Spain and Your Car
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Spain and Your Car
What You Need to Know About Driving and Owning a Car in Spain
Driving a car in Spain involves understanding various rules and regulations. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the roads smoothly.
Driver’s License Requirements
If you're an EU citizen with a photo-card license, you don’t need a Spanish license. Non-EU citizens must pass a driving test to obtain a local license.
Traveling to Spain by Car
There are three primary routes to bring your car from the UK to Spain:
- Portsmouth to Bilbao with P&O Ferries
- Plymouth to Santander with Brittany Ferries
- Folkestone to Calais via EuroTunnel, followed by a drive through France
Driving Tips in Spain
Speed Limits
- 120 km/h on motorways
- 100 km/h on dual carriageways
- 90 km/h on single carriageways
- 50 km/h in towns
The Guardia Civil conducts frequent roadside checks and can issue on-the-spot fines for:
- Drinking and driving
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Lacking a valid ITV sticker
- Seating a child in the front passenger seat
- Running a red light
Important Reminders
- Watch for "L" signs indicating inexperienced drivers.
- Emergency vehicles have the right of way on all roads.
- Flashing amber traffic lights mean proceed with caution.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants.
Safety Essentials
You must carry the following in your car by law:
- Two warning triangles
- A spare tire and tools
- A set of bulbs
- A reflective jacket
- Spare glasses if needed for driving
Navigating Toll Roads
Toll roads are a convenient way to avoid traffic, especially in poor weather. The AP7 is a notable toll road along the Costa del Sol. To avoid ending up on the toll road by mistake, follow electronic signage carefully.
Payment options for tolls:
- Cash to manual collectors
- Credit/debit cards via machines
- Tag cards for seamless travel (available through the toll company or Unicaja branches)
Registering Your Car in Spain
If relocating to Spain permanently, consider selling your UK car and buying one locally to simplify the process. As a tourist, you can bring your car for six months, extendable by another six months. Permanent residents need to:
1. Send vehicle registration documents to the UK DVLA for a certificate of permanent export (V561).
2. Pay 16% VAT if the car is under six months old.
3. Pay a 10% import duty.
4. Pay the Special Registration Tax (12% of the vehicle's value) unless you provide a certificate of non-residence.
5. Obtain an import license from the Ministry of Economics and Finance.
6. Pass the ITV test for safety and emission standards compliance.
ITV Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first four years, then checked every two years until they are ten years old, after which annual inspections are required. Tests ensure roadworthiness, including lights, indicators, and emissions.
Road Tax
Annual road tax (impuesto municipal sobre vehículos de tracción mecánica) must be paid between March and May at your local town hall.
Car Insurance
Insurance in Spain is typically cheaper than in the UK. The car, not the driver, is insured, allowing others to drive it easily. However, UK-registered cars must be insured by a UK-based insurer.
By understanding these aspects, you'll find driving in Spain a more comfortable and hassle-free experience. Safe travels!
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Spain and Your Car.
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