Driving in Lanzarote and indeed Spain may be a little daunting if it is your first time. Remember that you must drive on the right because every one else does, ( well it is the law anyway ).
You are legally required to stop at stop signs, even though most drivers don't. You must always give way to the traffic coming from the left at roundabouts. Everyone stops at zebra crossings to allow the pedestrians to cross.
A solid white line is for no overtaking and when one is allowed to overtake you must always indicate both before overtaking and also when returning to your lane

The wearing of seat belts are compulsory both in the front and rear seats, children under the age of twelve and under five feet tall are not allowed to travel in the front seats except when the front seat has an approved child seat fitted, there are on the spot fines for failing to wear a seat belt, (up to three hundred euros.)

As in the U.K. overloading of vehicles is an offence. They are quite strict on the speed limits and there is radar detection in operation.
Do not risk using a mobile phone.

At filling stations as in the U.K you must not use your mobile phone, you must turn off your engine and also any electrical equipment you are using including your lights.
Lights are to be used at night, in poor visibility, while in tunnels but are not mandatory during the day, very similar to the U.K. Should you be unfortunate to break down please note that it is not allowed for your vehicle to be towed by anything other than a tow truck (grua). Also one is likely to be towed away for illegal parking to the compound, the fine will be at least seventy euros.
Also watch for signs displayed on private property as any one can call the authorities and some businesses will.

There are a number of items which must be carried with you:-- A spare set of bulbs, a set of fuses, a reflective waistcoat, two approved triangular reflectors which should be placed approximately ten metres in front and behind the vehicle if you breakdown. Also a spare wheel and set of tools for the changing of a wheel.
If you hire a car while on holiday please enquire with the hire car company with regard to the above, when we asked they told us it was not necessary for these items to be in a hire car, please check yourself. You will also be required to carry your passport, driving license and the hire agreement with you at all times, they do not give you time to produce at the police station, once again there may be an on the spot fine.
Fines have recently increased by more than two hundred percent, minor driving offences fines were about ninety euros previously but are now three hundred euros.
They have also introduced a points system of three points per offence with an automatic ban if twelve points are reached.

The limit for drink while driving is very low, if you are caught over the limit it is almost certain that at least you will lose your license.

The sounding of horns is not allowed at night in the towns and are only to be used in emergencies.

You probably will not see any traffic lights unless you venture into Arrecife the capitol of Lanzarote. In Arrecife many of the streets are very narrow and one way, It is very easy to get yourself lost. If you do by accidentally go the wrong way up a one way street, you may, like I did here a whistle, this will be the local policeman requiring you to turn round and report to him, I was lucky and told to go on my way.

The above is only a small summary, please contact the authorities for an in-depth knowledge of the laws of driving in Lanzarote and Spain.

Apart from Arrecife, driving here I find is relatively easy, with many places to visit, it is definitely worth making the effort.