The Three Documents You Must Carry In Your Car To Avoid A 100 Euro Fine

Expat Tips Published: 25 July 2022 15:02 CET Updated: 21 August 2025 11:23 CET

Updated for 2025: Roadside checks in Spain are frequent, and foreign drivers are often surprised by how strict the rules are. To avoid fines or vehicle immobilisation, there are three documents you must always carry in your car — and a few other items the police expect to see if they stop you.

The three documents you must legally carry in your car

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor driving in Spain, traffic police can stop you at any time and request your documentation. If you cannot produce the correct paperwork, you risk fines, delays, or your vehicle being impounded until you can prove ownership and legality.

1. Your driving licence

You must always carry a valid driving licence when driving in Spain. Spanish residents must hold a Spanish licence or a recognised EU licence. UK residents may drive using their UK licence under current agreements, but anyone who has become resident must exchange it for a Spanish licence. If you cannot produce your licence at the roadside, the police may issue a fine.

2. The vehicle’s Permiso de Circulación

This is your vehicle’s official registration document issued by the DGT. It confirms who owns the vehicle and whether it is legally authorised to circulate on Spanish roads. If you are stopped and cannot show this document, officers may seize the vehicle until ownership is proven.

3. The vehicle’s Ficha Técnica (ITV card)

This document contains the technical specifications of your vehicle and shows whether it has passed its ITV inspection. The police routinely check the validity of your ITV sticker on the windscreen, but they may also ask for the physical ITV card. If the ITV has expired, you cannot legally drive the vehicle — not even to the test centre.

Are digital documents accepted in Spain?

As of 2025, Spain still requires the physical originals of the three documents above. While insurance can now be verified digitally by the police, the driving licence, permiso de circulación and ficha técnica must be presented on paper if requested at the roadside.

Other essential items you must carry in your vehicle

In addition to the legal documents, there are several items that drivers in Spain are required to have with them at all times.

Warning triangles or V16 emergency beacon

Until 31 December 2025, you may still use the traditional two warning triangles. However, Spain is phasing them out and replacing them with the V16 emergency beacon. From 2026, the connected V16 device will be the only legally accepted warning system for breakdowns.

High-visibility jacket

If you exit the vehicle on any road, especially motorways, you must wear a high-vis jacket. The police can fine you if you do not have one available in the cabin.

Spare tyre or puncture repair kit

Your vehicle must have either a spare tyre, a space-saver wheel, or an approved repair kit. Driving without a safe method of repair may result in an ITV failure or a roadside penalty.

Spare glasses (if you require them for driving)

If you wear glasses or lenses to drive, you must carry a spare pair in the vehicle. This rule surprises many new arrivals, but the police do check.

What happens if you fail to produce the required documents?

If stopped by the police and unable to show the mandatory documentation, potential consequences include:

Fines ranging from €100–€500 depending on the missing item
Vehicle immobilisation until proof of ownership is provided
Increased scrutiny if driving a foreign-plated vehicle
Insurance complications if involved in an accident

FAQ: Common questions from expat drivers in Spain

Do I need to carry my insurance documents?

Not anymore. Police check insurance digitally, but it is still recommended to keep a copy of your policy or payment receipt in the car.

Do tourists need to carry the same documents?

Yes. Visitors must carry their licence, passport, and the rental agreement. Rental vehicles usually include digital or photocopy versions of the ficha técnica and permiso de circulación.

Are electronic copies of documents accepted?

No. Only physical originals of the three mandatory documents are legally valid at roadside checks.

Can the police impound my car on the spot?

Yes. If they suspect the vehicle is not insured, not roadworthy, improperly registered, or you cannot prove ownership, they may immobilise or remove it.

Do foreign-plated vehicles get more checks?

Absolutely. The Guardia Civil frequently stops foreign-plated cars, especially UK vehicles, to verify insurance, residency status, and legal circulation period.

Stay protected while driving in Spain

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