Driving in Lanzarote
The driving laws are the same in Lanzarote as in all Spanish territory. The official national speed limits are 120 Km/h on motorways and 50 Km/h in built-up areas, unless otherwise indicated. Parking is prohibited on white or yellow lines and blue lines indicate a restricted parking area where you must purchase a ticket from a ‘pay-and-display’ machine. Parking can be difficult in Arrecife and the larger resorts.
Theoretically, you require an international driver’s licence to rent a car in the Canary Islands. However, in practice you can make a rental with a standard valid driving licence, passport/ID card and a valid credit card. When driving in Lanzarote, you need to carry your driving licence at all times, an ID document (or a photocopy) and the rental documents, as the police can demand to see them.
In Lanzarote, you drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. On roundabouts, you give way to traffic coming from the left and at crossings, unless indicated otherwise, traffic from the right has priority. Crash helmets are required when driving motorcycles or mopeds and the use of headphones or mobile phones while driving is strictly forbidden, unless they are totally hand-free operated. It is also prohibited to throw anything out of the windows.
The use of seatbelts is compulsory. Children under the age of 12 may not travel in the front seats of the vehicle. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol (blood limit of 0.08%) or drugs, as this is considered legal offence. Breath tests are carried out randomly and non-residents may be subject to on-the-spot fines.
It is very common for local drivers to park on roundabouts and zebra crossings and they usually don’t use indicators – you never know when someone will brake suddenly and turn in front of you. But whatever you do, don’t park in front of any dustbins! You will be towed away, as the bin collectors empty rubbish at all hours. There are no signs indicating you shouldn't park there, so be warned.
Lanzarote is well known for car accidents. Always make sure you are properly insured and that your car hire company gives you a number where to ring in case of an accident or other emergency.
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