Traffic Law And Fines In Spain

Posted by John at 16 March 2011

Category: Motoring, abcpeople

Tags: ,

Raquel Pérez, Director, Pérez Legal Group.

The Spanish licence

European Union citizens can obtain a Spanish driving licence by exchanging your EU driving licence. You should go to your provincial traffic headquarters with your present licence and a photocopy, one photo, and your residence certificate or card and photocopy. Traffic office will need to verify your details with your home country’s authorities. The costs are around 26 Euros.

Using your EU licence

Also you can continue using your home country licence as it is no longer necessary to have this licence registered and stamped by the Spanish Traffic Department. EU rules require that Spain accept any EU licence as valid so this means that a holder of an UK licence must take the same medical exam that a Spanish driver has to take. If you are under 45 of age, the eye and reaction test is required every 10 years. From 45 to 70 years, you must pass the exam every five years. Be careful as if you are involved in an accident or a speeding violation at the age of 51 without having the medical test, you will be considered as driving with an expired licence and your insurance company may refuse to pay for damages if your licence is not valid and you may face penalties from the Traffic Department.

Traffic code

Spain’s revised traffic code went harder on speeders and prohibits the use of mobile phones while driving. It requires cars to carry reflective vests, regulats the use of child safety seats and stiffens penalties.

Police also are empowered to retain the licence of the driver if they estimate is not in condition to operate a vehicle. Drunk drivers face licence suspensions of one year and a possible six months in gaol.

Speeding

Exceeding the limit by 50% becomes a very serious infraction with fines up to 602 Euros and suspension of driving licence for 3 months.

This would also include someone driving at 150 kph on a normal highway with a limit of 100 kph.

Spanish points system

Drivers are assigned 12 points. New drivers, with less than 3 years of experience, begin only with 8 points. If the beginner drives for 2 years with no infractions, he gets 4 additional points to bring him up to 12

A driver can check on his number of points by going to the Traffic Department web site which is www.dgt.es. The site contains much more useful information.

Many thanks to Raquel Pérez for this very useful article.  If you are in need of legal advice relating to any legal matter you can contact Racquel on the details below…

Raquel Pérez

Director

raquel@perezlegalgroup.com

Perez Legal Group

Centro Comercial Elviria, oficina 6

29604 Marbella

(T) +34 952 833 169

(F) + 34 952 830 262

(M) + 34 699 45 66 97

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More Speed Limits Reduced

Posted by John at 27 February 2011

Category: Money, Motoring

Tags: , ,

Fuel saving reductions

The Council of Ministers has approved a decision to reduce the speed limit on Spanish highways and motorways from the current 120 km / h to 110 km / h “on a transitional basis.” The First Deputy Prime Minister, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said that this is an emergency measure implemented in Spain to save fuel, although he would not commit to how long the measures will last for.

Rubalcaba said that these measures will save around 15% of fuel. He also noted that as part of the measure of implementing this new rule, which will become effective on March 7, an “urgent campaign to replace all speed limit signs” will be carried out across the nation.

Additional measures to save energy

In addition to reducing the speed limit, Rubalcaba announced additional measures aimed at energy saving, these include reducing the price of train tickets on Renfe Media and Corta routes by 5% to promote public transport. As with the speed limit, this will be a temporary measure.

Fuel prices at record high

The price per litre of petrol is at record highs. According to the latest Oil Bulletin of the European Union, a litre of petrol costs on average €1.284, just a penny less than in January, but 16% more than in the same week in 2010.

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Reduced Speed Limits

Posted by John at 21 February 2011

Category: Motoring

Tags: ,

Proposed changes for urban roads

In a recent announcement the Spanish Traffic Department has put forward it’s plans to reduce the speed limit on all urban roads with one lane in each direction and one-way streets with just one lane to 30kph. On most of this type of road, the limit is currently 50kph.

Reducing speeds will save lives

The new proposals are justified by The General Director, Pere Navarro,saying that 50 per cent of pedestrians survive being hit by a car at 50kph, but 95 per cent survive a 30kph impact.

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Judias Verdes con Chorizo

Posted by John at 18 February 2011

Category: Spanish Recipes

Tags: , , ,

Recipe: Judias Verdes con Chorizo

Summary: A very typical Spanish country dish. Very cheap to make but very tasty.


Ingredients

  • 500g cooked green beans
  • 50 ml vegetable stock
  • 5 medium potatoes
  • 300g chorizo
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 3 tablespoon fresh tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and slice thinly the fry them slowly in a heatproof pan. When almost tender add the sliced chorizo and fry for a few minutes, then place on a plate and keep warm.
  2. Add to the pan the onion and garlic and fry to colour.
  3. Add the flour and tomato sauce and the vegetable stock. Stir until thickened then put the potatoes and chorizo back into the pan.
  4. Add the beans and simmer for 10 minutes adding a little more liquid if it looks too dry.
  5. Serve immediately.

Cooking time (duration): 30 mins

Number of servings (yield): 4

Meal type: lunch

Culinary tradition: Spanish

My rating:3 stars: ★★★☆☆

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11th February 2011 – GBP/EUR Round-up by Keith Spitalnick

Posted by John at 11 February 2011

Category: Business, Money

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4th February 2011 – GBP/EUR Round-up by Keith Spitalnick

Posted by John at 7 February 2011

Category: Business, Day 2 Day Spain, Money

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What Our Clients Are Saying

Posted by John at 4 February 2011

Category: Business, Day 2 Day Spain, General

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Angela Buick, Granada…..

“Thank you for professional service as always!!”

Debby Evans, Costa Locks……

“John is a mine field of information. Very reliable and always offers choices and guides you through very difficult decisions on insuring your home, life, car and more! I would highly recommend his services to everyone.”

Andy Owner/Editor at Ronda Today…….

“When it comes to getting insurance in Spain, John is one of… no I correct that, he’s the only guy I recommend my friends talk to.”

Steve Ingram, Tenerife…..

“I have full praise for your Insurance Services John, good prices, communication and after-sales too.
I would and have highly recommend(ed) Insure Ex-pats. Thank you.”

David Rogers, Benalmadena……

“I have used the services of John McKenzie on several occasions and I continue to do so. I have found John to be very prompt and highly competitive. I have also worked closely with John in various B2B networks and have found his manner and professionalism to be of great benefit to all that meet him.  In this regards I would not hesitate to recommend John to any of my family, friends, colleagues or associates.”

Cheryl Kennell, Eco Electrics……

“John was recommended to us for our car insurance and the service we received was friendly and extremely efficient. Since then, we have taken out home insurance and public liability insurance – all very easy and price competitive.”

David Phillips, Star La Cala Real Estate…….

“I have used John on several occasions on a personal basis for my insurance needs. I have also used him on a professional basis providing cover and excellent advice for our clients  John gets my recommendation every time”

Luisa Murratore. Mijas Costa……….

“I have taken out both my car and household insurance with Caser, through Insure Expats and have been very pleased with the prices and level of service that I have received. I always recommend John to any of my friends who are looking for insurance and always find the quotes that and my friends and I receive to be competitive and more realistic than a lot of other insurance companies out there. Thanks John!”

Susan Dyson, First Stop Secretarial………

“John is the consummate professional in his field of insurance. Whenever I’ve asked for a quote for his different products I have been given the information in a timely fashion. John the follows up with a telephone conversation in which he explains everything and invites you to ask him any questions. I have used John’s insurances services for a while now and have never hesitated to recommend him to my friends, colleagues and associates.”

Elaine Barclay, Slush Spain SL…….

“I would not hesitate to recommend John to anybody who requires his services. He is full of enthusiasm and you can completely rely on him to do what he says he will.”

Shrah Hawes, Greenhouse Clothing Spain………..

“I would like to thank you for your support and professionalism in processing and finding the right insurance for me.  As you know I had been insuring both our cars with one of your competitors and  not only did you save money, but you also gave us more benefits on our insurance policy. It was an easy decision therefore when you did exactly the same when asked to quote for our household insurance. Thank you for “listening” to what we want and need – it’s to your credit.  It is for this reason therefore that I wish you to quote for my Public Liability insurance for the business. John it is a pleasure to give you our family and corporate business.  Thank you and I look forward to speaking to you soon. Well done and don’t change what you are doing – you are head and shoulders above your competitors.”

Matthew Gomis, Reconditioned Laptops……

“I have to say, that in all the years I’ve lived on the coast you have been among the very few truly professional and efficient people I’ve ever dealt with and its a pleasure to recommend you to whoever I can. Jane & Neil are also delighted with both quality of service and value for money. Hope we can all count on you for many years to come.”

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28th January 2011 – GBP/EUR Round-up by Keith Spitalnick

Posted by John at 28 January 2011

Category: Business, Day 2 Day Spain, Money

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Health Care For Expats In Spain

Posted by John at 25 January 2011

Category: Day 2 Day Spain, Health, abcpeople

Tags: , , , ,

During September of 2009 important changes were implemented for foreigners resident in Spain. It is therefore important to understand the effects these changes have had on us all.

Spains public health system offers health care free or  at a low cost so long as you are either paying social security here or are in receipt of a UK state pension.

However, as with many other countries the public health service has waiting lists to see specialists and for non-urgent operations.

How the system will work for you

As a contribution based economy Spain will provide free medical treatment to British nationals whilst on holiday. However when you take up residence you have to pay the Spanish National Insurance, currently €260 per month.

As Spain is part of the EU you are entitled to free care if you receive a British pension.

Please note that as from September 2009, any foreigner who is not in one of the above mentioned categories will not receive free medical assistance.

Getting tougher on who can use their health system

It was recently reported that because Spain cannot afford to look after it’s own people under the system, they have decided to stop all treatment to foreigners. If you don’t contribute, you don’t get the benefits.

The E111 is ONLY for use whilst on holiday and new systems in operation from September will ensure that this is the case! The EHIC/E111 allows reciprocal emergency health care during temporary visits to other EU countries. Strictly speaking it is not a permanent entitlement nor a full entitlement to all treatments available under each nations state health care systems.

Why have private health insurance Spain?

If you do not qualify for public health care then it is essential that you have private health insurance. No insurance will mean no treatment. Everyone hopes they will never need to use any kind of health professional, however accidents and emergencies do happen. For that reason alone, not to mention pure peace of mind, it’s worth investigating your options.

Even if you are under the public health care system it is still advisable to have private health insurance as well in order to skip the waiting lists and receive treatment quickly, when needed.

For more information about health insurance click here.

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Wholesome Winter Spanish Dish

Posted by John at 18 January 2011

Category: Spanish Recipes

Tags: , , , , ,

Recipe: Estofado

Summary: Estofado is a traditional Spanish beef stew. The recipe was given to me by an elderly lady during the time we spent in Casarabonela.

Ingredients

  • 3 tblsp of olive oil
  • 500g stewing beef
  • 250g carrots – peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 cup of peas
  • 1/2 tblsp of paprika
  • 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
  • 1 tsp of flour 500g of potatoes peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 1 wine glass of white wine
  • salt & freshly ground pepper
  • saffron or yellow food colouring

Instructions

  1. Heat half of the oil in a large flameproof cooking pot.Brown the beef in the hot oil.
  2. In a small frying pan heat the rest of the oil, add the onion and garlic and fry for around 5 minutes. Add the flour and the paprika and fry for a further 5 minutes, making sure not to burn the mix.
  3. Now add the onion mix to the meat in the cooking pot, add the wine, stock and water. Bring to the boil. Cook slowly for around and hour and a half.
  4. Add the carrot’s, chopped tomatoes and a little saffron to the pot and cook for about 25 minutes. Now add the potatoes, peas and a little more stock if required. Cook for a further 25 – 30 minutes until the potatoes are cooked.
  5. Serve from the pot with fresh crusty bread.

Cooking time (duration): 140 min’s

Number of servings (yield): 4

Meal type: dinner

Culinary tradition: Spanish

My rating:4 stars: ★★★★☆

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