Category: Driving in Spain

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Thousands Fined! The Truth About Driving Licenses Every Foreigner in Spain Must Know

Important Driving License Rules for Foreign Residents in Spain: What You Need to Know

If you’re a foreign resident living in Spain, understanding the rules about your driving license is crucial. Many newcomers are unaware that failing to exchange or renew their foreign license can lead to serious consequences—and thousands are fined every year as a result.

In 2024 alone, more than 21,000 people were fined for driving with a license that wasn’t valid in Spain. Of these, over 16,000 had not exchanged their licenses, and more than 3,000 hadn’t renewed theirs after becoming residents. So, what are the rules, and how can you avoid becoming part of this statistic?

For EU/EEA License Holders

According to Spain’s General Regulation on Drivers (Article 15, Section 4), if you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country, and you’ve been living in Spain for more than two years, you must renew your license in Spain, if it’s valid indefinitely or for more than 15 years (for standard categories like AM, A1, A2, A, B, and BE). For professional licenses (like C, D categories), the limit is five years.

Failing to comply with this rule is considered a serious administrative offense and can result in a €200 fine.

For Non-EU/EEA (Third Country) License Holders

If you’re from a non-EU/EEA country, your foreign license is only valid for six months after you obtain residency in Spain. After that, you must exchange it for a Spanish one—if your country has an exchange agreement with Spain.

Driving after this six-month window without a valid Spanish license can lead to a €200 fine if your license is exchangeable, and up to €500 if it is not (e.g., your country has no agreement or your license doesn’t meet the requirements).

Stay Legal on the Roads

Driving with an invalid license not only risks hefty fines—it could also void your insurance in the event of an accident. To stay safe and legal, check your license status and exchange or renew it as soon as required.

Need help exchanging your license? Contact Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) or consult your local town hall (ayuntamiento).

New Speed Cameras in Spain

Notification of a fixed traffic camera in Spain is legal

New Speed Cameras Now Operational in Northern, Eastern, and Southern Spain

17 of the new speed monitoring points are fixed, and 7 are section-based.
For one month, the new cameras will notify drivers of infractions, after which fines will be issued.
In 2025, the installation of 122 new speed monitoring points will continue.
Inappropriate speed remains a contributing factor in 21% of fatal accidents.

The General Directorate of Traffic has put 24 new speed cameras into service across various parts of Spain, with 17 being fixed cameras and 7 being section-based cameras. This was announced recently by the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, during a visit to the Automated Complaints Centre in León.

The location of these 24 new cameras includes the northern, eastern, and southern regions of Spain, particularly in the provinces of A Coruña, Asturias, Lugo, Ourense, Pontevedra, Almería, Málaga, Granada, as well as Alicante and Valencia in the Levante region, as detailed in the tables provided.

Type	CGT	Province	Road	PK INI	PK Fin
Fixed	Málaga	Almería	A-1050		1+200 D
Fixed	Málaga	Almería	AL-3117		1+400 C
Average speed	Málaga	Almería	A-370	8+400 C	9+400 C
Fixed	Málaga	Granada	N-432		425+950 D
Fixed	Málaga	Málaga	A-7054		3+500 C
Average speed	Málaga	Málaga	MA-20	9+300 C	10+300 C

Type	CGT	Province	Road	PK Ini	PK Fin
Fixed	A Coruña	A Coruña	AC-221		2+550 C
Fixed	A Coruña	A Coruña	AC-841		9+800 D
Average speed	A Coruña	A Coruña	AC-552	26+275 C	27+300 C
Fixed	A Coruña	Asturias	N-634		377+850 C
Fixed	A Coruña	Asturias	GJ-10		0+250 C
Average speed	A Coruña	Asturias	AS-112	2+150 D	0+850 D
Fixed	A Coruña	Lugo	LU-862		74+150 D
Fixed	A Coruña	Ourense	N-525		237+880 C
Average speed	A Coruña	Ourense	OU-536	25+850 C	28+040 C
Fixed	A Coruña	Pontevedra	N-550		84+150 C

Type	CGT	Province	Road	PK Ini	PK Fin
Fixed	Valencia	Alicante	N-332		89+050 D
Fixed	Valencia	Alicante	CV-86		13+800 C
Fixed	Valencia	Alicante	CV-905		7+050 D
Fixed	Valencia	Alicante	A-77a		0+420 C
Average speed	Valencia	Valencia	A-3	347+100 C	349+150 C
Fixed	Valencia	Valencia	V-31		6+125 D
Fixed	Valencia	Valencia	CV-410		3+510 C
Average speed	Valencia	Valencia	V-23	3+330 D	1+600 D

These new points are marked on roads, published on the DGT website, and available for navigation systems. For one month, drivers exceeding speed limits will receive an informational letter. After this period, speeding violations will result in fines.

20 Years of Speed Cameras

In 2025, the first fixed-speed camera plan marks its 20th anniversary. This measure, along with others, has helped reduce fatal accident victims by 75% over these years.

The 2005-2008 Strategic Road Safety Plan, following international guidelines (e.g., OECD, WHO, UN, EU), initially installed 500 fixed speed monitoring points and 300 mobile devices managed by the Civil Guard’s Traffic Division.

These monitoring points continue to save lives as inappropriate speed remains a factor in 21% of fatal accidents.

Source: DGT.es

Driving in Spain Road Safety Speed camera Traffic infractions Spain

Can you wash your car in the street in Spain?

In Spain, washing your car just outside your home might seem like a practical solution, but it’s not as straightforward as you might think. The Reglamento General de la Circulación explicitly prohibits “throwing, depositing, or abandoning substances on public roads that could hinder traffic, cause danger, or damage infrastructure.” This includes the runoff water, soap, and dirt that come with cleaning your vehicle.

The reasoning behind this rule is simple: washing your car in public spaces can dirty the roads and potentially harm the environment. Local councils enforce this regulation, and while penalties aren’t always strictly applied, they are on the table. Fines can rise to €3,000, depending on the municipality and the circumstances. Smaller villages tend to be more lenient, but in urban areas, authorities are less forgiving.

If you want to avoid risking a fine, the safest bet is to use a designated car wash facility. These services are designed to handle the runoff and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Mobile and eco-friendly car washing services are also becoming increasingly popular alternatives.

On the other hand, maintaining your car in good condition isn’t just about avoiding fines. The same regulations require vehicles to be clean enough to ensure the proper functioning of essential elements like mirrors, license plates, and lights. While this doesn’t mean your car has to sparkle, it does need to be roadworthy and visibly safe.

To stay on the right side of the law, check your local regulations and avoid washing your car in public spaces. By using appropriate facilities, you’ll not only comply with the rules but also contribute to cleaner streets and a healthier environment.

Car Wash Road Safety Traffic Fines Washing your car

Spain Proposes Lowering the Legal Alcohol Limit

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska supports the DGT’s proposal to reduce the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers from 0.5 to 0.2 grams per litre.

Lowering the blood alcohol limit to 0.20 mg/l would effectively mean drivers would not be able to have even a single beer or glass of wine during meals. Professional drivers would need to abstain completely from alcohol.

On Thursday, Grande-Marlaska announced plans to start changing the law, saying that Spanish society is “ready” for this change, which aims to reduce road accidents further.

During a Forum Europa event, officials from the Ministry of the Interior explained the plan to lower the alcohol limit to 0.2 grams per litre, in line with countries like Sweden. This change would require the modification of Article 20 of the General Traffic Regulation.

The Ministry wants this change in response to requests from organisations representing those affected by traffic accidents. It is stated that alcohol or drugs are responsible for more than half of road traffic accidents.

Grande-Marlaska highlighted the steady drop in road deaths since the introduction of the points-based license system. Currently, Spain sees 36 deaths per million inhabitants, compared to the EU average of 47. The next goal is to reach the levels of countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.

alcohol drink driving Road Safety

Spanish Government Approves a New Regulation for Historic Vehicles

The Council of Ministers approved a new law for historic vehicles. This law updates rules that are 30 years old to align with current European standards. Different countries now treat historic vehicles equally as a result.

This new regulation, introduced by the Ministries of Interior, Industry, and Tourism, is designed to stop Spanish laws from being less favorable than other European countries, which might cause historic vehicles to be moved out of Spain.

The new rules, starting on October 1, ask local councils to adjust their traffic laws so that owners who use their historic vehicles occasionally are allowed to drive them, even in areas with traffic or environmental restrictions.

Vehicles that are more than 60 years old will no longer need regular inspections (ITV). Mopeds classified as historic are completely exempt. However, owners can still choose to have their vehicles inspected voluntarily.

A new feature of the regulation is the creation of Historic Vehicle Technical Services, which will inspect vehicles applying for historic status and issue the necessary reports. These new services will replace the work currently done by regional laboratories.

The regulation also clarifies that mopeds and farm vehicles can be registered as normal vehicles. It defines “occasional use” of a historic vehicle as driving it no more than 96 days a year.

Vehicles must meet at least one of the following conditions to be considered historic:
– They must be at least 30 years old, no longer produced, and in their original condition with no major changes to their main parts. They must also be well-maintained.
– They can also qualify if they are listed in the General Inventory of Movable Assets of Spain’s Historical Heritage, have been declared culturally significant, or have special value because they belonged to a famous person or were part of an important historical event.

The new rules no longer allow collection vehicles to be classified as historic.

There are two ways to classify a historic vehicle under the new law:
1. An “easy” process for vehicles registered in Spain that are over 30 years old, still being driven, and have passed their inspection (ITV).
2. A more complicated process for vehicles that don’t meet these conditions.

The law also sets driving rules for historic vehicles. For example, a speed limit of 80 km/h for those that don’t have front seatbelts by design. Children under 135 cm tall are not allowed to travel in these vehicles on highways unless seatbelts or child safety systems can be installed.

Historic vehicles should only be used occasionally. They cannot be used daily, to reduce their environmental impact. They are also not allowed to be used for public transport, agricultural work, or construction activities.

The government expects the new law to have a positive economic impact by encouraging more professionals and companies to restore historic vehicles and boosting the market for buying and selling them.

classic cars historical vehicles

8 out of 10 Drivers Checked Broke Speed Limits in Road Works

A total of 11,763 drivers were reported during a roadwork surveillance and control campaign on interurban roads conducted by the Directorate General of Traffic between June 3 and 9.

In 2023, there were 131 traffic accidents related to road maintenance and conservation works, 21 of which involved workers who were working or walking on the road or nearby (pedestrians), while the other 110 involved maintenance and conservation workers inside their vehicles.

The road surveillance and control campaign carried out by the Traffic Group of the Guardia last June focused on interurban roads where roadworks were being carried out. The campaign ended with 187,852 vehicles checked, of which 11,763 were reported.

During the seven days of the campaign, special attention was given to works affecting the roadway and/or altering the lane layout, including tunnel sections, with the aim of reducing risky behaviour in those sections while driving, such as inappropriate speed, distractions, and overtaking.

Out of the 11,888 reported offences, 10,173 were for speeding in the work zone, an offence committed by 85% of the reported drivers. Adherence to speed limits in work zones is one of the main factors in the fatality rate of workers working on roads open to traffic.

According to provisional data from the National Register of Traffic Accident Victims, in 2023, there were a total of 131 traffic accidents related to road maintenance and conservation works, of which 21 involved workers working or walking on the road or nearby (pedestrians), while the other 110 involved maintenance and conservation workers inside their vehicles.

Additionally, 275 drivers were reported for not respecting signals, whether from traffic surveillance agents, vertical signs, road markings, traffic lights, cones or flashing beacons, or any other type of signage.

During the campaign, 193 drivers were also sanctioned for using their mobile phones in those work zones, and 183 for not wearing seat belts. Additionally, 52 were sanctioned for driving with alcohol levels above the permitted limits, and 61 for the presence of drugs in their system.

The 161 reports for illegal overtaking, 33 for negligent driving, 21 for not respecting safety distances, and 30 for improper lane changes in work zones are also concerning.

Source: DGT

You may also wish to see the post on fines for speeding.

DGT Road Safety Traffic infractions Spain

What is a Vado Permanente in Spain?

In Spain, a “vado permanente” is a special permit that allows a property owner to reserve the area in front of their driveway or garage. This means no one can park there, so the owner can always get in and out easily.

To get a “vado permanente,” the property owner needs to apply to the local council. This involves filling out a form, paying a fee, and following any local rules. Once approved, the area is marked with a “Vado Permanente” sign showing the permit number and other details.

This system is important in busy areas where street parking is common. It ensures that driveways and garages are not blocked by parked cars, allowing property owners to have constant access. If someone parks in a “vado permanente” spot without permission, they can be fined or their car can be towed away. Local authorities are in charge of enforcing these rules.

In summary, a “vado permanente” helps keep streets clear and makes sure that property owners can always use their driveways and garages.

No Parking Parking Vado Permanente

An indicator of our time

Mysterious disappearance of indicators

In the vast and sometimes mystifying world of driving, there exists a peculiar phenomenon that has baffled me for years: the mysterious disappearance of indicators. Yes, those little flashing lights that are supposed to signal our intentions to turn left or right seem to have become an endangered species on the roads.

A lot of us will have read about the seriousness of the loss of the bee population throughout the world and in Spain and the efforts to repopulate these arthropods. Perhaps we are also aware of the drop in House and Eurasian Sparrow numbers as well as the threat of global warming.

Not to belittle these far more important concerns but has anyone noticed the downturn in the number of times a car indicator is used?

Indicator use increasing isolated to ITV centres

Picture this: you’re cruising down the motorway, minding your own business, when suddenly a car in front of you makes a sudden, unexpected manoeuvre. No signal, no warning—just a sudden veer into your lane, leaving you scrambling for the brakes and muttering expletives under your breath. Sound familiar? Of course, it does! It’s a scene straight out of every driver’s routine trips out with their vehicles.

Now some people are still able to locate the indicator stick amongst the knobs and buttons for cruise control and changing tracks on their latest Spotify playlist but they do seem to be a vanishing group. Their number is slipping down the barometer of life and appears to be heading towards the red list.

Think about it: How many times do you see someone use their indicators properly? If you do catch a glimpse of that elusive blinking light, chances are it’s been left on after a visit to the ITV centre, serving as a constant reminder of our collective failure to communicate effectively on the road.

Perhaps I am being too hard on these motorists? After all, navigating the complexities of modern driving can be a daunting task. Between dodging electric scooters, and mopeds passing each side of you as you look to pull out into traffic, avoiding people double parked when there is a parking space just 20m down the road, and trying to decipher the cryptic language of roundabouts, remembering to use your indicators might just be one step too far for some.

Reward the use of an inidcator with a smile

As we wrap up our journey through the perplexing world of disappearing indicators, one thing becomes abundantly clear: we’re witnessing a decline in blinker etiquette that rivals the plight of endangered species. While conservation efforts rightly focus on fauna and climate change, perhaps it’s time we extend our sympathy to the humble turn signal.

So, the next time you find yourself behind the wheel, remember the plight of the indicator—lost in the wilderness of modern driving. And if you do happen to spot one in the wild, blinking merrily away, give it a little smile of appreciation. After all, in this jungle of traffic, every blink counts.

Indicators Road Safety

Driving is Sharing

The DGT have launched a new road traffic campaign. It is called “Driving is sharing”.

Driving isn’t a solo act, folks! Many think they’re the lone rangers of the road, cruising through life with their steering skills as their shield against all perils. But let’s face it: road safety is a team sport!

That’s the gist behind the new awareness campaign that hit the airwaves recently, courtesy of the Traffic Department. With the catchy slogan “Over 40 million daily trips, yet some still think they’re driving solo,” they’re serving up a dose of reality. Through everyday scenarios, they’re showing drivers as both the problem and the solution.

In a friendly jab, they’re remixing Celine Dion’s classic “All By Myself” to showcase various drivers belting out tunes behind the wheel, thinking they own the road. But cue the reality check: the traffic jungle ain’t no solo gig, folks! Watch as their driving dreams collide with other cars, pedestrians, scooter riders, and whatnot.

The campaign, hitting screens and airwaves until April 12th, features TV spots ranging from 45 to 20 seconds, set to invade televisions, cinemas, and social media feeds. They’ve cooked up radio jingles, outdoor billboards, and print ads, along with bite-sized social media content, to drive the message home. So buckle up, amigos, and remember, it’s a highway, not your personal driveway!

Additionally, they’ve whipped up a webpage where users can play around with the campaign’s central concept, “you’re not alone,” through a video featuring a dual perspective. On one hand, you’ll experience the subjective view of the driver, complete with the campaign’s music. On the flip side, by hitting pause on the music, you’ll get a glimpse of the journey from the perspective of the other players: pedestrians, other cars, scooter riders, you name it. It’s like seeing the road through two sets of eyes, offering a quirky twist on the driving experience. So hop online and take a spin—it’s a wild ride!

DGT Driving in Spain Road Safety Road Safety Spain

How can you find out the correct air pressure for the tyres on your car?

The recommended tyre pressure for your car is usually found in the owner’s manual. Alternatively, on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, or on the inside of the fuel filler cap. It’s essential to follow these guidelines. This insures optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and safety.

Regularly checking and maintaining the right tyre pressure is a simple yet effective way to enhance safety, save money, and reduce environmental impact.

You should check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold for the most accurate reading.

If you look at the above sticker you can see an arrow pointing down from the picture of the car. This shows the entries in the table below for front tyre pressure and rear tyre pressure.

You can also see on the left hand side of the table a drawing showing the load you are putting in your car. The first horizontal line shows what tyre pressures are front and rear for up to three people and light luggage. The second horizontal line on the table is if you have a maximum load in the car.

The table shows the two measures of pressure, bar and PSI. In Spain most tyre pumps are in bar. So if the vehicle with this sticker was carrying up to 3 people and light luggage you would make sure the tyre pressue was 2,5 (2.5 in English) for both the front and rear tyres.

Why is it important to maintain the correct air pressure for the tyres on your car?

Safety: Proper tyre pressure enhances traction, reducing the risk of accidents, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
Fuel Efficiency: Well-inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency and saving money on petrol/diesel.
Tyre Longevity: Correct pressure helps distribute the vehicle’s weight evenly across the tyre tread, promoting even wear and extending tyre life. Tyre tread is one of the aspects that may be looked at in the regular ITV road safety checks.
Handling and Performance: Adequate pressure ensures better vehicle handling, responsiveness, and overall performance.
Reduced Carbon Emissions: Improved fuel efficiency results in lower carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Performance Road Safety Tire Tyre Tyre pressure