“I’ve heard that in Spain, people drive on the opposite side of the road compared to what I’m used to. Why do Spaniards drive on the left side of the road? I’m used to driving on the right, so how do I adjust to this when I visit or move to Spain?”
This is a common question for travelers from countries where people drive on the right side of the road, such as the United States or most of Europe. In Spain, however, driving is on the right side of the road, just like in many other countries. If you’re coming from places like the United Kingdom or Japan, you may be used to driving on the left side of the road. So, when you mention that Spaniards drive “backwards,” you might be referring to the contrast between countries with different driving systems.
Let’s dive into the history and why this is the case!
Why Do Some Countries Drive on the Left and Others on the Right?
The reason why some countries drive on the right side and others on the left has historical roots, mainly going back to ancient times and the influence of major empires.
- Historical Origins:
In the past, people traveled on horseback, and the majority of people were right-handed. This meant that they preferred to ride on the left side of the road so that their right hand (the dominant hand for most people) was free to defend themselves if needed. For example, knights and warriors carried their swords on their left side, and by staying on the left side of the road, they could draw their swords with their right hand in case of a confrontation. - The British Influence:
The tradition of driving on the left side of the road, which started in Britain, spread to its colonies, including India, Australia, and South Africa. The British Empire had a significant influence on transportation in these countries, and the tradition stuck.In contrast, countries like France and Germany, influenced by the French Revolution and Napoleon, switched to the right side in the late 18th century, as it was a more practical and safer system for the times.
Why Does Spain Drive on the Right?
In the case of Spain, the decision to drive on the right side was largely influenced by French and European norms.
- Napoleon’s Influence:
In the early 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte and his empire played a crucial role in spreading the practice of driving on the right side of the road. Spain, like many European countries at the time, was under Napoleon’s rule during the Peninsular War (1808–1814). When the French empire took control, they introduced the right-side driving system, which was then adopted after the French occupation ended. The practice continued even after Napoleon’s defeat. - Modern Standardization:
After the Napoleonic era, Spain and other European countries continued to use the right-hand side for driving. This made travel and trade between nations easier, especially with the growing popularity of automobile travel in the 20th century. Spain’s adherence to the right-side driving system is consistent with most European countries and is in line with the rest of the world.
Driving in Spain as a Tourist: What to Expect
If you’re visiting or planning to drive in Spain, here’s what you need to know to adjust to the right-side driving system:
- Driving Rules:
The traffic rules in Spain follow the international system for right-hand driving, which means:- The driver’s seat is on the left side of the car.
- The steering wheel is on the left side, which is typical for most countries that drive on the right side.
- You’ll need to drive on the right side of the road, keeping left turns into intersections and following normal right-side lane discipline.
- Adjusting to Spain’s Roads:
If you’re coming from a country like the UK, Japan, or Australia, where you drive on the left side, it can be a little tricky at first to adjust to driving on the right side. Some tips for adjusting:- Stay calm and take it slow: If you’re not used to driving on the right side, start by practicing in a low-traffic area to get used to it.
- Roundabouts: Roundabouts are common in Spain. When driving, remember to give priority to the vehicles already in the roundabout (on the right).
- Know your signs: Spain has clear road signs, and most are international. Be aware of speed limits, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings.
- Car Rental in Spain:
If you’re renting a car in Spain, you’ll likely be driving on the right side, but steering will be on the left, just like in most European countries. Be sure to confirm the vehicle’s details before hitting the road, and be aware of local road signs and traffic regulations.
Why Do Spaniards Drive on the Right Side of the Road?
To clarify, Spaniards drive on the right side of the road, not “backwards” as some might think. The practice of driving on the right was introduced during the Napoleonic era, with France and Europe adopting the system, and Spain following suit. Most European countries, including Spain, use the right-side driving system, and the left-side driving tradition is mainly followed in former British colonies.
So, if you’re traveling from a country that drives on the left, be prepared to adjust when you visit Spain, but don’t worry—once you get used to it, driving on the right side is quite simple and aligns with most of the European driving norms.