Parking on the streets of Spain. Instructions with screenshots for paying fines in Spain online How to pay for parking in Spain

When renting a car in Spain, pay attention to the parking rules. They are not very complicated and will be easy to follow. The main thing you should remember is that the police watch for non-compliance with parking rules and respond to violations very quickly. Therefore, there is no need to run into trouble. The fine can be, depending on the city, from €10 to €100, and for “wild” parking on the beach you can cost €200.

Parking zones

Most often, tourists "get" money by making one mistake - they look for signs (which may look unusual) and do not look at the color markings of the sidewalks at all. Colored markings on the road indicate parking zones. Blue dotted line on the road surface and a drawing: a hand holds a coin. "Zona azul". Paid parking with a time limit (usually no more than 2 hours). You pay immediately as soon as you park the car, at the parking meter nearby. Be careful in the blue zone adjacent to the beach. During the “high” season, the paid time is extended, the sign next to you will definitely tell you about this. But the inscription will be in Spanish. Although the numbers are still Arabic, so you can figure it out. Green stripes On Pavement. "Zona Verde" Places for residents (local). A non-resident has the right to leave the car for an hour, less often two, only during the day (from 8.00 to 20.00). Only residents can use the area at night. Payment at parking meters. Orange stripes On Pavement. "Zona naranja". Means the same thing - for locals. Tourists can get up during the day for an hour or two. The payment procedure is at the parking meters.

If you see a sign next to the green or orange markings: “zona residents” or “area residents”, only residents of neighboring houses can park here.

Payment for parking

The parking meter takes coins, doesn’t give change, “speaks” Spanish, but many have an English menu. It works according to the same scheme as all parking meters in Europe: put coins in until you see the time you need on the display, then press the most visible button, be sure to take the receipt and place it on the device so that the inspector can see it. The amount for parking varies, but usually it is €2-3. At night (from 20.00 to 8.00) and Sunday you can leave your car for free.

Where can't you park your car?

• yellow oblique lines (indicate the loading and unloading area);
• the inscription VADO (entrance to the garage);
• “NO PARKING” – a sign or just an inscription;
• drawing of a wheelchair.

If you flagrantly violated parking rules, your car may be towed. In this case, call your local police department.

Underground parking in shopping centers

As a rule, all large shopping centers in Spain are equipped with underground parking. It is paid, but you can leave your car for free if the receipt for your purchases in this center is more than a certain amount (usually €20). You should pay for parking (if the receipt is smaller) inside the shopping center. Shopping centers also provide free hours, however, they are very inconvenient - this is siesta time, when you don’t want to wander around Spanish cities at all, it’s too hot and everything is closed.

City underground parking

They are found in commercial and residential buildings and are identified by a large letter “P” on the facade or a “parking publico” sign. On the board below there is the inscription “libre” - there is free space, “ocupado” - everything is occupied. They work differently. Some are open 24 hours, others close at 20.00. Opening hours and prices can be found on the same sign at the entrance. It can be different in different cities and even in the same city, since parking lots, although they are called city parking, belong not to the municipality, but to private individuals.

Seats marked “plaza reservada” cannot be occupied; these are seats reserved for certain cars.

Fine for illegal parking - what to do with it

The best thing is to pay immediately, ideally on the spot. The Spanish police have the right to accept “minor” fines of up to €350. But most likely, when you find the receipt, the police will no longer be around. Go immediately to the nearest bank branch.

If you pay within 10 days, you can count on a 50% discount.

Is it possible to “lose” a receipt?

The thought looks tempting, but it is better to somehow cope with this temptation and act according to the law. Otherwise, upon your return, not just one, but several unpleasant surprises await you:

1. Within a month, you will receive a notification from your rental company via email that you have been fined for violating parking rules on such and such a date in such and such a place. And the amount (about €36) is withdrawn from your account. Bad news. But don’t rush to rejoice and think that the fine has been paid and no one will bother you anymore. In fact, this is a notice of payment not of a fine, but of a “service”. The company became concerned and sent your information to the police - that’s what the money was taken for. And the fine itself still hangs on you, only the discount no longer applies to it;
2. Next, wait for a letter (or letters, if the first one is ignored) demanding that you pay the fine. If you are 100% sure that you will never get to Spain again in your life, even while passing through, replace the card upon arrival home and you can continue to ignore the letters further. If you want to go again, you will have to pay a fine and a huge penalty on top.

Traffic rules in Spain are in many ways similar to Russian ones. You can park your car only in the designated place. At the same time, do not underestimate the strictness of the local police; they vigilantly monitor compliance with parking rules. The same can be said about the local residents. If you park in front of a house with a sign hanging on the façade prohibiting parkingsign, the owner of the house will certainly call a tow truck.

Of course, there are exceptional situations. For example, during football matches, police often turn a blind eye to illegally parked cars around the stadium. Or you'll just get lucky : the owner of the house with prohibited parking in front of the entrance is not there. However, you shouldn't count on luck. If you cannot find a place to leave your car, it is better not to break the law and use paid parking services.

1. Underground paid parking in Spain

• In shopping centers and stores

  All major commercial centers in Spain have underground parking. In shopping centers located within the city, as a rule, these are paid parking lots, but if certain conditions are met, they can be used for free. Large shopping centers often offer free parking hours at certain times of the day (usually the afternoon), which can be extended by making purchases of the appropriate amount.

  Many grocery stores also have underground parking, which is free for customers. When paying for groceries, you must present your parking ticket at the checkout.

• City underground paid parking

  In this case we are talking about underground parking lots located in residential and commercial buildings, marked with the sign “P”, parking publico (public parking). On the scoreboard The sign indicates the availability of free spaces: “libre” means that there are free spaces in the parking lot, “ocupado” means there are no spaces.

  Despite the name "public", these parking lots are private and fees are charged for their use. The cost of parking and the operating hours of parking lots depend on the calculations of the owner. There are parking lots that are open 24 hours, while others are already closed at 20:00. Therefore, when entering the parking lot, be sure to familiarize yourself with its operating conditions.

  Please note that paid underground parking spaces are available for long-term rent. Such parking spaces are designated with the words “plaza reservada” or simply “reservado”. Even if this place is free, you do not have the right to park your car there.

2. Surface paid parking lots

• Blue zone

The blue zone, or "zona azul" (in Barcelona - "área blava") is the most common form of surface paid parking in Spanish cities. Parking spaces are marked with a broken blue line on the asphalt and a sign depicting a hand dropping a coin. If in underground parking lots payment is made upon leaving, then in the blue zone payment is made immediately after you park the car. At a special parking meter, you pay for the required amount of parking time, receive a ticket and place it under the windshield in a visible place. The availability of this coupon is strictly controlled by blue zone employees. If the time you paid for has expired, you must pay again and place the ticket under the windshield. Otherwise, you will be issued a fine, and the car may be towed to the impound lot.

• Parking time. The maximum number of watches that can be purchased at one time does not exceed 2 hours. This limitation is explained by the fact that the blue zone is not intended for long-term parking and is designed to ensure the constant availability of parking spaces in the city. In addition, the presence of a blue zone eliminates the accumulation of abandoned cars on the streets of Spanish cities.
• The cost of an hour of parking in the blue zone varies from city to city and is 2–3 euros. The blue zone is paid only during certain hours: from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00, on Saturday from 9:00 to 14:00. In different cities to the schedule minor changes may be made. So at night and on Sunday you can park in the blue zone for free. Be careful with the coastal area. In winter, you can usually park for free in the blue zone, but in summer the blue zone may require a fee for longer than usual.
  

• Green and orange zones

The green zone, "zona verde" (in Barcelona - "área preferent"), and the orange zone, "zona naranja", exist in many large cities in Spain and are a kind of subtype of the blue zone, but with one difference. Car owners living nearby (residents) have significant advantages when parking in these zones compared to others (non-residents).

• Price. If in the blue zone the cost of parking is the same for everyone, then in the green and orange zones the cost of parking for residents is significantly lower than for non-residents.
• Parking time. Residents can leave their cars for up to 7 days at once (sometimes even up to 3 months), while non-residents can only buy 1–2 hours of parking at a time and at certain times of the day: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 20:00 , some parking lots also allow parking on Saturday.

How do green and orange zones differ from each other? Both perform the same function, the color varies depending on the city. The green zone exists in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Palma de Mallorca and Seville, the orange zone in Valencia, Zaragoza and others. In order to take advantage of this parking, car owners must obtain a resident card. A prerequisite is the presence of registration in this place.

• Residents only area

Only car owners living nearby have the right to park in these zones. This can be a green or orange zone with the sign "zona residentes" or "área residents" in Barcelona.

3. Unloading and loading area

These zones are indicated by diagonal yellow lines on the asphalt. Parking in this area is permitted for unloading and loading purposes only. The maximum unloading and loading time is usually 30 minutes from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 20:00. Use of these zones is free.

4. Parking is prohibited

As a general rule, places where parking is prohibited are marked on the asphalt yellow and a crossed out E or similar:

• transport entry and exit zones (underground and above-ground garages);
• areas for loading and unloading goods;
• areas reserved for use by emergency services;
• taxi stands;
• pedestrian areas closed to traffic;
• pedestrian crossings;
• roadsides with prohibitory markings (solid yellow line), etc.

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Parking rules in Spain. Spanish parking is practically no different from ours: the same prohibitory signs, unauthorized spaces and fairly large fines for non-compliance with the rules. Therefore, if you are going to rent or buy a car, then brush up on your knowledge of parking rules - it will never be superfluous.

It is worth noting that the police are very vigilant about parking rules and should not be underestimated. Also, compliance with the rules is monitored by local residents, who can call a tow truck at any moment. However, there are exceptional cases, for example, football and a huge accumulation of cars near the stadium - the police turn a blind eye to this.

Underground parking

Absolutely all large shopping centers have paid underground parking. But, if you follow some simple rules, parking may be free for you. Some commercial centers develop paid/free parking schedules, usually in the afternoon. Also, a condition for providing a place may be the purchase of goods for a certain amount.

Parking in residential buildings is very popular; out of ignorance they continue to be called urban, although all of them have long been in private ownership. Such parking is marked with a “P” sign, and the availability of free spaces is displayed on a digital display. You should pay attention to their work schedule, some operate around the clock, others are already closed at 20:00 so that there are no incidents.

Many parking lots rent out spaces for long-term rent, so such spaces are marked, and even if there is no car there, you still do not have the right to park your vehicle there.

Surface parking

Surface parking is more strictly regulated and is divided into three main zones:

• Blue. This is the most common zone, which is marked on the asphalt with a broken blue line with a drawing of a hand dropping a coin. The principle of its operation is simple: you park, go to a special parking meter and pay for the time you need. Place the received receipt under the windshield so that the controller can check it without any problems. Please note that the blue zone is not intended for long-term stays, the maximum parking time is 2 hours, if after the time has passed you have not picked up the car, the controller may impose a fine or even call a tow truck. The cost of a space ranges from 2 to 3 euros, but at certain times and days of the week, parking in blue zones is free, the regime is individual for each region. Pay attention to areas close to the beach: in winter they are free, but in summer it’s the other way around.
• Orange or green. They exist in large cities and are considered a subtype of the previously discussed zone with some conditions. These areas are designed specifically for residents who can verify their status. Favorable conditions have been created for them, for example, they can leave a car for up to 7 days in a row (in some cases up to 90 days), the cost is much lower. Non-residents, in turn, can only buy a ticket for 1-2 hours of parking and at a strictly designated time for this. So there is no such difference between green and orange, it’s just that different cities use a different marking color and that’s all.
• Parking for residents. These zones are intended only for those car owners who live next to the parking lot. The markings can be made in green or orange with a special pointer.

It is also worth remembering that the area marked with yellow diagonal lines is intended for loading/unloading vehicles. The maximum time for one machine is 30 minutes, it works strictly from 8 to 20 hours and is free. Those places where parking is completely prohibited are highlighted in yellow.

If you are planning to rent orbuy a car in Spain , you should carefully read your local parking regulations. By leaving your car in the wrong place, you risk that the car may besent to the impound lot , and you are discharged large fine . In this article we will talk about the basic rules for parking in Spain.

Traffic rules in Spain are in many ways similar to Russian ones. You can park your car only in a strictly designated place. At the same time, do not underestimate the local police; they vigilantly monitor compliance with parking rules. The same can be said about the local residents. If you park in front of a house with a sign prohibiting parking on the facade, the owner of the house will certainly call a tow truck.

Of course, there are exceptional situations. For example, during football matches, police often turn a blind eye to illegally parked cars around the stadium. Or you may just be lucky: the owner of the building with prohibited parking is not there. However, you shouldn't count on luck. If you cannot find a place to leave your car, it is better not to break the law and use paid parking services.

There are several types of paid parking in Spain.

Underground paid parking

1.1. Underground paid parking in shopping centers and stores.

All major commercial centers in Spain have underground parking. In shopping centers located within the city, as a rule, these are paid parking lots, but if certain conditions are met, they can be used for free. Large shopping centers often offer free parking hours at certain times of the day (usually the afternoon), which can be extended by making purchases of the appropriate amount.

Many grocery stores also have underground parking, which is free for customers. When paying for groceries, you must present your parking ticket at the checkout.

1.2. City underground paid parking.

In this case we are talking about underground parking lots located in residential and commercial buildings, marked with the sign “P”, parking publico (public parking). Under the sign, on the board, the availability of free spaces is reported: “libre” means that there are free spaces in the parking lot, “ocupado” means that there are no spaces.

Despite the name “public”, these parking lots are private and fees are charged for their use. The cost of parking and the operating hours of these parking lots depend on the owner. There are parking lots that are open 24 hours, while others are already closed at 20.00. Therefore, when entering the parking lot, be sure to familiarize yourself with its operating conditions.

Please note that paid underground parking spaces are available for long-term rent. Such parking spaces are designated with the words “plaza reservada” or simply “reservado”. Even if this place is free, you cannot park your car there.

Surface paid parking lots.

2.1. Blue zone.

The blue zone, or "zona azul" (in Barcelona - "área blava") is the most common form of surface paid parking in Spanish cities. Parking spaces are marked with a broken blue line on the asphalt and a sign depicting a hand dropping a coin. If in underground parking lots payment is made upon leaving, in the blue zone payment is made immediately after you park the car. At a special parking meter, you pay for the required amount of parking time, receive a ticket and place it under the windshield in a visible place. The availability of this coupon is strictly controlled by blue zone employees. If the time you paid for has expired, you must pay again and place the ticket under the windshield. Otherwise, you will be issued a fine, and the car may be towed to the impound lot.

The maximum number of hours that can be purchased at one time does not exceed 2 hours. This limitation is explained by the fact that the blue zone is not intended for long-term parking and is designed to ensure the constant availability of parking spaces in the city. In addition, the presence of a blue zone eliminates the accumulation of abandoned cars on the streets of Spanish cities.

The cost of an hour of parking in the blue zone varies from city to city and is 2-3 euros. It is worth noting that the blue zone is paid only during certain hours: from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 20.00, on Saturday from 9.00 to 14.00. Depending on the city, slight changes in the indicated schedule are possible. Thus, at night and on Sundays you can park for free in the blue zone.

Be careful with the coastal area. In winter, you can usually park for free in the blue zone, but in summer the blue zone may require a fee for longer than usual.

2.2. Green or orange zone.

The green zone, “zona verde” (in Barcelona – “área preferent”), or the orange zone, “zona naranja”, exists in many large cities in Spain and is a kind of subtype of the blue zone, but with one difference. Car owners living nearby (residents) have significant advantages when parking in this zone compared to others (non-residents):

Price. If in the blue zone the cost of parking is the same for everyone, then in the green and orange zones the cost of parking for residents is significantly lower than for non-residents.

Parking time. Residents can leave their cars immediately for up to 7 days (sometimes even up to 3 monthsc), while non-residents can buy only 1-2 hours of parking at a time and at a certain time of the day: from Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 20.00, some parking lots also allow parking on Saturday.

What is the difference between green and orange zones? They perform the same function, the color varies depending on the city. Green zones exist in cities in Spain such asOnly car owners living nearby have the right to park in these zones. This can be a green or orange zone with the sign "zona residentes" or "área residents" in Barcelona.

Unloading and loading area

These zones are indicated by diagonal yellow lines on the asphalt. Parking in this area is permitted for unloading and loading purposes only. The maximum unloading and loading time is usually 30 minutes from Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 20.00. Use of these zones is free.

No Parking.

As a general rule, places where parking is prohibited are highlighted in yellow on the asphalt.

13.05.2016 19:49:07

It must be said that Catalans are very reluctant to comply with traffic rules, at every opportunity trying to overtake through a solid marking line or ignoring pedestrian zebra crossings, not to mention seat belts or motorcycle helmets.

Firstly, in the Catalan character there is contempt for danger and hostility to all kinds of restrictions.

Secondly, the history of mass motoring in the country dates back less than 35 years.

National etiquette

As a result, licenses, exams and insurance did not become mandatory anytime soon.

So the level of driver training generally leaves much to be desired, especially among the older population.

Of course, this applies to a lesser extent to Barcelona, ​​but even here drivers are not lenient towards tourists. And the fact that you are poorly oriented in the area will not be an excuse if you disturb someone. Get ready for intense expressions of emotions in Spain.

Organizing the movement in Barcelona

The ring road, partly underground, makes life much easier for Barcelona residents. Its coastal part (Ronda Literal) leads to the Old Town and the embankment, and the foothill part, running along the Collserola hills (Ronda de Dalt), is convenient for traveling to the suburbs.

The ring road outside Barcelona merges into the B20 motorway, which runs parallel to the coast inland. It consists of separate paid sections. Since the highway was built by several companies, prices are different in different sections.

They are indicated at the entrance to the payment point; average cost 7-8 EUR per 100 km from a passenger car. At the points where payment is made, on the tracks with the sign "Automatico" The machine accepts money: here you need to throw change into a special basket or insert a credit card into the receiver.

If there is a postscript "Change", you can change the currency with him. Along the highway, at a distance of 2 km from each other, there are emergency parking lots with free telephones for calling technical or medical assistance with the sign "SOS".

Free N11 the road winds along the coast, stringing together all the seaside towns and villages. There, just like in small towns, there are practically no intersections or traffic lights.

At intersections of roads there are circles where three to seven “sleeves” can converge, so carefully follow the signs, even using a navigator.

Some features of Spanish traffic rules

Parking and payment

■ When following a car that has signaled that it intends to park, keep in mind that it will do so “backwards” - this is the only way to squeeze into the narrowest “gap”.

■ It is prohibited to park on sidewalks, bus stops or in areas marked with a yellow line. Parking along the sidewalks, delineated by blue lines, is paid. In the city center, all places are paid, regardless of the presence of blue markings. However, both of these apply only to weekdays from 9.30 to 13.30 and from 17.00 to 20.00; at other times of the day and on Sundays, all parking is free.

Payment for parking is made through machines installed on the sidewalks. The receipt issued by the machine, which indicates the end time of parking, must be placed under the windshield. The minimum parking time is 30 minutes, the maximum is 1 hour 30 minutes. Price - 1-3 EUR/hour.

For free parking, we can recommend the university area - the last two stations of the green metro line (L3): Palau Reial and Zona Universitaria. At Palau Reial station the platform is located 10 m from the metro entrance. It is adjacent to Av. Diagonal as you move towards the center.

■ There are many underground parking lots in Barcelona, ​​but among them there are parking lots with a vehicle height limit of 1.5 m (for example, on La Rambla in the port area). Pickups, minivans, minibuses, jeeps, caravans do not meet this standard. Standard signs indicate these parking oddities.

In the center, the most convenient underground parking is located under the main square of Barcelona - pl. Catalonia.

Fines in Spain

Thus, the amounts for speeding are from 80 to 300 EUR. Any fines will be collected directly at the site of the violation. If you do not have cash with you, you will be escorted to the nearest ATM.

Otherwise, the car will be seized until the full amount is paid. There is no point in challenging the violation, since it was recorded by photo radar.

If the latter happens, a triangular sticker with a phone number will be left at the place of the stolen car, which you should call to get it back.

Under no circumstances should you argue with the traffic police; this may be regarded as resistance to the authorities.
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