Driving & Car Rental in Mallorca

What are the general traffic rules? How to properly pull over? How to not get fined by the police? How to drive in the mountains? What are the parking rules? What to be aware of when renting a car? These are some of the questions that we will try to answer for you on this page.

General traffic rules

Driving in Spain has always been a pleasurable experience, it seems as if everyone is one the same page in terms of how to behave on the roads. Or perhaps I’ve just been fortunate in my years of driving here.

Generally speaking, Mallorca is a great place to drive a car. However, there are times when traffic gets a bit hectic and stressed and, when this happens and there is not much space for maneuvers, you might find yourself uncomfortable. But don’t worry, I have gathered a list of general driving rules, as well as some good advice for driving in Mallorca, so that you are prepared.

Traffic Law summarized

Drive on the right side of the road.
Always wear seat belt (this goes for everyone in the vehicle).
Never use your phone while driving with just one hand.
Always indicate using sidelights when you are overtaking.
Overtaking must always be done on the left side.
Respect speed limits at all times. General speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90-100 km/h on open roads and 120 km/h on motorways (autopistas). In miles this would convert to 31, 56-62 and 75, respectively.
The maximum amount of alcohol allowed is 0.5 milliliters per milliliter blood.
The following items are mandatory to have in the car: Warning triangle, visibility vest, spare set of light bulbs, driving license, registration and insurance. Furthermore, if you wear glasses, it is required by law to have a spare set of glasses with you.
Children under 135 centimetres in height cannot sit in the front seat and they must always use an approved restraint system.

Driving license

All European Union and International driving licenses are accepted and valid in Spain. International driving licenses are only valid for one year upon arrival.

Fines

If you break the law it is the Civil Guard (green uniforms) that will issue you a fine, which needs to be paid on the spot. However, there are also speed cameras set up and if one of these has caught you, your rental company will be notified.

Speed fines range from €100 to $600.

Speed limit	30	40	50	60	70	80	90	100	110	120	Fine
Speed	31-50	41-60	51-70	61-90	71-100	81-110	91-120	101-130	110-140	120-150	€100
Speed	51-60	61-70	71-80	91-110	101-120	111-130	121-140	131-150	141-160	151-170	€300
Speed	61-70	71-80	81-90	111-120	121-130	131-140	141-150	151-160	161-170	171-180	€400
Speed	71-80	81-90	91-100	121-130	131-140	141-150	151-160	161-170	171-180	181-190	€500
Speed	81+	91+	101+	131+	141+	151+	161+	171+	181+	191+	€600

Tips and advice for driving in Mallorca

Before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, bear in mind that Mallorca is a very popular cycling destination and that the lane can sometimes be occupied by cyclists riding 2-3 persons next to each other. If you encounter this, and you are not sure if you have room enough to pull over, honk the horn gently.
When pulling over, don’t forget the sidelight.
Morning and afternoon traffic can be quite hectic, especially around Palma.
When driving in the Tramuntana, be aware that there are many hairpin turns, some of them with more than 7% incline making it very difficult to look upwards around the corner. Always enter a turn in low gear while keeping as much to the right as possible.

Parking rules

Parking in Mallorca is not difficult or tricky, at least not in terms of rules. All parking zones are marked with color so you know what to do, or not do.

White zones = free parking
Blue zones = Paid parking
Yellow zones = Parking prohibited

Renting a car in Mallorca – what to know

Renting/hiring a car in Mallorca is highly recommended, as there are just so many beautiful places to visit and so many interesting things to see. However, a lot of tourist are concerned whether they can trust the renting companies in Mallorca, or if they are just unscrupulous money making institutions.

Mallorca is highly relying on tourism as a source of income, therefore, the competition among car renting companies is huge. What this mean is that bad repetition can really hurt their business. Most car renting companies in Mallorca are decent and reliable.

Rules for renting a car in Mallorca

In Spain you must be 21 years old to rent a car
Have had a valid drivers license for at least 2 years
Must have a credit card
Everyone that is to drive the car must be registered in the contract

Car rental rates and prices

Always read the contract thoroughly to know exactly what is included in the price you are quoted.

Some of the common factors that can influence the price are:

Driver is under 25 years old
Automatic transmission
Airport and train/bus station pick-up locations
Child seats
Additional drivers
Pick-up and drop-off on different locations

Insurance

All rental cars in Spain are required to have the mandatory basic insurance, it is included in the rental price.

But if you plan to visit some of the most beautiful place on the island, or drive through the charming villages, you might want to consider a CDW (Collision Damage Waiver). The idea of a CDW is, that given you are not found guilty of gross negligence you are fully covered by the insurance. This comes in handy when there is not much space for maneuvering such as in the mountains or in the small villages, or if your car has been broadsided.