Driving in Tenerife: TF-1 rules, fines and fuel

A calm driver's guide to the island's roads.

The basics

Drive on the right. The TF-1 (south and airport) and TF-5 (north) are free, fast motorways - 120 km/h where signed. Rural and mountain roads are good but bendy; locals know them, you do not, so let tailgaters pass.

Fines are real

Speed cameras work, and Spanish fines for visitors are pursued across Europe. Drink-driving limits are lower than the UK (0.05%) - one glass can be too much. Phones in hand, even at lights, mean a fine and points.

Fuel

Petrol is noticeably cheaper than the UK. There are no fuel stations inside Teide national park - fill up before the climb. Most stations take cards; some small ones are cash-friendly at the kiosk.

Parking

Blue lines = pay and display. White = free. Yellow = no. South resorts are easy; Santa Cruz needs patience or a car park. Hire cars with obvious stickers get left alone if nothing is visible inside.