We will be hiring a car and touring Southern Spain this November. We have been a little alarmed by what we have read in our guide book re the Spanish police. It says to avoid the Guardia Civil "who can be extremely unpleasant if you get on their wrong side." We'll be driving through some pretty remote country and are a bit worried about what to do if stopped by this Guardia Civil. Any advice? Do they have a mordaza system like in Mexico? Thanks for your help.

I've driven through Southern Spain, and there is no need whatsoever to be worried about the Guardia unless you're blantantly breaking the law. It's like any other country. You don't get arrested if you don't break the law. Easy, huh? Seriously though, Spain, especially in the south is a very accomodating, easy place to get around. The people are great. Just don't drive like a bat out of hell!

FYI... just in case you were unsure of where you were going... Spain and Mexico are two separate countries and have NOTHING to do with each other. Instead of reading the "Dummies Guide to Europe" (remember, Europe is across the Atlantic and on a different continent), pick a real book -- something which will *educate* you.

In a lot of countries, local countryside police has a nasty reputation, not necessarily deserved.

The Guardia Civil is a professional police force which has very high standards and can be relied on, especially in remote areas. As long as you are obeying the law, you have nothing to worry about.<BR>Be especially cautious when passing thru small towns and the posted speed drops from that on the open highway. Obey the speed limit!<BR>If you are stopped for any reason, be courteous & show the documentation requested. It makes no sense to get into a strong argument. (This is also true in the USA if you are stopped by a state trooper)<BR>In no case should you ever attempt to bribe a Guardia Civil. You could be arrested!<BR>Don't confuse Latin American police practices(ie, the Mexican "mordida") with those of european police!

Well, geo..., that was pretty rude. I really didn't think her question was so out of line however, Jonie, you might want to check the date of the book you are looking at. My first trip to Spain was in 1970 and you absolutely did want to avoid the G.C. back then. Of course that was when the fascist Franco was in power and things are very, very different now.

Exactly what Angel said; in decades of tranvel throughtout Spain, we've never had an unpleasant encounter on the highways with the Guardia Civil. This is a very different Guardia Civil from the days of the Franco regime. Obey the law and you'll be fine. (And tha tinfamous "mordida", as Angel says, refers to some inscrupulous Mexican highway patrolmen, not to Spain's Guardia Civil!)

Angel I is right they are a good police but pretty nasty with those tricky speed limits going through tiny tiny towns....if they get you .....be prepare to pay a TICKET

Observe other people's speed. I once decided to drive around Bilbao in a Smart (that was a lot of fun), but getting on a Spanish highway on a car that doesn't go above 100kph was not such a good idea.<BR><BR>And beware the fines... they can be QUITE high! And the other posters are right... DO NOT TRY TO BRIBE THEM. The Mexican police is improving, though.

Thank for your replies. I want to say that I feel greatly reassured by you all. It's my first time in Spain and the guide book just frightened me a little.

Hi Jonie:<BR>Just to reassure you further and reiterate what the other posters have stated.....watch your speed (watch what everyone else is doing and go a bit slower , and get a hold of a Michelin map so you know where you are going (plan ahead!) and a Michelin green guide or another good guide which has important info re road signage, speed limits etc and become familiar with them.<BR>My husband and I have driven in Spain many times (about 12 times in different areas, using all types of roads) and have never come in contact with police.<BR>The comments about bribery are redundant aren't they, would we do that at home????<BR>If you have everything in the car that you require, i.e insurance, rental agreement etc then you are fine.<BR>Have a great trip.