Things You Must Carry In Your Car By Law When Driving In Spain

If you drive in Spain, knowing exactly what you're required to carry in your car isn’t just helpful — it's the law. Whether you're an expat who’s been here for years or a new resident learning the ropes, being caught without the correct documents or safety equipment can result in an immediate fine. Worse, it could cause major problems in the event of an accident or police inspection. This updated guide for 2025 tells you everything you legally need to keep in your vehicle, what’s strongly recommended, and what the Guardia Civil actually checks.

Why This Still Confuses People

Part of the confusion stems from outdated information online, word-of-mouth myths, and regional enforcement differences. Some articles still refer to two triangle warnings — even though Spain is phasing them out. Others fail to mention newer laws about driving licences for long-term residents. If you’re relying on Reddit threads or advice from your neighbour’s uncle, you’re risking a costly mistake. This article sets the record straight.

Mandatory Documents You Must Carry (Originals or Certified Copies)

• Valid driving licence: Must be recognised in Spain. EU licences are valid until expiration. UK licences are valid under the UK-Spain bilateral agreement. If you’ve been resident more than two years, you may need to exchange. Full details here: Exchanging your licence.
• ITV card and valid ITV sticker: All vehicles over four years old must pass the Spanish equivalent of an MOT. You must display the sticker on the windscreen and carry the test report in the glovebox.
• Permiso de circulación: Your vehicle logbook. This shows registration number, VIN, and ownership.
• Proof of insurance: You don’t legally need to carry the full policy, but you must be able to identify your insurer and policy number. Best practice is to have a physical or digital copy in the car.
• European Accident Statement Form (Declaración Amistosa): Not mandatory, but incredibly useful in the event of a collision. Get a bilingual one from your insurer and keep it pre-filled with your details.

V-16 Beacon: Replacing Traditional Triangles

By January 2026, traditional warning triangles will be phased out and replaced by the V-16 emergency beacon — a flashing yellow light placed on your car’s roof after a breakdown. From 2025, it’s not yet mandatory, but many drivers are switching early. It’s safer, more visible, and doesn’t require you to walk on a motorway. Learn more: What is the V-16 law?.

Other Safety Equipment You Must Carry in 2025

• Reflective safety vest: One per occupant, stored inside the car — not the boot. Must be worn when exiting the vehicle on motorways or interurban roads.
• Child car seats: Children under 1.35m must use an appropriate seat. Learn more in our detailed breakdown of child seat laws in Spain.
• Spare tyre or puncture repair kit: Plus the jack and tool to change it. If your car has run-flats, you must carry a repair alternative.

Highly Recommended Extras (Not Legally Required)

• First aid kit: Particularly important if you're driving in rural areas.
• Fire extinguisher: Recommended for long-distance or mountainous driving.
• Torch/flashlight: For night-time breakdowns or signalling for help.
• Blanket: Especially if you’re driving in winter or into the mountains.
• Spare drinking water: Especially in Andalusia or Valencia in summer. See our guide to drinking water safety.
• Spare glasses: If you require them for driving.
• Road tax receipt (IVTM): Not compulsory, but smart to carry it. Especially useful when transferring ownership or during inspections.

How Police Checkpoints Work

Routine roadside checks are more common than many expats realise. In cities and rural areas, the Guardia Civil may stop you without reason and request to see your licence, ITV, insurance, and even physical items like the hi-vis vest. They may ask you to present the V-16 beacon or demonstrate where it’s kept. If anything’s missing, fines typically start at €80 and can exceed €200.

Regional Enforcement Differences

Spain’s 17 autonomous communities sometimes interpret traffic laws differently. In Catalonia and the Basque Country, signage may be in Catalan or Basque, and enforcement can be stricter. Always look out for regional rules, especially if you’re driving a rental. Some low-emission zones require extra stickers or registration.

Expats With Used or Inherited Cars

If you purchased your car second-hand or inherited it, double-check that all the required items are present. Sellers often forget to include the reflective vest or repair tools, and most do not include the accident form. You, the new owner, are 100% responsible once the car is in your name — not the previous owner or garage.

Driving Flip-Flops, Phones, and Dash Cams

• Flip-flops: Legal, but risky. If you’re involved in an accident while wearing them, you could still be fined. Learn more: Driving in flip-flops in Spain.
• Phones: Only legal when used hands-free. Holding your phone — even while stopped — is a fineable offence.
• Dash cams: Legal but must not obstruct your view. If it records passengers, this may fall foul of data protection rules. GPS with real-time radar warnings is banned.

Car Hire and Rental Vehicles

If you rent a car in Spain, the rental agency is legally responsible for supplying all the required items. This includes the reflective vests, ITV sticker, and insurance copy. If you’re pulled over and something’s missing, it’s the company who is liable — not you. See our guide to car hire for expats.

Emergency Essentials to Keep in the Glovebox

• Multi-language accident form, pre-filled with your details
• Emergency phone numbers — 112, insurance, breakdown service
• Certified photocopies of key documents (if not carrying originals)
• Receipt from last ITV test and IVTM tax payment (optional)
• Small printed map or route in case of GPS signal loss

What Happens If You’re Caught Without Something?

Missing documents or safety items can result in on-the-spot fines. The police won’t always allow you to retrieve them later — particularly if you’re outside your registered region. In some cases, your car can be immobilised until you present the required paperwork. This is especially true in high-tourism areas during summer campaigns.

Looking for Driver-Friendly Private Health Insurance?

If you’re an expat who drives regularly in Spain — whether in your own vehicle or a rental — it’s essential to be covered for accidents and emergencies. Get a quote for the Sanitas Top Quantum Plan — our best policy for drivers. It includes full accident cover, English documentation, and visa-compliant benefits.