Green Plates / Placas Verdes in Spain
Temporary import plates, commonly known in Spain as Placas Verdes, are the green plates with white lettering that you may have seen on certain vehicles. They are used as a temporary legal solution while a vehicle’s definitive Spanish registration is being completed.
In practice, they are especially useful where a foreign vehicle cannot or should not continue to circulate on its current registration plates while the Spanish registration process is underway.
Keeping Legal
To drive legally in Spain, a vehicle normally needs to be fully legal in its country of current registration. For example, a UK registered vehicle would ordinarily need valid road tax where applicable, a current MOT where required, and valid insurance.
Problems can arise where tax or MOT has expired, or where the vehicle has already been recorded as exported. In situations like these, temporary import plates can provide a lawful route to keep the vehicle circulating in Spain while the next steps are dealt with.
60 Days
For private individuals using green plates during the definitive registration process, the standard validity is normally 60 days.
They are intended as a temporary solution while the vehicle is being imported and registered, or while other lawful arrangements are made for the vehicle.
Expiry Date
Once the temporary plates have expired, the vehicle should not be driven on Spanish roads unless a further lawful basis exists.
DGT does mention extensions in exceptional circumstances, but in practice they should not be relied upon. Our advice is always to move ahead with the import process as soon as the plates are issued so the vehicle remains in a safe legal position throughout.
Insuring on Green Plates
Because temporary import plates are a Spanish temporary registration, appropriate Spanish insurance will normally be required while the vehicle is circulating on them.
One advantage is that once the vehicle is permanently registered in Spain, many insurers can transfer the policy onto the final plate number without major disruption.
Vehicle Confiscation or Impoundment
If your vehicle has been taken by the police or Guardia Civil, temporary import plates may be needed before it can be released and driven away lawfully.
In those situations, you may also need to deal with any fines issued, together with storage charges and towing costs where applicable. You would also need the correct insurance and documentation in place before collecting the vehicle.
If you find yourself in this difficult position, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We can often help you understand what is needed and what the next steps are likely to be.
How We Can Help
At Car Registrations Spain, we regularly assist clients with temporary import plates as part of the wider registration process. If your vehicle is already in Spain and needs a temporary legal solution while definitive registration is being completed, we can advise you on whether green plates are appropriate and help manage the process for you.
Speak to Our Team About Placas Verdes
Whether your vehicle is already in Spain, has lost the ability to circulate on its foreign registration, or has been impounded, we can help you understand whether green plates are the right solution.