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Driving in Spain - Driving Licence |
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Any driving licence issued in the EU is valid in any EU country. Driving licences issued in Spain last until the age of 70. Under the age of 45,
driving licences are valid for 10 years, between the ages of 45 and 70 licences are valid for 5 years. Over the age of 70 you will have to renew
your licence every year. Driving tests are taken on a machine, rather like a computer rally game, and involves anwering questions about
the Highway Code. |
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Driving in Spain - Which side do the Spain drive on? |
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The Spanish drive on the right hand side. |
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Driving in Spain - Safety |
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A new road safety law came in force in 2004: all drivers must now have at least one luminous jacket available in any vehicle whilst on the road. The law
states that this jacket must be worn if you breakdown on any highway. The jackets are relatively cheap and available at many supermarkets and car
shops. |
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Driving in Spain - Driving - documents |
In Spain you should always carry your Driving Licence, car purchase and car insurance documents together with a bank receipt showing that the insurance premium for the current period has been paid.
The police can stop you and demand to see them. Failure to produce can result in a fine.
There is an on the spot if you are stopped by the traffic police and found to be without the correct documents.
If unable to pay, your car can be towed away for later retrieval and probably incur another charge. |
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Driving in Spain - Halt Signs |
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Halt signs in Spain must be observed; there is an on the spot fine for not complying.
The law officially states that you must be seen to physically stop, brake on, off, gear change and go, however many drivers ignore this. |
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Driving in Spain - Parking General rules |
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Yellow Lines mean "No parking". Many people ignore this. Cars can be clamped for being on yellow lines. Unknown costs to retrieve.
Blue Lines mean "Find a meter" and pay for the time you require. Meters are situated at the side of the road or against buildings. The authorities rarely chase people who fail to pay but when you come to sell your property all such tickets are registered against the property as a debt, plus interest. Cars may also be towed if found parking without a valid ticket.
Parking Fines - If you do find a parking fine stuck under your windscreen wiper you will find a form and a small envelope attached, you have the option to fill in the form, pay the amount it asks for into one of the parking ticket machines.
Firstly press the Red button, pay in the money then press the Blue button. The machine will print out a receipt.
Detach the small receipt portion at the bottom, then place the other portion and the form into the envelope and post in the slot at the bottom of the machine.
Retain your proof of payment or it can be more expensive later.
Super Market Parking - Many have their own free car park but in some you have to collect a ficha(disk) for raising the exit gate when paying for shopping. |
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Driving in Spain - Petrol |
Gasolina fuel is available in four grades: Super Plus (98 octane), Super (96 octane) and often
sin plomo unleaded, Mezcla or Normal (90 octane), and gasoleo or gasoil (diesel). |
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Driving in Spain - Car Importation |
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Driving with non-Spanish registration
As a member of the EU you may import your home grown car into Spain using its own original licence plates.
You can retain it in Spain indefinitely so long as you maintain its home country tax fully paid up, including a current MOT as required.
However, you may not stay in Spain longer than six months in any one calendar year.
Your car must also be insured in its country of registration under EU Law.
This can give you problems with insurance. Some companies will offer cover but read the small print.
Registering your vehicle in Spain
If you wish to import the car and register it in Spain you must pay the 12% import tax.
Tax varies depending on engine size. If you take out a residence permit, your car must be registered in Spain. You will be exempt from the 12% registration tax.
As a Spanish resident, a car with foreign number plates can only be driven from the Spanish border or port of entry to the place of residence in Spain. Registration with the department of Transport and application for Spanish plates should take place during the first 30 days of arrival in the country.
For further information, requirements and fees, contact the "Direccion General de Trafico" in the area where you live.
The "Real Automovil Club de Espana" with offices in major cities will also assist with the formalities, however new membership may be necessary. |
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Driving in Spain - Car Purchase |
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On purchasing a car in Spain, it is essential that you have:
your NIE number or Residencia.
the address of a place of permanent residence.
a Spanish bank account or Spanish or International Credit card. |
The information contained within is for general information and guidance only.
For more specific advise, contact an expert on the specific subject matter or a solicitor.
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