Traffic Regulations

The traffic gets continuously heavier here but in general people drive reasonable and the road conditions are acceptable (in the mountains) or very good. The EC has also standardized the traffic rules so you will not encounter much differences. However some specialties do exist here:

• You’ re driving “on the wrong side” here - that causes adapting problems during the first weeks and vice versa later on when going back to U.K. Pay attention especially when turning off not to hit the wrong lane!
• Yellow solid lines on the side of the road means no parking. Be aware, especially in centres and at places with heavy traffic otherwise your car will be towed away within minutes. The towing services here are incredibly fast. To get towed is quite cheap, but you can save your money and the time needed to get back your vehicle and enjoy a nice dinner instead. It is also advisable not to park in loading zones (yellow zigzag lines) – nor at bus stops
• The driver in the roundabout always has the right of way. Nevertheless you should not rely on this especially when you are in a multilane roundabout.
• The design and directions of the streets and turn offs are very complex. Sign-postings often do not exist or are controversial even on the highway. Construction work is omnipresent and therefore the directions are changing all the time.
• Scooter drivers believe in immortality. There are more in Tenerife than flies and they are everywhere: in pedestrians zones as well as in the smallest mountain villages. The only thing you can do is: look, look, look.
• Go easy on your nerves and save time. If you drive to the capital Santa Cruz, park your car in the subterranean garage at the port and take a taxi or walk from there. The parking deck is located in the very centre. In S/C cars are always in a 4 lane traffic jam (even in side roads) and it is impossible to find a legal parking spot – not unlikely but impossible.
• Usually there are no traffic lights except in bigger towns.
• Blinking is not really cool, to range in neither.

Traffic regulations that may be different from home

1. Speed limit inside towns : 50 km/h
2. Speed limit ouside town : 90 km/h
3. Speed limit on highways : 120 km/h

Towing is not permitted! In case of malfunction or accident a breakdown-van (span. "Grua") must be called for assistance. Included in your contract with us is an comprehensive cover insurance. BEWARE, this insurance may NOT pay if:

In case of an accident the police has not registered the incident. This means, always call the police if you have an accident. Even if no one else is involved. After 9:00PM the police will undertake a field sobriety test . 

• They might also not pay if:
• The driver was under the influence of alcohol.
• Someone not registered as driver in the rental contract actually drove the car.
• The damage occured while driving on untarred roads.
• You will always be charged for tickets you receive for nonobidence to traffic rules and regulations just as for the replacement of lost or stolen keys.

The Police

is in general friendly and helpful. In case of traffic regulations breach by foreigners however they have no mercy. Don´t discuss, it will lead nowhere or if you overdo it the police will confiscate your car. They will also do so if you do not pay a fine on the spot.

Do calculate on drastic fines for minor misdeeds. Taking a turn left where prohibited may cost you 60€ and not watching a speed limit by more than 10km/h will cost 140€.

It may be understandable (due to so many tourists) that the police insists on instant payment. They even grant you a 30% "discount" if you do so. But don´t be surprised if the officer refuses to give you change. He must not and it is up to him to do so - or not.

In Tenerife you are confronted with two traffic relevant police organisations

Policia Local

(in white cars with blue “decoration”) is responsible for maintaining the order in the community. They usually do not pursue traffic offenders but ticket you for incorrect parking and order towing your car away.

Guardia Civil

(in olive/beige-coloured cars) is responsible for maintaining the general order and mostly you will encounter them while you are driving: speed traps, car, license and paper controls (very important: always have the car rental contract with you, otherwise you have to walk from the control until presenting it to the police).

very important: never drive without your rental contract. The police will check it in routine traffic controls. Without it your car will be confiscated and only be handed over to you if and when you produce the missimg papers. Your car hire agency cannot help you with this one so its no use calling them. Similar applies if you are caught driving without your driving license