Driving a car in Spain - Spanish Residence
- Driving & owning a car in Spain
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The minimum age to drive a car in Spain is 18, and the minimum age for a motorcycle (upto 75cc) is 14. Non residents are allowed to use their international licence, and can drive a Spanish registered vehicle for six months each calendar year. If you are a permanent resident, you must apply for and hold a full Spanish driving licence.
All vehicles must be insured in Spain, and insurance is pretty much the same as it is in the U.K.
The good news is, that if you wish to insure yourself in Spain with a Spanish company, the larger and well know companies (such as Direct line) offer some of the lowest premiums in the EU.
It is also good to know that car rental companies in Spain are generally the cheapest in Europe (due to the high number of companies competing for the business). Check that the hire company's price includes IVA (tax), insurance cover is adequate and that you have no restrictions on mileage
Buying as new car in Spain is a good experience as car prices and fuel costs are substantially lower than that in England. A Spanish registered car can be purchased by a non resident providing they own a property in Spain, if you are renting a home in Spain for one year and over you can also purchase a Spanish registered vehicle.
Regulations do vary from province to province, so again it is a better idea to check beforehand.
Used cars (de seguro mano) are far more expensive than used cars in the UK and most of the surrounding EU countries. If you decide to purchase a used car in Spain - it is important to check the following:
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Does it have a current ITV certificate? (equivalent of MOT)
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That it has not been involved in a major accident
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The chassis number tallies with the registration document
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That you receive the transfer of ownership documentation
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The seller has de-registers the car at the local traffic department
The vehicle upon purchase must be registered within 30 days If you decide to sell a car in Spain, you first must obtain and complete a transfer of ownership document. Transfer tax is also applicable - and varies depending on market value, age and so on. This is usually paid by the buyer as most "sellers" include this in the car price (and is the sellers responsibility) - this is an important consideration before you set a final price for your vehicle.
Road Tax in Spain is called impuesto municipal sobree vehiculos de tracción mecánica. Tax levels are set by individual municipalities, and is mostly based on horsepower of the vehicle. this is paid to the local authority.
A few basic regulation to follow
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Motorists must carry two officially approved warning triangles with them
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Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory
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Do not drive in bus, taxi, cycle or tram lanes
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The use of the "horn" is against the law at night in town
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3 point turns and reversing in streets is forbidden in town
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The use of hand held phones whilst driving is illegal
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You should familiarise your self with the Spanish highway code
- Speed limits (generally ) are:
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Motorway (autopistas)-120km/h
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Dual carriageway (autovias) - 100km/h
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Main roads (carreteras) - 90km/h
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Built up areas / Towns (vias urbanas) - 50km/h
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