Driving

Driving in Spain with a foreign driving licence

How long you can drive in Spain on a foreign licence before you need to exchange it or get a Spanish one.

Exchanging your foreign driving licence

Whether you can keep driving on your foreign licence, and how to exchange it for a Spanish one.

Getting a Spanish driving licence

How to get a Spanish driving licence from scratch, if you don't hold a licence eligible for exchange.

Renewing a Spanish driving licence

How often a Spanish driving licence needs renewing, and the process to do it.

Replacing a lost or stolen driving licence

What to do if your Spanish driving licence is lost or stolen, and how to get a replacement.

Driving licence points system in Spain

How Spain's points-based licence system works, and how points are lost and recovered.

Registering a vehicle in Spain

How to register a vehicle you've bought in Spain, so it's legally roadworthy under your name.

Importing a vehicle into Spain

What's involved in bringing a foreign-registered vehicle into Spain, and when it's actually worth it.

Buying a car in Spain

What to check before buying a car in Spain, whether new from a dealer or used privately.

Selling a car in Spain

The steps to sell your car in Spain properly, so you're not left liable for it after the sale.

Changing vehicle ownership

How to formally transfer a vehicle from one owner to another with the DGT.

Vehicle registration documents explained

What the permiso de circulación and ficha técnica actually are, and why you need both.

The ITV vehicle inspection

What Spain's mandatory periodic vehicle inspection (ITV) involves and how often you need it.

When your vehicle needs an ITV

The exact schedule for how often your vehicle needs an ITV inspection, based on its age and type.

What happens if you fail the ITV

What a failed ITV inspection means, and what to do to get your vehicle back on the road legally.

Vehicle emissions and environmental requirements

How Spain's environmental vehicle classification (distintivo ambiental) works, and why it matters for where you can drive.

Car insurance in Spain

What car insurance is legally required in Spain, and how to get set up before you drive.

Types of car insurance

The three main levels of car insurance available in Spain, and how to choose between them.

What to do after a road accident

The immediate steps to take after a car accident in Spain, to keep everyone safe and protect your insurance claim.

Making an insurance claim

How to file a car insurance claim in Spain after an accident or other covered incident.

Traffic rules in Spain

An overview of Spain's core traffic rules, especially anything that differs from what foreign drivers might expect.

Speed limits in Spain

Spain's default speed limits by road type, including the urban limits that catch many newcomers out.

Low Emission Zones (ZBE)

How Spain's Low Emission Zones work, and how to check whether your vehicle can enter one.

Traffic fines and penalties

How Spain classifies traffic offences, and what they cost in fines and licence points.

Paying traffic fines

How to pay a Spanish traffic fine, and how to get the 50% early-payment discount.

Parking rules in Spain

How Spain's coloured parking zones work, and how to avoid a fine or an unwanted tow.

Toll roads in Spain

How Spain's toll motorways work, and how to pay — including electronic tolling options.

Fuel stations and electric vehicle charging

How to find and pay for fuel or EV charging in Spain, including how self-service stations work.

Driving abroad with a Spanish vehicle

What to check before taking your Spanish-registered vehicle to drive in another country.

Renting a car in Spain

What you need to rent a car in Spain, and what to check before signing the rental agreement.