Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»
Car-hire companies provide this minimum insurance, but be careful to understand what
your liabilities and excess are, and what waivers you're entitled to in case of an accident
or damage to the hire vehicle.
»
Insurance that covers damage to the vehicle - Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - usu-
ally costs extra, but driving without it is not recommended.
»
Car-hire multiday or annual excess insurance can be cheaper online; try
Road Rules
Blood-alcohol limit
0.05%. If found to be over the limit you can be judged, fined and de-
prived of your licence within 24 hours. Fines range up to around €1000 for serious of-
fences. Nonresident foreigners will be required to pay up on the spot (at 30% off the full
fine).
Legal driving age
For cars, 18; for motorcycles and scooters, 16 (80cc and over) or 14
(50cc and under). A licence is required in all cases.
Motorcyclists
Must use headlights at all times and wear a helmet if riding a bike of 125cc
or more.
Overtaking
Spanish truck drivers often have the courtesy to turn on their right indicator to
show that the way ahead of them is clear for overtaking (and the left one if it is not and
you are attempting this manoeuvre).
Roundabouts (traffic circles)
Vehicles already in the circle have the right of way.
Side of the road
Drive on the right.
Speed limits
In built-up areas, 50km/h; increases to 100km/h on major roads and up to
110km/h on the four-lane highways leading out of Palma.
Local Transport
Palma is the only centre with its own local transport system,
EMT
( 971 21 44 44;
www.emtpalma.es
)
. Buses are the main way around, although a metro line (probably of
more interest to commuters in the suburbs than to visitors) runs from the centre to the uni-
versity.
It's easy to get around Palma (especially the old centre) by bicycle, although cycling
lanes are limited (the main one runs along the shoreline).
Palma is well supplied with taxis, and there are several stands around the city. Else-
where on the island, you may not necessarily find them waiting when you need them, but
generally they're fairly easy to order by phone; ask at your hotel or at the local tourist of-
fice.
