Driving a car in Spain
Purchasing a Car (Bike or van) in Spain.
To purchase a car in Spain, you will need to be able to provide a rental or mortgage contract for your place of residence. You will also need copies of your Passport, NIE identification number, or residencia if you have one. You also need to be aware that transfering the ownership of a vehicle does cost money in Spain. The fee is worked out on the value of the sale, usually about 250 Euros for a car of around 5,000 Euros.
Before you buy the Spanish vehicle, you also need to check that there is no outstanding finance, road tax, or traffic fines attached to it. This is because, in Spain, debts on a vehicle become the responsibility of the owner, even if that owner changes.
Road Tax in Spain is compulsory and must be paid annually at the local town hall, again the total amout is worked out on the vehicle, by age, engine size and a variety of other factors.
All vehicles over 4 years old MUST also have a current ITV, road safety test certificate. ITV tests are carried out at special ITV test centers throughout Spain. The test checks the safety of the vehicle, brakes, tyres, steering and suspention. If the vehicle fails the test, you normally have 7 days to fix the problem, before taking it back for a free re-test.
Insurance is compulsory on ALL vehicles in Spain and it is one thing the Spanish police will "come down hard" on you for not having. You must insure your vehicle to the minimum third party requirements. I would recommend using a reputable insurance company such as carinsurancespain.es, who also supply policies and a helpline in English.
Driving without insurance is Spain is madness anyway, as accidents are ver common, especially in the windy roads of inland Spain, or the traffic madness of the cities! Where possible i recommend you get fully comprehensive car insurance in Spain, everytime!
When insuring a car in Spain, it is also a good idea to take out breakdown cover too! Most insurance companies in Spain can add this to your insurance policy. You are not allowed to tow a car in Spain and so all breakdowns must be moved by a car transporter (tow truck,) with all 4 wheels off the ground. If you do not have breakdown cover and require the services of a car transporter, this can be pretty costly, especially if you are far from home! A good insurance company in Spain will be able to provide you with breakdown cover together with your car insurance policy.
Driving in Spain can be a pleasure, but it can also be stressfull for the beginner, the Spanish are somewhat erratic when driving! Indicators are rarely used and correct lanes rarely observed! Road conditions can also be a little rough, especially off the motorways and out of town, of you wish to live in the countryside, then consider a 4x4.
Happy Spanish motoring!
Questions and Answers
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