Driving in Formentera is straightforward for most visitors because Spain’s DGT traffic code applies, but the island adds three local rules that matter immediately: the 70 km/h cap on the PM-820, the seasonal formentera.eco entry scheme, and the 2026 V-16 beacon requirement. A rental driver should also know that EU and UK photocard licences are usually accepted, while US, Canadian, and non-Latin-script licences often need an IDP or sworn Spanish translation under DGT practice. Formentera’s road network is compact, with the PM-820 running between La Savina port, Sant Francesc Xavier, Sant Ferran de ses Roques, Es Pujols, and the La Mola area. The core legal reference is Spain’s DGT signage system, and the practical value for drivers is simple: the island prioritises low-speed traffic, cyclists, and mopeds on narrow roads such as camí rural tracks and village streets. The island’s calmer driving profile is one reason visitors book smaller cars such as the Fiat Panda Fiat 500 Nissan Micra Opel Corsa, or Dacia Sandero from operators like Motorent Pujols Autos Ca Marí, and Rent a Car San Fernando, especially when parking near Es Pujols Cala Saona is tight. Parking near Ses Illetes and the beach zones If your route includes Ses Illetes, Es Caló des Mort, or Espalmador access by ferry, plan an early departure because the PM-820 and PMV-820-1 slow down quickly when day-trippers arrive at La Savina port. Do not assume camí rural roads are “shortcut” roads; some are narrow, unmarked, and unsuitable for larger rental models such as the Renault Trafic Nissan Primastar Dacia Jogger, or Renault Clio Auto Spain’s warning-triangle replacement rule becomes fully mandatory on 1 January 2026 under Real Decreto 1030/2022, which requires a connected V-16 beacon linked to DGT 3.0. For a rental driver in Formentera, the practical issue is simple: the rental operator, not the tourist, should provide the compliant device in the boot or glove box, and the car should also include the required reflective vest. Operator practice in Formentera: OK Mobility Pitiusas Rent a Car Formentera Meharis, and Rent a Car San Fernando commonly package roadside equipment differently, so the customer should verify whether the booking includes CDW, SCDW, or full coverage before accepting the keys. The connected beacon rule matters even more for island drivers because breakdown assistance on roads toward Cap de Barbaria La Mola, or can take longer than in a mainland city. For that reason, some operators market zero excess add-ons or super CDW products to reduce the cost of damage claims. When comparing insurance, ask for the exact excess/deductible in euros and the franquicia amount on the contract, because “full coverage” may still exclude tyres, glass, underbody damage, or a lost key. A low-price booking can still leave a large preauthorisation hold on your card, especially with options like zero excess or super CDW; always check the deposit amount before signing. Formentera ferry and car pickup logistics Spain applies strict drink-driving and drug-driving thresholds in Formentera, and the Guardia Civil regularly checks vehicles near Es Pujols, La Savina port, and the routes returning from Migjorn at night. The administrative limit is 0.25 mg/L in breath, while new drivers and professionals face 0.15 mg/L; the criminal threshold is 0.60 mg/L under Article 379.2 Código Penal Español For visitors, the relevant point is not theoretical: a standard rental car from Citcitroën e-Mehari -style beach use to Jeep Wrangler Unlimited -style tour bookings can be immobilised if the driver fails a test, and the consequences can include fines, licence suspension, and police action. The local police and national authorities operate under DGT rules, and the island also follows broader Spanish traffic enforcement standards published in the and linked to the Govern de les Illes Balears Formentera’s child-seat rule is direct: any child under 135 cm must use an approved restraint system. The common rental response is an i-Size seat or booster supplied by the operator, often for €5–€10 per day, with availability varying by vehicle class and season. Families often choose practical models such as the Dacia Lodgy Dacia Jogger Renault Trafic, or Nissan Primastar when travelling with children, luggage, and beach equipment to Es Caló de Sant Agustí Cala en Baster, or Ses Salines Natural Park.