Driving in Spain
How do I import my car into Spain?
A non-resident EU national may bring into Spain their EU registered car without problems and keep it in their second/holiday home but neither they nor any other person may use it in Spain for more than six months in any year. Any person who spends more than a total of six months in any one year in Spain is considered resident and consequently not entitled to the above facility.
The procedures relating to the import of cars into Spain are complex, and although the motoring associations in the UK and the Real Automobile Club de España, Calle José Abascal 10, 28003 Madrid (Tel: 91 4473200) can sometimes provide guidance, the authoritative source of information about the procedure involved is the Directorate-General of Customs in Madrid. Importing a car into Spain requires a battle with Spanish bureaucracy, involving a lot of red tape.
Most people employ a gestor (a type of administrator) to do it for them. The process has recently been simplified, but still involves mountains of paperwork and can take a number of months (and can cost up to around 600 Euros). The regulations vary depending on whether you're an EU resident or not. However, for persons who wish to reside in Spain there is basically no prohibition on the importation of cars for personal use on obtaining residence in Spain.
Do I need to register my car in Spain?
Residents importing a vehicle must register it with the local authorities and obtain Spanish national plates. A British vehicle's Registration Document should be surrendered to the DVLA in the UK and a Certificate of Permanent Export (V561) obtained from them for presentation in Spain. Road worthiness certificates for right-hand drive cars are now generally available from Spanish ITV(MOT) centres but headlights may need to be adjusted to comply with EU regulations.
Although most people seem to ignore the legislation, non-residents can only buy vehicles in Spain on temporary tourist plates. These are valid for a six month period in one year and must be renewed annually. Non-residents who change to resident status must obtain full national plates and pay the appropriate Impuesto Especial (Special Tax) of 13%, which is based on the cars ready-reckoned value. All purchase of cars in Spain are subject to 15% VAT (IVA) but non-residents would be exempt from the Impuesto Especial.
New Traffic Regulations oblige you to keep the following equipment in your vehicle:
1) Set of bulbs and tools necessary to replace them.
2) 2 Warning triangles, only ones officially approved by the Ministerio de Interior, bearing a round symbol E9 and the code 27R03. There is a fine of €90.15 if you do not carry these.
3) Spare tyre and tools necessary to replace it.
4) 2 Reflective jackets
Do I need a new Driving licence in Spain?
The pink and green driving licence issued by the DVLA in the UK since 1990 is acceptable in all EU countries and is valid for all purposes in Spain from 1.7.96. British residents in Spain no longer have to exchange their British driving licence for a Spanish one but should register it at their local Police station every three months. The green-coloured British driving licence is only accepted if used by tourists and accompanied by an official translation into Spanish (which we understand is available from the Spanish Embassy in London). Holders of these licences may prefer to use an International Driving Licence issued anywhere outside Spain.
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