Driving Your UK Registered Car In Spain
Expat Tips
Published: 12 June 2018 13:45 CET
Updated: 27 April 2025 14:50 CET
Updated for 2025: This guide explains the current rules for bringing, driving, insuring and registering a UK-registered vehicle in Spain following Brexit and new DGT enforcement practices.
Can you drive a UK-registered vehicle in Spain?
Yes — but the rules depend heavily on whether you are a resident or non-resident. Police roadside checks are frequent, and foreign plates attract attention. You must understand your obligations to avoid fines, impoundment, or being accused of driving illegally.
If you are stopped, officers may ask for proof of non-residency. Failure to provide it can result in immediate sanctions. You can legally drive your UK vehicle in Spain, but you must comply with the documentation, tax and residency rules explained below.
Residents vs non-residents: what’s the difference?
- Non-residents: May drive a UK-plated vehicle in Spain for up to 6 months in any 12-month period.
- Residents: Must register the vehicle within 30 days of becoming resident.
- Tax residents (183+ days/year) cannot legally drive a foreign-plated vehicle registered in their own name.
Failing to register a vehicle as a resident can result in fines, immobilisation, or confiscation.
2025 Update: Post-Brexit rules for UK vehicles
Since Brexit, UK vehicles are classed as third-country imports. This means:
- You may need to pay 10% customs duty (depending on vehicle origin)
- You may need to pay 21% VAT (IVA)
- You must obtain a customs clearance document (DUA)
- You must complete an ITV inspection before registration
You may be exempt from customs duty and VAT if:
- You are relocating to Spain
- You have owned the vehicle for more than 6 months
- You register the vehicle within 60 days of gaining residency
Most UK insurance policies provide only 90 days’ cover abroad. For longer stays, Spanish insurance is required.
How long can you drive before it must be registered?
Under EU residency definitions, you are considered resident after spending 183 days in Spain within a calendar year. Therefore:
UK vehicles can only be driven for a maximum of 6 months per year unless you can prove non-residency.
If you exceed 6 months, you must either:
- Register the vehicle in Spain (matriculate)
- Remove it from the country
Some expats report cases where the Guardia Civil fine drivers on the spot if they cannot prove they are not residents.
If you have moved to Spain permanently, you must register the vehicle within 30 days. To find your nearest office, check the local DGT offices.
Insurance, MOT and road tax requirements
To legally drive your UK-plated vehicle in Spain, you must ensure the vehicle remains fully legal in the UK. This means:
- A valid UK MOT
- Valid UK road tax
- Valid insurance that covers Spain
If your UK road tax expires while in Spain, the vehicle is considered uninsured. Police can impound it and issue a fine of up to €2,000.
If the MOT expires, you must drive or transport the vehicle back to the UK to renew it. Spanish ITV cannot be used to renew a UK MOT unless you are registering the vehicle in Spain.
Do UK cars need a UK sticker in Spain?
Yes. As of 2021, the old “GB” country identifier is no longer recognised. UK drivers must display a UK sticker on the rear of the vehicle unless the number plate already includes the UK identifier on the left-hand side.
Failing to display the correct identifier may lead to fines from traffic authorities in Spain and other EU countries.
Headlights and beam deflectors
UK headlights dip to the left, which can dazzle oncoming traffic in Spain. For short-term visits, you must fit beam deflectors (stick-on converters). For ITV or Spanish registration, the lights must be mechanically adjusted or replaced so they dip correctly for right-hand traffic.
Registering a UK vehicle in Spain (matriculation)
Many expats choose to register their UK vehicle in Spain, but it can be bureaucratic and costly. You will need:
- ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) inspection
- Customs clearance (DUA) if applicable
- Proof of taxes (VAT, customs duty, registration tax — depending on circumstances)
- UK registration documents
- Proof of identity and residency
- Proof of address
Import taxes depend on vehicle age, emissions and whether VAT was previously paid. Typical registration tax bands include:
- 0% for under 120 g/km CO₂
- 4.75% for 121–159 g/km
- 9.75% for 160–199 g/km
- 14.75% for 200+ g/km
- 12% for vehicles with no CO₂ rating
The value decreases with vehicle age, reaching up to 80% reduction after 10 years.
For drivers serious about registering the vehicle, hiring a gestor can save significant time.
Learn more about the process here: Importing a Car into Spain
Commercial vehicles and right-hand drive issues
Large right-hand-drive vans and commercial vehicles generally cannot be registered in Spain due to safety restrictions.
Even passenger RHD vehicles may face difficulties during ITV due to visibility and safety concerns, especially around overtaking.
What documents and items must you carry?
When driving any vehicle in Spain, you must carry:
- Insurance certificate
- Logbook / V5C
- Valid MOT
- Passport or identification
You must also carry mandatory safety equipment, including:
Full list here: Required Items You Must Carry in Your Car
Questions about residency and vehicle rules?
See: Residency in Spain – What Counts as Being Resident?
FAQs: Driving a UK-registered vehicle in Spain (2025)
How long can I drive my UK car in Spain?
Non-residents may drive for up to 6 months per year. Residents must register the vehicle within 30 days.
Do I need to pay customs duty or VAT?
Yes — unless you qualify for relocation exemption (vehicle owned for 6+ months and registered within 60 days of residency).
Can I MOT my UK car in Spain?
No. A UK MOT can only be carried out in the UK. Spanish ITV is used only during Spanish registration.
Can the Guardia Civil fine me for driving a UK car?
Yes. If they believe you are a resident and cannot prove otherwise, immediate fines or immobilisation are possible.
Is registering a UK car in Spain worth it?
Often not, unless the vehicle is valuable, EU-conformant or you qualify for tax exemptions.
What documents must I carry while driving?
Insurance, V5C, MOT, ID, and all mandatory safety equipment.
Can a gestor handle the whole process?
Yes — most expats use a gestor for customs, taxes, ITV, registration and plate issuing.
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