New driving laws are better for…foreigners
It may sound strange but it is true. Among the new changes Spanish driving laws have implemented is the point system, which would only apply to Spanish driving license holders. So whilst the latter driver can lose his license if he is caught twice doing 151 km/h in a motorway, for example (he/she would lose 6 points every time, plus a fine), a foreign license driver will not be affected and even if the infringement consists in driving over 110 km/h in urban roads, 180 km/h in normal roads or 200 km/h in motorways, for example, where the law envisages the suspension of the drivers license for up to 4 years, drivers with foreign license still remain unaffected, since the traffic authorities are not connected with other countries (which may not even have the point system).
However, beware of committing certain offenses: prisons terms are applicable regardless of the nationality or license of the driver for exceeding the above speed limits as well as drink-driving (where it is not possible to refuse to be ´breathalised´).
I have been told as of January 2008, that it is now illegal to drive in Spain on your UK European driving licence, if you are a resident of Spain.
Is this true?
Regards
Michael