motoring
Although Spain is now part of the EU many aspects of the law relating to
motoring matters are\quite different to those in the UK. The Spanish police
and authorities have been very lenient towards foreigners in the past but
are now starting to crack down. In many areas the police are now stopping
UK registered cars seen regularly on the roads and asking drivers to clarify
their situation. This page attempts to provide some clarity on motoring
matters.
driving licences
Your UK driving licence is acceptable for the first six months of your
stay in Spain. After that you will need either a Spanish driving licence
or to have your UK driving licence stamped by the Spanish traffic authority.
It is very easy to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one,to do so go
to the Jefatura de Trafico in Castellon with your UK licence (including
both plastic and paper parts), a passport type photograph, your NIE and
a photocopy of it. The exchange procedure is called canje, it is
quite inexpensive and should only take a few hours.
vehicle registration
You can operate a car on UK plates for a maximum period of six months provided that it is currently taxed, MOT's and insured in the UK. After this period the vehicle must be formally exported from the UK and imported into Spain. An application can then be made for it to be licenced in Spain and Spanish plates issued. The cost for doing this can vary between some 500 and 1,000€ depending upon the age and value of the car.
insurance
If you use a UK firm to provide your motor insurance it is well worth checking if the cover is the same as provided in the UK. You may find fully comprehensive cover either not available or far too expensive in Spain.
mot
The Spanish equivalent of the UK MOT is the ITV Inspeccion Technica de Vehiculos. Certificates last for a two-year period. There is a testing station at Vinaros.
safety
Your must be fitted with seats belt which must be worn at all times. You must carry two red warning triangles and a reflective safety vest. Children under the age of three years cannot ride in the front seat under any circumstances. Children from four to twelve years and under 1.5 metres in height may only ride in the front with a special seat or restraint system.
buying a car
You may buy a car in Spain providing that you have proof of residence, a current bank account and a Spanish driving licence.
