Move to Spain

Driving in Spain offers freedom to explore the country’s diverse regions, from coastal roads along the Costa del Sol to mountain routes through the Pyrenees. Whether you’re bringing your car from abroad, buying a Spanish vehicle, or renting for road trips, understanding Spanish driving laws, license requirements, and road rules is essential for legal and safe driving.

This comprehensive guide covers everything expats need to know about driving in Spain: obtaining a Spanish driver’s license, registering your car, understanding traffic rules, navigating toll roads, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Quick Facts: Driving in Spain

Aspect	Details
Driving Side	Right-hand side of the road
Minimum Driving Age	18 years (cars), 16 years (mopeds up to 125cc)
Foreign License Validity	6 months for non-EU, unlimited for EU (with residence permit)
License Exchange Required	Yes, after 6 months residency (non-EU), 2 years (EU)
Blood Alcohol Limit	0.05% (0.03% for new drivers <2 years)
Speed Limits (general)	Urban: 50 km/h, Rural: 90 km/h, Highway: 120 km/h
Toll Roads	Yes, major highways (autopistas) are tolled
Required in Car	License, registration, insurance, ITV certificate, reflective vests, warning triangles
Traffic Cameras	Extensive speed cameras, red light cameras
Parking	Paid parking zones (blue, green lines), strict enforcement

Spanish Driver’s License: Exchange and Requirements

Who Needs a Spanish Driver’s License?

Non-EU Citizens:

Can drive with foreign license + International Driving Permit (IDP) for 6 months
After 6 months of legal residence, must exchange for Spanish license or retake driving test

EU/EEA Citizens:

Can drive with EU license indefinitely while legal resident
Must exchange for Spanish license within 2 years of becoming resident (or before EU license expires)
Exchange is straightforward (no test required)

Countries with Exchange Agreements: Spain has bilateral agreements with many countries allowing direct license exchange without retaking tests:

All EU/EEA countries
Andorra, Switzerland, UK (post-Brexit agreement)
Japan, South Korea, Taiwan
Many Latin American countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, etc.)
Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia (North Africa)
Turkey, Serbia, Ukraine

Countries WITHOUT Exchange Agreements (must retake driving test):

USA (except specific states with agreements: some have partial agreements, check current status)
Canada (most provinces require retaking test)
Australia, New Zealand
India, Pakistan, Philippines
China (excluding Hong Kong)
South Africa
Most Asian and African countries

How to Exchange Your Foreign License (EU and Agreement Countries)

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Valid foreign driver’s license (with official Spanish translation if not in Spanish)
NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) - How to get NIE →
Passport or residence permit (TIE)
Recent photograph (passport size, 32x26mm, white background)
Certificate of authenticity from your home country’s consulate in Spain or DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico)
Medical certificate (certificado médico psicotécnico) from authorized medical center (€40-€60)
Padrón certificate (proof of residence) - How to get Padrón →
Modelo 790 (payment form, €24.36 fee)

Step 2: Book Appointment with DGT

Visit DGT website: www.dgt.es
Book appointment (cita previa) at your local DGT office
Appointments can fill up weeks in advance (book early)

Step 3: Attend Appointment

Submit all documents at DGT office
DGT will verify your foreign license authenticity (can take weeks for some countries)
You’ll surrender your foreign license (kept by DGT, usually returned to your home country)

Step 4: Receive Spanish License

Processing time: 1-3 months (varies by country and DGT office)
Spanish license (carnet de conducir) will be mailed to your registered address
Valid for 10 years (if under 65), 5 years (65+)

Cost: €24.36 (DGT fee) + €40-€60 (medical certificate) + translation (if needed, €30-€80) = €95-€165 total

How to Get a Spanish License (No Exchange Agreement Countries)

If your country doesn’t have an exchange agreement (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.), you must take Spanish driving tests.

Step 1: Enroll in Driving School (Autoescuela)

Required for theory and practical lessons
Choose driving school in your city (search “autoescuela + [city name]”)
Cost: €500-€1,200 (varies by city and number of lessons needed)

Step 2: Pass Medical Exam

Visit authorized medical center (centro de reconocimiento médico)
Vision, hearing, reflexes tested
Cost: €40-€60
Certificate valid for 90 days

Step 3: Pass Theory Test (Examen Teórico)

30 multiple-choice questions (3 options each)
27 correct answers required to pass (maximum 3 errors)
Available in Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque, Valenciano, English (in some regions)
Covers traffic rules, signs, safety
Driving school prepares you with practice tests

Step 4: Pass Practical Test (Examen Práctico)

25-30 minute driving test with examiner
Tests urban driving, parking, roundabouts, highways
Strict evaluation (common fail points: not checking mirrors, hesitation, parking)
Can retake if failed (additional fee €24.36 per attempt)

Step 5: Receive License

Upon passing both tests, license issued within 1-2 weeks
Valid for 10 years (if under 65), 5 years (65+)

Total Cost: €500-€1,200 (driving school) + €40-€60 (medical) + €24.36 (exam fee per attempt) = €565-€1,285+ total

Pass Rates: ~50-60% for theory, ~55-65% for practical (varies by region). Many require 2-3 attempts.

Find: Driving Schools Spain

Bringing Your Car to Spain

Temporary Import (Tourists, Short Stays)

Non-Residents:

Can drive foreign-registered car in Spain for 6 months within 12-month period
Required documents: foreign license, vehicle registration, insurance (valid in Spain), nationality plate

Residents:

Cannot drive foreign-registered car indefinitely
Must re-register in Spain within 6 months of becoming resident

Permanent Import and Spanish Registration (Matriculación)

If you’re a Spanish resident and want to keep your car, you must register it in Spain (matriculación).

Step 1: Get Vehicle Conformity Certificate (Certificado de Conformidad)

Obtained from car manufacturer (confirms car meets EU standards)
Cost: €200-€400 (varies by manufacturer)
Some older non-EU cars may not qualify

Step 2: Pass ITV Inspection (Technical Inspection)

Take car to ITV station (Spanish MOT equivalent)
Cost: €40-€80
Must pass safety and emissions standards

Step 3: Pay Registration Tax (Impuesto de Matriculación)

Tax based on CO2 emissions
Low emissions (<120g CO2/km): 0% tax
Medium emissions (120-160g CO2/km): 4.75-9.75%
High emissions (>160g CO2/km): 9.75-14.75%
Calculated on vehicle value
Electric/hybrid vehicles: Often exempt or reduced rates

Step 4: Register with DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico)

Submit documents: conformity certificate, ITV certificate, proof of ownership, NIE, padrón
Pay registration fee: €96.80
Receive Spanish license plates and registration (permiso de circulación)

Step 5: Get Spanish Insurance

Spanish car insurance required for Spanish-registered vehicles
More details below

Total Cost (Estimate):

€200-€400 (conformity certificate)
€40-€80 (ITV)
0-14.75% of vehicle value (registration tax, varies by emissions)
€96.80 (registration fee)
Total: €340-€580 minimum + registration tax

For high-emission vehicles (e.g., older SUV worth €20,000), registration tax could be €2,000-€3,000

Many expats find it cheaper to sell their car abroad and buy a Spanish-registered car in Spain.

Buying a Car in Spain

New Car Purchase

Where to Buy:

Official dealerships (concesionarios)
Major brands: SEAT (Spanish brand), Renault, Peugeot, Volkswagen, Toyota, etc.

Process:

Choose car and negotiate price
Dealer handles registration (matriculación) and paperwork
Pay registration tax (impuesto de matriculación, based on emissions)
Receive car with Spanish plates and registration documents (permiso de circulación)
Get insurance before driving

Advantages: Full warranty, dealer handles bureaucracy, financing available

Disadvantages: Higher cost, depreciation

Used Car Purchase (Private Sale)

Where to Find:

Online: Milanuncios, Coches.net, Autoscout24.es, Wallapop
Local classifieds

Process:

View car and check documentation (permiso de circulación, ITV certificate current)
Verify car history (outstanding fines, ownership, ITV status) via DGT
Negotiate price
Sign purchase contract (contrato de compraventa)
Transfer ownership at DGT (change of ownership): €55.85 fee
Update insurance to your name
Pay transfer tax (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales): 4-8% of declared value (varies by region)

Advantages: Lower cost, no depreciation

Disadvantages: No warranty, bureaucracy, potential mechanical issues

Red Flags:

Missing ITV certificate or failed ITV
Seller doesn’t have original permiso de circulación
Outstanding fines or embargos (check DGT)
Price too good to be true

ITV Certificate (Spanish MOT)

ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is Spain’s mandatory vehicle safety and emissions inspection.

When Required:

New cars: First ITV at 4 years, then every 2 years
Cars 10+ years old: Every year
When buying/selling used car: Must have current ITV
Before matriculación (importing car): Required

Cost: €40-€80 (varies by region and vehicle type)

Where: Authorized ITV stations (book online or walk-in)

What’s Checked: Brakes, lights, tires, emissions, suspension, bodywork

Failure: If car fails, you get 2 months to fix issues and return for re-inspection

Car Insurance in Spain

Spanish law requires third-party liability insurance (seguro obligatorio) minimum.

Types of Insurance

1. Third-Party Liability (Seguro a Terceros)

Covers: Damage/injury you cause to others
Does NOT cover: Your own car damage/theft
Cost: €300-€600/year
Best for: Older cars, low value

2. Third-Party Plus Fire and Theft (Seguro a Terceros Ampliado)

Covers: Third-party liability + your car theft/fire
Does NOT cover: Collision damage to your car
Cost: €400-€800/year
Best for: Mid-value cars

3. Comprehensive (Seguro a Todo Riesgo)

Covers: Everything (third-party, theft, fire, collision, vandalism)
Includes: Legal assistance, roadside assistance, replacement vehicle
Cost: €600-€1,500/year
Best for: New/high-value cars, leased cars

How to Get Insurance

Major Insurance Companies:

Línea Directa (direct insurer, competitive prices)
MAPFRE (largest in Spain)
AXA, Allianz, Zurich
Mutua Madrileña
Admiral (UK-based, Spanish operations)

Comparison Sites:

Rastreator.com
Acierto.com
Kelisto.com

Required Documents:

NIE or passport
Spanish driver’s license (or foreign license + IDP if recently arrived)
Vehicle registration (permiso de circulación)
Proof of address (padrón, utility bill)

Factors Affecting Price:

Age: Drivers under 25 pay significantly more
Driving history: No claims bonus (if you have foreign insurance history, request certificate)
Location: Urban areas (Madrid, Barcelona) more expensive
Car value and type: Sports cars, SUVs cost more
Annual mileage: Lower mileage = lower premium

Typical Costs:

Young driver (under 25), third-party: €600-€1,200/year
Experienced driver (30+), third-party: €300-€600/year
Comprehensive (new car): €600-€1,500/year

Find: Insurance Brokers Spain

Spanish Traffic Rules and Road Signs

Key Traffic Rules

1. Drive on the Right

Drive on right-hand side, overtake on left

2. Roundabouts (Rotondas)

Give way to traffic already in roundabout (from the left)
Indicate right when exiting
Stay in outer lane for first exit, inner lane for later exits

3. Priority at Intersections

Unless otherwise marked, give way to traffic from the right
Stop signs (STOP) and yield signs (ceda el paso) common

4. Seat Belts and Child Seats

Mandatory for all passengers (front and back seats)
Children under 135cm height: Must use appropriate child seat/booster
Children under 12 years: Cannot sit in front seat (unless all back seats occupied)
Fine: €200 (seat belt violation)

5. Mobile Phone Use

Prohibited while driving (including hand-held use, even at red lights)
Hands-free allowed
Fine: €200 + 3 penalty points

6. Alcohol Limits

General drivers: 0.05% BAC (0.5g/L breath) - roughly 1 beer or 1 glass of wine
New drivers (<2 years) and professional drivers: 0.03% BAC
Penalties: €500-€1,000 fine, license suspension 1-4 years (depending on level)
Over 0.12% BAC: Criminal offense (can lead to jail time)
Roadside breath tests: Police conduct random stops (especially weekends, holidays)

7. Speed Limits

Road Type	Speed Limit
Urban roads (dentro de poblado)	50 km/h (30 km/h in single-lane streets without sidewalk)
Rural roads (carreteras convencionales)	90 km/h (cars), 80 km/h (cars with trailers)
Dual carriageways (autovías)	100 km/h
Highways (autopistas)	120 km/h (cars), 90 km/h (cars with trailers)

Speed Limit Enforcement:

Extensive fixed and mobile speed cameras
Radar detectors illegal (€200 fine, device confiscated)
GPS apps showing speed camera locations (Waze, Google Maps) are legal
Speeding fines: €100-€600 depending on excess speed (plus penalty points)

8. Overtaking

Overtake on left only
Solid white line = no overtaking
Maintain 1.5m distance when overtaking cyclists

9. Emergency Vehicles

Pull over to let ambulances, police, fire trucks pass
Use of emergency vehicle lights/sirens by civilians is illegal

Required Items in Your Car

Mandatory Equipment:

2 reflective vests (chalecos reflectantes): One for each passenger, stored inside car (not trunk) for easy access
2 warning triangles (triángulos de señalización): Must be placed 50m before/after vehicle in breakdown
Spare tire or tire repair kit
Vehicle registration (permiso de circulación)
ITV certificate (if vehicle >4 years old)
Proof of insurance
Driver’s license

Fine for Missing Equipment: €200 per missing item

Recommended (Not Mandatory):

First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Spare bulbs

Penalty Points System (Permiso por Puntos)

Spanish licenses start with 12 points (8 for new drivers <3 years).

Common Violations:

Violation	Points Lost	Fine
Using mobile phone while driving	3 points	€200
Not wearing seat belt	3 points	€200
Speeding (20-30 km/h over)	2 points	€100
Speeding (30-50 km/h over)	4 points	€300
Speeding (>50 km/h over)	6 points	€600
Running red light	4 points	€200
Drunk driving (0.05-0.12% BAC)	4-6 points	€500-€1,000
Drunk driving (>0.12% BAC)	License suspension	Criminal charge
Driving without insurance	No points	€3,000+
Overtaking on solid line	4 points	€200

Losing All Points:

License suspended for 6 months
Must retake theory test to recover license
Points are restored after 2-3 years if no further violations

Checking Your Points: Check balance via DGT website (www.dgt.es)

Understanding Spanish Road Signs

Priority Signs:

STOP (red octagon): Complete stop required
Ceda el Paso (inverted red triangle): Yield/Give way
Priority road (yellow diamond): You have priority

Speed Signs:

Circle with number: Maximum speed (e.g., 50 = 50 km/h max)
Blue circle with number: Minimum speed

Parking Signs:

E with red diagonal line: No stopping/parking
P (blue): Parking allowed
Blue lines: Paid parking (pay at meter)
Green lines: Resident parking (need permit) or short-term parking (check sign)
Yellow lines: No parking/loading zones

Urban vs. Extra-urban:

White sign with red border and town name: Entering town (50 km/h limit unless otherwise posted)
Same sign with red diagonal line: Leaving town (return to rural speed limits)

Toll Roads (Autopistas de Peaje)

Many Spanish highways (autopistas) are tolled, especially in Catalonia, Valencia, Basque Country, and approaching major cities.

How Tolls Work

Payment Methods:

Cash: Accepted at all toll booths
Credit/Debit Card: Accepted at most booths
Telepeaje (Electronic Toll): Device for automatic payment (similar to E-ZPass)
Via-T: Most common electronic toll system (€5-€10/month subscription + tolls)

Toll Booth Lanes:

Manual (Manned): Cash or card
Automatic: Card only (no staff)
Via-T / Telepeaje: Electronic pass only (yellow “T” sign)

Costs: Toll costs vary by distance and route. Examples:

Barcelona to Valencia (AP-7): €25-€35
Madrid to Barcelona (AP-2): €30-€40
Málaga to Seville (AP-4): €20-€25

Free Alternatives:

Autovías (A-[number]): Free highways (no tolls), usually parallel to toll roads
National Roads (N-[number]): Free, slower, go through towns

Toll Road vs. Free Road:

Toll roads (AP-[number]) are faster, better maintained, less traffic
Free autovías are slower (more trucks, busier), but perfectly adequate

Via-T (Telepeaje) Subscription

Benefits:

Faster passage through toll booths (no stopping)
Discounts on some routes (5-15% off)
Single bill for all tolls

Where to Get:

Service areas on toll roads
Banks (BBVA, CaixaBank offer Via-T)
Online (via-t.com)

Cost: €5-€10/month subscription + actual tolls

Worth It? Only if you use toll roads frequently (>€50/month in tolls)

Parking in Spain

Understanding Parking Zones

Blue Zone (Zona Azul - ORA):

Paid parking (typically €1-€3/hour)
Limited time: Usually 1-2 hours max
Hours enforced: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 2 PM and 4 PM - 8 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM (varies by city)
How to pay: Parking meter (ticket displayed on dashboard)
Fine for no ticket: €40-€90

Green Zone (Zona Verde):

Resident priority parking
Short-term visitors: Pay at meter (usually €1-€3/hour, 1-2 hour limit)
Residents: Parking permit required (cheaper, longer stay)

Yellow Lines:

No parking (loading/unloading zones, bus stops)
Fine: €90-€200

White/Unmarked:

Free parking (if no signs restricting)
Check signs carefully (may have time restrictions)

Private Parking Garages (Parkings):

€2-€5/hour, €15-€30/day, €80-€200/month (varies by city)
Common in city centers (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia)

Common Parking Fines

Parking in no-parking zone: €90-€200
Parking in disabled spot (without permit): €200
Parking in bus lane: €200
Overstaying paid parking: €40-€90
Parking on sidewalk: €200

Parking Apps

ApparkB (Barcelona): Find parking, pay meters
Telpark: Multi-city parking payment app
Parclick: Book parking garages in advance

Driving in Major Cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia

Madrid

Low Emission Zone (Madrid Central):

Restricts access to city center (within M-30 ring road)
Allowed: Residents, zero-emission vehicles (electric, hydrogen), ECO label vehicles, motorcycles
Restricted: Older petrol/diesel vehicles (without ECO/B/C environmental label)
Fine: €90 for entering without authorization
Cameras: Automatic license plate recognition

Environmental Labels (DGT Stickers): Spanish vehicles are classified by emissions:

0 (Blue): Electric, hydrogen
ECO (Green/Blue): Hybrid, CNG, LPG
C (Green): Petrol (Euro 4-6), diesel (Euro 6)
B (Yellow): Petrol (Euro 3), diesel (Euro 4-5)
No label: Older, highly polluting vehicles

Check your vehicle label: DGT website (www.dgt.es)

Parking: Expensive (€2-€5/hour). Use public parking garages (€20-€30/day) or metro.

Barcelona

Low Emission Zone (Zona de Bajas Emisiones - ZBE):

Covers most of Barcelona and surrounding municipalities
Restrictions: Vehicles without environmental label (pre-2000 petrol, pre-2006 diesel) banned on weekdays 7 AM - 8 PM
Fine: €200 for entering without authorization

Parking:

Extremely difficult and expensive (€3-€5/hour)
Strict enforcement (wheel clamping common for repeat offenders)
Use parking garages (€25-€40/day) or leave car outside city and use metro

Driving:

Complex one-way streets, narrow roads, heavy traffic
Not recommended for tourists (use metro, walking, bike)

Valencia

Low Emission Zone:

Proposed, not yet fully enforced (check current regulations)

Parking:

More accessible than Madrid/Barcelona (€1.50-€3/hour)
Easier to find street parking outside center

Driving:

More relaxed than Madrid/Barcelona
Good for accessing beach areas and surrounding towns

Road Trips in Spain: Best Routes

Costa del Sol (Málaga to Gibraltar)

Distance: 130km
Highlights: Marbella, Puerto Banús, Estepona, Gibraltar (UK territory)
Best for: Beach hopping, luxury resorts, British culture (Gibraltar)

Andalusia Loop (Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Ronda)

Distance: 550km round trip
Highlights: Seville (Alcázar, flamenco), Córdoba (Mezquita), Granada (Alhambra), Ronda (dramatic gorge)
Best for: History, Moorish architecture, white villages

Northern Spain (Basque Country, Asturias, Galicia)

Distance: 800km+ (San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela)
Highlights: San Sebastián (pintxos), Bilbao (Guggenheim), Picos de Europa (mountains), Santiago de Compostela (pilgrimage site)
Best for: Food, coastal scenery, green landscapes

Pyrenees (Catalonia, Aragon)

Distance: Varies
Highlights: Aigüestortes National Park, medieval villages (Besalú, Rupit), ski resorts (winter)
Best for: Mountain scenery, hiking, skiing

Castilian Route (Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Salamanca)

Distance: 500km round trip
Highlights: Toledo (medieval city), Segovia (Roman aqueduct, castle), Ávila (medieval walls), Salamanca (university city)
Best for: History, UNESCO World Heritage cities, Spanish culture

Fuel Prices and Stations

Fuel Types

Gasolina 95 (Unleaded 95): Standard petrol
Gasolina 98 (Unleaded 98): Premium petrol
Gasóleo A (Diesel): Standard diesel
Gasóleo B: Agricultural diesel (not for cars)
GLP (LPG): Liquefied petroleum gas (less common)
Electric Charging: Growing network (Tesla Superchargers, Ibil, Endesa X)

Current Fuel Prices (2025 Average)

Gasolina 95: €1.50-€1.70/liter
Gasolina 98: €1.65-€1.85/liter
Diesel (Gasóleo A): €1.40-€1.60/liter

Prices vary by region and station (cheaper at hypermarkets like Carrefour, Alcampo)

Finding Cheap Fuel

Apps:

Gasolineras España: Real-time fuel prices (official DGT data)
Google Maps: Shows nearby stations with prices

Cheaper Options:

Hypermarket stations (Carrefour, Alcampo, Eroski)
Low-cost chains (Ballenoil, Petroprix, Repsol Solo)
Avoid highway service areas (10-20% more expensive)

Electric Vehicle Charging

Growing Infrastructure:

Public chargers: Iberdrola, Endesa X, Repsol, Ibil
Tesla Superchargers (for Tesla only, or with adapter)
Many parking garages have EV charging

Cost: €0.30-€0.60/kWh (varies by provider, slower AC charging cheaper)

Apps: Electromaps, PlugShare (find chargers, check availability)

Common Driving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Not Carrying Required Equipment

Mistake: Driving without reflective vests, warning triangles
Solution: Buy equipment at gas station or auto shop (€10-€20), store in car (not trunk)

2. Ignoring Environmental Zones

Mistake: Driving older car into Madrid Central/Barcelona ZBE
Solution: Check your vehicle environmental label, plan routes to avoid restricted zones

3. Speeding (Even Slightly)

Mistake: Exceeding speed limit by 10 km/h thinking it’s tolerated
Solution: Spanish speed cameras strict (even 1 km/h over can trigger fine). Use GPS speed warning.

4. Parking Without Paying (Blue Zone)

Mistake: Parking in Blue Zone without ticket thinking it’s free
Solution: Always check street markings. Blue lines = pay at meter. Display ticket on dashboard.

5. Using Mobile Phone at Red Light

Mistake: Checking phone while stopped at red light (€200 fine)
Solution: Wait until parked or use hands-free (even at red lights, holding phone is illegal)

6. Not Stopping at STOP Signs

Mistake: Rolling through STOP signs without complete stop
Solution: Come to complete stop (wheels stop moving) at STOP signs, even if no traffic visible

7. Entering Roundabouts Without Yielding

Mistake: Entering roundabout without yielding to traffic already in roundabout
Solution: Always give way to left (traffic already in roundabout has priority)

8. Overtaking on Solid White Line

Mistake: Overtaking slow vehicle on solid white line
Solution: Wait for dashed line or passing zone. Overtaking on solid line = €200 fine + 4 points.

9. Driving Without Spanish License After 6 Months

Mistake: Non-EU expat driving with foreign license past 6 months of residency
Solution: Start license exchange process within first 6 months of residency

10. Not Having ITV Certificate

Mistake: Driving with expired ITV (Spanish MOT)
Solution: Check ITV expiry date on permiso de circulación. Book ITV 1 month before expiry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I drive in Spain with my foreign license?

Non-EU: Yes, for 6 months with foreign license + International Driving Permit (IDP). After 6 months of residency, must exchange for Spanish license or retake test. EU: Yes, indefinitely with EU license, but must exchange within 2 years of becoming resident.

How do I get a Spanish driver’s license?

Exchange: If your country has exchange agreement with Spain, exchange foreign license at DGT (€95-€165, no test). No agreement: Enroll in driving school, pass theory and practical tests (€565-€1,285+). [Countries with exchange agreements listed above]

Do I need to register my car in Spain?

Tourists/non-residents: No, can drive foreign car for 6 months in 12-month period. Residents: Yes, must register (matriculación) within 6 months of becoming resident. Cost: €340-€580 minimum + registration tax (0-14.75% of vehicle value based on emissions).

Is car insurance mandatory in Spain?

Yes, third-party liability insurance (seguro a terceros) is mandatory. Fines for driving without insurance: €3,000+. Cost: €300-€600/year (third-party), €600-€1,500/year (comprehensive).

What are the speed limits in Spain?

Urban: 50 km/h (30 km/h single-lane streets). Rural roads: 90 km/h. Dual carriageways: 100 km/h. Highways: 120 km/h. Speeding fines: €100-€600 + penalty points depending on excess speed.

Can I use my mobile phone while driving?

No, hand-held mobile phone use while driving (even at red lights) is illegal. Fine: €200 + 3 penalty points. Hands-free is allowed.

What is the alcohol limit for driving in Spain?

General drivers: 0.05% BAC. New drivers (<2 years): 0.03% BAC. Roughly 1 beer or 1 glass wine = near limit. Penalties: €500-€1,000 fine, license suspension, criminal charges if over 0.12% BAC.

Are toll roads expensive in Spain?

Yes, toll highways (autopistas, AP-[number]) cost €0.10-€0.15/km. Example: Barcelona to Valencia (AP-7) = €25-€35. Free alternatives (autovías, A-[number]) available but slower. Consider Via-T subscription for frequent users.

What do I need to keep in my car?

Mandatory: 2 reflective vests, 2 warning triangles, spare tire/repair kit, registration (permiso de circulación), insurance, ITV certificate (if car >4 years), driver’s license. Fine: €200 per missing item.

Can I drive in Madrid and Barcelona city centers?

Madrid Central: Restricted to residents, ECO/0 label vehicles. Older cars banned. Fine: €90. Barcelona ZBE: Pre-2000 petrol, pre-2006 diesel banned weekdays 7 AM-8 PM. Fine: €200. Check your vehicle environmental label.

Do I need winter tires in Spain?

Generally no, except in mountain areas (Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada) during winter. Signs indicate when winter tires or snow chains required. Rental cars in ski areas usually equipped.

What happens if I get a speeding ticket?

Fine sent to registered vehicle owner’s address. Payment: Pay within 20 days for 50% discount (e.g., €200 fine = €100 if paid early). Non-payment: Fines increase, can lead to license suspension, vehicle impoundment. Foreign residents: Fines forwarded to home country (EU countries share data).

Next Steps: Getting on the Road

Immediate Actions:

Check license exchange eligibility (does your country have agreement with Spain?)
Get International Driving Permit (IDP) if non-EU and recently arrived
Start Spanish license process within 6 months of arrival (if non-EU without agreement)
Get car insurance before driving in Spain
Buy mandatory equipment (reflective vests, warning triangles)
Check vehicle environmental label (if driving in Madrid/Barcelona)

Resources:

Need Help? Consider hiring:

Driving Schools for lessons and license test preparation
Insurance Brokers for comparing car insurance quotes
Car Services for ITV, repairs, maintenance

¡Buen viaje! (Have a good trip!)

Driving in Spain: Complete Guide for Expats 2025