However, visitors should remember some practical things before driving in the city.

If you are from United States, you need an International Driving permit along with a driving permit from the state to drive in Malaga. Europeans do not need an International Driving permit, but they should carry a passport along, just in case the Guardia Civil asks for it.

Check for insurance coverage, since insurance companies may not provide for an international cover. Consult with the insurance company or ask the local Malaga car rental company to arrange for insurance.

At crossings, marked with zebra black and white stripes, the pedestrian gets prime importance. The pedestrian should be first allowed to cross by the motorist and then proceed further, although this remains a dream in many cities. Many a times, motorists do not respect pedestrians; therefore cross carefully.

Spanish drivers are not exactly road friendly drivers as they would be eager to throttle your holiday by blowing horns and over speeding. So, as a visitor in a foreign land use the left lane to drive fast or if you want to overtake any vehicle. Otherwise, use the middle or right lane.

There are some legal specifications to consider before you rent a car in Malaga. The driver should be 18 years and above. It is against the law to talk on a mobile phone while driving. Everyone in the car has to wear a seat belt at all times, including the ones seated at the back. Children who are under 12 years or shorter than 150 cm cannot use the front seats.

Drunk driving is strictly prohibited in Spain. The blood alcohol limit is restricted to 0.5 gram/liter or one glass of wine or beer. If your breath-test returns a positive result, the Guardia Civil may send you to jail.

All these rules may sound too hard to digest, but they are essential if you want to enjoy fulfilling Malaga holidays. If required care is taken, driving in Malaga is always a pleasurable experience. Be aware of the laws and regulations, keep yourself updated and speed into the shining, golden sunset of Malaga!