You can drive a Spanish car in UK for up to 6 months before you need to register it with the DVLA and pay UK taxes.
For those who require further information
According to UK law, a Spanish car can be driven in the UK for up to 6 months without needing to register it with the DVLA and pay UK taxes. This 6-month period starts from the date of importation to the UK. After this period, the car owner needs to register the vehicle with the DVLA and pay any necessary taxes to be able to continue driving it legally in the UK.
It is important to note that while driving a foreign car in the UK, it must comply with the UK road regulations. The car must have valid insurance, road tax, and an MOT (if the car is over three years old). If the owner plans to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months, it may be beneficial to register the Spanish car with the DVLA to avoid any legal issues.
As for driving a UK registered car in Spain, the rules are similar. A UK car can be driven in Spain for up to 6 months before needing to re-register it with the Spanish authorities. It must also comply with Spanish road regulations.
Driving a foreign car in a new country can be daunting, but as long as the necessary paperwork is in order, it should be a smooth transition. As the famous quote goes, “The joy of life consists in the inevitable, continual triumph of new values.” – Wassily Kandinsky.
Here are some interesting facts on driving and car regulations in Spain and the UK:
- In Spain, drivers drive on the right-hand side of the road whereas in the UK, drivers drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- Spain has strict penalties for drink-driving. The legal limit is 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, compared to the UK’s limit of 80 mg/100 ml.
- In the UK, all cars over three years old require a yearly MOT to check their roadworthiness. This is not a requirement in Spain.
- Spain has a lower speed limit on motorways compared to the UK. In Spain, the speed limit is 120 km/h (74 mph) whereas in the UK, it is 70 mph (112 km/h) on most motorways.
- The legal age for driving in Spain is 18, while in the UK, it is 17.
- Both the UK and Spain require drivers to carry a valid driving licence, car insurance documents, and the car’s registration documents while driving. Failure to provide any of these documents can result in a fine or even seizure of the car.
Table:
| Spain | UK | |
|---|---|---|
| Drive on | Right | Left |
| Drink-drive limit | 50mg/100ml | 80mg/100ml |
| MOT required for cars over three years old | No | Yes |
| Motorway speed limit | 120 km/h (74 mph) | 70 mph (112 km/h) |
| Legal driving age | 18 | 17 |
Driving regulations vary from country to country, but by following the rules of the road and ensuring all necessary paperwork is in order, driving a foreign car in a new country can be a great way to explore and travel.
See related video
The video discusses whether it is a good idea to bring an English car over to Spain. While it may seem like a cost-saving idea, the necessary paperwork and expenses of changing the plates, paying import duties and taxes can be a hassle. Driving on the opposite side of the car can also be difficult, plus getting a Spanish car is more practical as it holds its value better in Spain and is easier to purchase. Buying second-hand demonstration cars from dealers is a good option.
Here are some other responses to your query
6 monthsthe vehicle is registered and taxed in its home country. you only use the vehicle for up to 6 months in total – this can be a single visit, or several shorter visits over 12 months.
6 months
The basic rule is: If you are a resident in the UK, you cannot drive a non-UK car in the UK. You are at risk of the police confiscating your car, which might be destroyed, unless you can prove you are not a UK resident, or you are working in another EU country, and spend more than 6 months (185 days) per year outside of the UK.
Also, people ask
Can I drive a Spanish car on a UK licence? The response is: The answer, in short, is yes. Tourists from the UK can freely drive here, and there is no need to invest in an international driving licence either. Much the same way a visitor from the UK can hire a rental car in Spain on their original licence, they can also borrow a Spanish vehicle from a friend during their trip.
Consequently, How long can a foreign car stay in UK? Response will be: six months
A foreign registered vehicle can be used in the UK for six months if it is fully taxed in the home country. After this, the vehicle must be registered with the DVLA and will no longer have a foreign registration plate. Foreign registered vehicles may only be removed if they are damaged or hazardous to the public.
Also question is, Can I insure my Spanish car in the UK? Response: You can insure your foreign plated car for up to six months for non-EU and UK cars or 3 months for EU registered cars. It is necessary to show the insurer that the process of re-registering your car is underway. They will usually require the following documents: A copy of the vehicle documentation.
Also Know, Can I buy a car in Spain and drive back to UK?
Answer: 1. It is quite legal to drive either RHD or LHD cars in either the UK or Spain. It is not the side the steering wheel is on that counts but the country of registration and residence of the driver.
How long can you drive a non UK car in Spain?
Response will be: For Spanish residents it is easy to get a certificate from the Spanish tax office that states this. If you are not a UK resident, then you can drive a non UK car for at most 6 months (per year), but your car does need to have valid MOT and Insurance from the originating country, which you have to prove to the officer in case it’s needed.
How long can you drive a UK registered car in France?
The answer is: In France and Spain, you will be able to drive your UK registered car on a UK licence for six months. However, If you are looking to move your car permanently to a European country, or you would like to drive your UK registered vehicle on the continent for longer than six months, you will need to register your car in your new country.
Is My Spanish registered car covered in the UK?
Response to this: They spoke to DVLA and some other insurance authorities, as well as the Lenea Directa in Spain, who assured that I’m covered in any European country. I bring the Spanish registered car back to UK from time to time. I’ve been doing this for the last 10 years. The police also spoke to Direct Line as well.
Consequently, Can you drive a car in the UK?
The car must be legal and safe for road use in the country where it is registered. Essentially if you are legally driving your car in your country of residence, then you can legally drive it in the UK for a short visit without issue. First make sure that you really want to bring your own car with you.
Just so, How long can you drive a non UK car in Spain?
Response to this: For Spanish residents it is easy to get a certificate from the Spanish tax office that states this. If you are not a UK resident, then you can drive a non UK car for at most 6 months (per year), but your car does need to have valid MOT and Insurance from the originating country, which you have to prove to the officer in case it’s needed.
Then, Do I need a Spanish license to drive in Spain? In reply to that: If you are ordinarily resident in Spain, you should get a Spanish license as soon as you become resident there. If you have a Spanish licence (even if a British citizen), you will be fine. But then driving a UK registered car in Spain is probably banned if you have a Spanish licence.
Besides, How long can you drive a UK registered car in France?
In France and Spain, you will be able to drive your UK registered car on a UK licence for six months. However, If you are looking to move your car permanently to a European country, or you would like to drive your UK registered vehicle on the continent for longer than six months, you will need to register your car in your new country.
Can British expats drive in Spain? The response is: British expats have been banned from driving in Spain after post Brexit talks on license rules broke down. Under tough new restrictions, UK nationals who have lived in the EU country for more than six months will no longer be able to use their UK-issued licenses.