Driving in Spain importing car to Spain register car insurance in Spain drink driving EU

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.

Non-Residents
Non-Residents can drive in spain on a foreign driving licence for a maximum of 6 months in the calendar year. EU residents can drive on their existing EU licence until it runs outs. When it does run out you must apply for a Spanish driving licence. Non-EU residents must obtain a Spanish driving licence after one year.

Road Tax
Road tax in Spain is paid to the local government. The fee is related to the individual vehicle and the area. All vehicles are required to undertake an annual inspection ( called an ITV), to check the condition of the vehicle. Major towns and cities have several ITV stations to which you can take your car.

What are the Motor insurance regulations in Spain?
Spanish motor insurance regulations differ somewhat from UK / Irish regulations and it is advisable in all cases to carefully check the cover that you have for any incidents. One major difference is that when a vehicle is declared a write-off only a percentage of the vehicle's market value is paid by the Spanish insurance company, even when the driver has "fully comprehensive insurance" (todo reisgo).

Under European Community legislation motorists in EU member states must be covered for third party liability. However, there is no Community legislation, which lays down the conditions applicable to third party or comprehensive motor insurance.

This is still a matter for member states, whose national regulations may differ. It is therefore strongly advisable to make sure that an insurance policy held with a Spanish company provides adequate cover for your needs. It can be difficult to secure a more satisfactory settlement retrospectively. Visitors to Spain must have full third party insurance (responsabilidad civil obligatoria / seguro obligatorio) for the vehicle but no longer need a separate "bail bond".

What is the cost of Motor Insurance in Spain?
The basic mandatory third party insurance will cost approximately €200, which will cover injury claims of up €330,000. It is always advisable to take additional cover for legal costs (defensa penal), theft (robo) and Road side assistance (asistencia en viajes).

The majority of ExPats in Spain take out insurance through ExtranDirect or the ExPat Club, which are underwritten by British Insurance companies. If you look in the phone book you will find several British insurance companies such as DirectLine Insurance with offices in the major towns. One major advantage of taking out insurance with these companies is that your ‘No Claims’ bonus from your home country will be fully recognised and factored into the calculation of your premiums. Before you leave for Spain, you should ask your insurer for a letter confirming your ‘No Claims’ bonus (bonificacion/ systema bonus-malus)

If you are under 25 or over 70 you will pay an expensive premium and of course, if you are convicted of driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, you will pay an exceptional insurance premium.

What happens if I’m involved in a Road accident?
An alarming number of Spanish motorists do not have motor insurance, despite the fact that the fines are very high, over €3,000. If you are involved in an accident (accidente de tráfico), do not assume that the other party will give you the correct insurance details. By law all drivers must carry their insurance documents with them at all times, but this is almost totally ignored. You must ask to see some form of identification, preferably a driving licence, and if at all possible the names and contact details of any witnesses and their vehicle registration numbers. If you suspect the other driver may be under the influence of alcohol, or if there is any injury to you or your passengers, you must call the Police.

Some golden rules:
Do NOT admit responsibility or sign an accident report form presented by the other driver. Inform your insurance company with 24 hours and send them outline details of the circumstances, the location, the details of the other driver and the names of the witnesses.

Leaving the scene of a serious accident is a grave offence in Spain. You should always wait, even if you are only a witness, until the Police arrive. If you are at fault and you are detained by the Police, you must ask for assistance of a translator or call your Solicitor, who will advise you not to sign a statement until the details have been explained, or better still, until he can have someone from a competent legal firm visit the Police Station to assist you

Buying Cars in Spain
Cars are more expensive in Spain than in many other EU countries. However their value decreases at a slower rate so the extra money you pay when you buy the car is usually recouped when re-selling.

In order to buy a Spanish registered car you need a residence card, a deed (escritura) or rental contract for a Spanish property, or a certificate of residence (certificado de empadronamiento) in Spain.

New Cars in Spain:
Spain generally remains a buyers' market for new cars and you may be able to drive a hard bargain. New cars are sold at list price, although you should still shop around for the best deal as dealers compete in offering discounts, guarantees, financing terms and special sales.

2nd Hand Cars in Spain:
It pays to buy a used car that's around two years old, as depreciation in the first one or two years is considerable (high mileage cars, particularly rental cars, can be a good value). However, older cars in Spain (outside of their warranty period) aren't always well maintained.

There are many cowboys in Spain selling old cosmetically improved cars so it's generally better to buy from a reputable dealer, even if you pay a bit more, and obtain a warranty.

When you buy a secondhand car in Spain you must obtain the registration document (permiso de circulation) the ITV test certificate plus the technical sheet and a photocopy; the road tax receipt and a photocopy; and a receipt for the payment of transfer tax. You have 15 days to register the vehicle in your name.

Speed Limits
Motorways 120kph
Dual carriageways 100kph
Country roads 90kph
Urban roads 50kph
Residential areas 20kph

Parking
No parking in spaces painted yellow or (obviously) in areas with "No Parking" signs. Parking spaces with meters are marked in blue where a ticket can be purchased from an attendant or machine.The machine may be halfway down the block; don´t assume that because there is no meter near the car that parking is free. These spaces are usually for two hours maximum. Fines vary between areas but can be substantial.

Fines
Fines for speeding are paid on the spot and are calculated at 6 euros per kilometre over the limit. The legal drink-drive limit is 50mg per millilitre and breath testing is very commom. Fines for this are very high.