Driving in Tenerife is mostly
very easy, but there are some things to be aware of in order for
the motoring part of your trip to be safe and
successful.
1. In common with most of Europe, in Tenerife cars drive on the right. The TF1 motorway, which runs the length of the island, is well surfaced and the signs are clear. Lanes are a bit narrow in places, and be aware that slip roads are often very short, and sometimes non-existent. Local drivers are typically continental in their approach – they go quite fast, and their regard for the rules of the road can be sketchy.
2. Make sure you always indicate and position yourself on the road so that others can clearly see what you intend to do. Stay alert, as other drivers can be unpredictable – whether they are locals, or tourists unsure of where to go.
3. Taxi drivers go VERY fast – it is advisable to get out of their way as quickly as possible! Also watch out for pedestrian crossings, which can often be situated in very odd places like roundabout exits.
4. Parking can sometimes be a challenge in town – Canarian attitudes are relaxed here too, and it's not uncommon to see cars parked on zebra crossings, or even roundabouts.
5. The minimum age to rent a vehicle in Tenerife is 21. The blood alcohol limit is only 0.08%, so be better safe than sorry, and don't drink and drive. The police carry out random breath tests, and fines on non-residents can be severe, as well as payable on the spot.
6. Speed limits are 120km/h on motorways, 90km/h elsewhere and 50km/h in town.
7. When hiring a car, don't forget to bring both parts of your licence (paper and photocard) – you won't get past the rental desk without them.
8. Read the terms and conditions of your hire carefully and know what your liabilities are.
9. Also check exactly what is included in your agreement. Small extras such as adding an extra driver or child seats are sometimes payable locally, and can mount up.
10.It is usual to be required to return the car with the same level of fuel as you picked it up with. Try to make sure you do this, as the alternative is a surcharge which is usually much higher than the cost of the fuel.
1. In common with most of Europe, in Tenerife cars drive on the right. The TF1 motorway, which runs the length of the island, is well surfaced and the signs are clear. Lanes are a bit narrow in places, and be aware that slip roads are often very short, and sometimes non-existent. Local drivers are typically continental in their approach – they go quite fast, and their regard for the rules of the road can be sketchy.
2. Make sure you always indicate and position yourself on the road so that others can clearly see what you intend to do. Stay alert, as other drivers can be unpredictable – whether they are locals, or tourists unsure of where to go.
3. Taxi drivers go VERY fast – it is advisable to get out of their way as quickly as possible! Also watch out for pedestrian crossings, which can often be situated in very odd places like roundabout exits.
4. Parking can sometimes be a challenge in town – Canarian attitudes are relaxed here too, and it's not uncommon to see cars parked on zebra crossings, or even roundabouts.
5. The minimum age to rent a vehicle in Tenerife is 21. The blood alcohol limit is only 0.08%, so be better safe than sorry, and don't drink and drive. The police carry out random breath tests, and fines on non-residents can be severe, as well as payable on the spot.
6. Speed limits are 120km/h on motorways, 90km/h elsewhere and 50km/h in town.
7. When hiring a car, don't forget to bring both parts of your licence (paper and photocard) – you won't get past the rental desk without them.
8. Read the terms and conditions of your hire carefully and know what your liabilities are.
9. Also check exactly what is included in your agreement. Small extras such as adding an extra driver or child seats are sometimes payable locally, and can mount up.
10.It is usual to be required to return the car with the same level of fuel as you picked it up with. Try to make sure you do this, as the alternative is a surcharge which is usually much higher than the cost of the fuel.
Car hire Tips for Tenerife
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