Driving in Spain
Everything expats need to know about driving in Spain — exchanging your license, importing a car, ITV vehicle inspection, road rules, fines and insurance.
Driving in Spain is straightforward — modern roads, light traffic outside the cities and fuel cheaper than most of Europe. The main thing to sort early is your driving license, especially if you're not from an EU country.
Driving licenses
EU/EEA licenses are valid indefinitely. UK licenses (post-Brexit) and US/Canadian/Australian licenses must be exchanged within 6 months of residency — otherwise you have to retake the Spanish test.
Importing a car
Possible but expensive. You'll pay matriculation tax (4–14% depending on CO2 emissions), VAT if from outside the EU, plus paperwork and an ITV inspection. Often cheaper to sell at home and buy locally.
ITV (vehicle inspection)
Spain's MOT equivalent. New cars: first ITV at 4 years, then every 2 years. Cars over 10 years: annually. Costs €30–€50.
Key road rules
Strict drink-driving (0.5g/L blood, 0.3 for new drivers), speed cameras everywhere, mandatory reflective vests in the car. Spanish fines for foreign-plated cars must be paid on the spot.
Driving in Spain — FAQs
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