No, in Tenerife, they drive on the right-hand side of the road. As part of Spain, traffic regulations follow continental European, rather than UK, rules, with steering wheels located on the left side of the vehicle.
One of the biggest differences you might encounter when driving in The Canary Islands is that you drive on the right hand side of the road. This also means that the layout of the car is different and that, in a manual transmission, you're changing gear with your right hand.
Let us start with the basics. In Tenerife they drive on the right hand side of the road with the steering wheel on the left of the vehicle (as in most of Europe, except the UK and Cyprus).
These include India, Australia, New Zealand and former British colonies in Africa and the Caribbean. Very few countries drive on the left in Europe like we do in the UK. The Channel Islands, Ireland, The Isle of Man, Cyprus, and Malta are the only European countries that also drive on the left.
Renting a car in Tenerife is a convenient way to explore the island's diverse landscapes. UK drivers will need to use their valid photocard driving licence and passport.
Driving in Tenerife is pretty easy, it takes a few minutes to adjust and bingo you're off. If you've been thinking about hiring a car over here then I'd recommended it as it turns into a very different holiday.
What side of the road does Spain drive on? Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road. Your car hire will be set up for right-hand driving, with the steering wheel on the left side of the car.
Why is the UK the only place that drives on the left?
There is an historical reason for this; it's all to do with keeping your sword hand free! In the Middle Ages you never knew who you were going to meet when travelling on horseback. Most people are right-handed, so if a stranger passed by on the right of you, your right hand would be free to use your sword if required.
Apparently the Beckhams are big fans of Costa Adeje, on Tenerife's south coast in the Canary Islands. It's hardly surprising, what with the luxury villas, five-star hotels, designer shopping and waterfront restaurants.
No, the "six-drink rule" in Spain does not apply to the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote; it's specific to certain resorts in the Balearic Islands (Majorca and Ibiza). In Tenerife, all-inclusive guests generally aren't subject to these caps on alcohol, though local rules against public intoxication and drinking on beaches (bans on street drinking) do exist.
What is the nicest town in Tenerife? La Orotava is often considered the nicest town in Tenerife, known for its charming cobblestone streets, beautifully preserved Canarian architecture, and lush botanical gardens.
Renting a car is the best way to see Tenerife's scenic roads and viewpoints that buses can't reach. Fuel and rental prices are generally good value here, and a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Right-of-way helps you decide who goes first at an intersection. Base Rule: First to Stop = First to Go. The first vehicle at the intersection goes through the intersection first.
When traveling at moderate speeds, you should accelerate and steer into the direction of the skid. At higher speeds, or in the event there is no room to accelerate, you should push in the clutch or with automatic transmission vehicles, shift into neutral.
Controlled roundabouts are easy to navigate. Navigating uncontrolled roundabouts can be tricky, but generally, vehicles already inside have the right of way. Turning right turn on red: Turning right on red is prohibited unless permitted by a sign or traffic light.
Yes, you can legally drive 200 mph (around 320 km/h) on some unrestricted sections of the German Autobahn if your car is capable, but it's rare, dangerous, and only possible where there are no posted limits; most sections have limits or an advisory 130 km/h (81 mph) recommendation, and exceeding it increases liability in accidents. You need a high-performance car, clear conditions, and must be extremely vigilant for other traffic, as it's still a public road where sudden braking or lane changes can happen.
Is it illegal to wear sunglasses while driving in Spain?
Yes, you can be fined up to €200 for not wearing approved sunglasses in Spain, particularly Category 4 sunglasses which are too dark for driving and reduce visibility significantly.
