Driving a Foreign Vehicle in Spain
Driving a foreign registered vehicle in Spain can be straightforward in some circumstances, but the rules can become much stricter if you are resident in Spain or if the vehicle remains in the country for an extended period.
It is also essential that the vehicle remains fully legal in its country of current registration. For example, if you are driving a UK registered vehicle, it should have valid tax where applicable, a current MOT where required, and valid insurance.
Basic Rules
As a guide, non-residents may be able to drive a foreign registered vehicle in Spain for up to 6 months per year, but residents should take particular care as the vehicle must be registered within 30 days of arrival.
In practice, if you are resident in Spain, you should not assume that you can continue driving a foreign registered vehicle indefinitely without risk. Taking advice early is always the safest option.
Overstaying
If a foreign registered vehicle remains in Spain beyond what the authorities consider acceptable, it may be treated as a vehicle that should have been imported and registered onto Spanish plates.
In those circumstances, the authorities may demand payment of import-related taxes or customs duties where applicable, and fines may also be issued.
Documentation
When driving in Spain, you should carry the relevant documentation for both the driver and the vehicle. This would normally include your driving licence, the original vehicle registration document, passport or ID card, and proof of insurance for the vehicle.
If your licence is from outside the EU or EEA, you may also need an International Driving Permit, depending on your circumstances.
Proof of Entry
If you are driving a foreign registered vehicle in Spain, it is wise to keep clear proof of when the vehicle entered the country in case you are asked to provide it.
This could include a ferry ticket, Eurotunnel receipt, border documentation, passport entry stamp, toll receipt showing the date and time, or a transport company delivery note and invoice.
Impoundment and Recovery
If you are stopped and cannot satisfy the police or Guardia Civil that the vehicle is being used lawfully, there is a risk that the vehicle could be impounded.
Recovering an impounded vehicle can involve fines, towing charges, storage fees and, in some cases, payment of taxes or customs charges before the vehicle can be released. You would also need to show the appropriate driving documentation and proof of insurance when collecting the vehicle.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team who will be able to help.
How We Can Help
If your foreign registered vehicle has been impounded, or if you are concerned that it may have outstayed its permitted use in Spain, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.
We can also help if you have a foreign registered vehicle that you would now like to register onto Spanish number plates, guiding you through the process as clearly and efficiently as possible.
Talk to Our Team About Your Vehicle
Whether your vehicle has been stopped, impounded, or you simply want advice on registering it onto Spanish plates, we are here to help.