Car rental in Valencia

In order to hire a car in Valencia, you will need a valid driving licence that meets international standards. In general, the rules of the road there are almost no different from other regions of Spain and central Europe, but there are a few points that are worth bearing in mind to avoid accidents:

• it is forbidden to drive in lanes reserved for buses and taxis;
• roundabouts are very common in Valencia. Vehicles already on the roundabout have priority;
• to turn left, you often need to go around the roundabout to the right;
• traffic lights change very quickly from yellow to red, so if you see a flashing green, it is better to stop;
• drivers can be impatient and may start moving while the red light is still flashing. This is another reason for the above;
• watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists - there are a lot of them and they often behave as if the rules of the road do not apply to them;
• you may only overtake a cyclist leaving a minimum distance of 1.5 metres;
• overtaking cars on the right is not permitted;

• every driver must carry a reflective vest, a spare wheel and a pair of warning triangles in case of a breakdown; failure to do so may result in a fine.

Fines in Valencia are divided into two types:

• for the vehicle (not having valid registration documents, etc.);
• for the driver (not wearing a seat belt, speeding, drink-driving, etc.).

Offences are classified according to their severity into three categories: medium, serious and very serious. Depending on the category, fines range from 100 to 600 euros and may include disqualification from driving. The most severely punished offences include using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seat belt, driving under the influence, and similar violations. The same offence can be classified in different ways: exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h would be an offence of medium severity, while exceeding it by 60 km/h may result in a 600 euro fine and loss of licence.

Fines should be paid through a bank. Keep in mind that even if you do not have time to pay before returning to your home country, you will still be obliged to do so. In the case of a rented car, this amount can be deducted from your credit card or your details can be forwarded to the traffic authorities, who will then send you a notice requiring payment.

Speed limits are slightly different from some other countries, but are typical for the European Union:

• residential zones - 30 km/h;
• in built-up areas - 50 km/h;
• on other roads - up to 100 km/h;
• on motorways - at least 60 km/h and up to 120 km/h.

If the vehicle is fitted with snow chains, the maximum permitted speed is 50 km/h, regardless of the type of road.

A hired car in Valencia will need to be refuelled. At filling stations you can find unleaded petrol 95 (1.32 euros per litre) and 98 (1.44 euros per litre), as well as diesel (1.17 euros per litre). In addition, gas (LPG) is available at many stations (0.67 euros per litre).

Valencia is linked to Barcelona by the AP-7 toll motorway (347 km). The journey costs 36.55 euros. Valencia is also connected to Alicante by the Valencia - Alicante toll motorway (178 km), for the use of which you must pay 17.15 euros. You can pay in cash or by card.