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All change

For many years expats have got away with driving foreign plated cars on Spanish roads. But that is all changing as many have found out recently to their detriment.  Modern technology now allows the Spanish authorities and police to establish the legal standing of a vehicle in Spain within seconds.

Now is a good time to review what makes a foreign plated car legal, so here is a guide.

The law

Law 38/1992 (article 65) about Special Taxes specifies that any resident or owner or owner of a foreign business located in Spain is obliged to register his/her car vehicle on Spanish license plates thirty days after the first time of circulation or use of the vehicle in Spanish territory.

To be a resident under the Law’s definition, it is considered the person that the person lives in Spain at least 185 days a year due to professional or personal links.

And based in the law, when is a vehicle considered to have entered Spain if there isn’t an official record? The date can be considered to be the one of acquisition of the vehicle or the starting date of becoming a resident. Until recently that has been difficult for the Police to establish, but with modern technology the now have the answers at hand!

The penalty for none compliance of this law is simple, the vehicle will be impounded and towed away at the owners expense. Also a fine will accompany this action based on article 62 of the Road security Law.

Conclusion

The conclusion is that you can not drive in Spanish territory with foreign license plates unless the driver is within the legal driving period.

If you want more information and assistance on transferring your foreign plated vehicle onto Spanish plates there are experts close at hand that will complete the process for you. People I know personally are the guys at Gorrila Choppers who have a specialist that deals with all aspects of vehicle and driving license requirements. They will give a great  service and ensure that everything is dealt with the minimum of fuss.  Why not give them a call? Save yourself the hassle, cost of impound and the fine!