Can Americans Drive Legally in Spain?
You've just arrived in Spain from the US and are looking forward to exploring the area. Public transport, bicycle and walking is all well and good, but a car is oftentimes the most economic and convenient option. Before renting or even buying a car, we must ask the question: Can I legally drive in Spain as an American?
The answer is that it depends.
Americans are legally allowed to drive in Spain using their US license for a period of up to 6 months, in conjunction with an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is a document that bears your pertinent information in 10 different languages and is recognized in over 174 countries worldwide. This Permit costs 20 USD and can be purchased from the American Automobile Touring Alliance. The IDP has a validity of 12 months, after which point it must be renewed, and can be done so from overseas.
It is also important to note that in Spain, the minimum legal driving age is 18. If you have a valid license in the US and are below 18, you will not be allowed to drive, whether you have and IDP or not.
There is conflicting information about whether or not the IDP is entirely necessary for driving in Spain or other EU countries. Car rental companies oftentimes will say that it is not necessary, while the American Automobile Touring Alliance will say that is an absolute must.
We can divide American driver's with a US license in Spain into two categories: Short-term and Long-term stays.
Short-term stay: Perhaps you are visiting Spain on vacation or are staying for a semester abroad of 6 months or less. The most economical and easiest option is to simply purchase an IDP before your travels and use that when driving. Remember that your IDP does not serve as a substitute for your normal US license--they must be presented together if requested by the police, etc.
Long-term stay: You have taken the leap to move to Spain indefinitely for work, play or retirement. If you are planning to drive here and will reside here for more than 6 months, it will be necessary to make the arrangements to get a Spanish driver's license. At the moment, there is no agreement between Spain and the US to exchange one license for another, meaning that a US-licensed driver will need to take and pass both the theoretical and practical examinations issued by the Spanish government.
There is a bit of grey area in this, given that the Spanish legislation states that any driver residing in Spain can use his or her existing driving license for the first two years of residence in Spain. Although, after six months, you must register your details with the traffic authorities.
What is the best plan of attack? Many US drivers residing in Spain, even those who have been here for years, continue driving solely with their US license and renew their IDP yearly, or not renew it at all. As mentioned above, the US license does become void after two years, and any driver doing as such is technically breaking the law. Being stopped by the police without valid driving documentation carries a fine of 200€, which can be reduced by 50% if paid within the first 30 days of receiving the fine.
It is unknown what the case would be for a more than 6-month resident of Spain with a US license renting a car in Spain, and whether said driver would be covered under the rental insurance, given that his or her license would essentially be void.
For some, the convenience of not taking another driving exam is worth the risk of being stopped and fined. The decision is ultimately up to each individual, though for those wishing to live long-term in Spain, the 500€ - 700€ to get a Spanish license may be a reasonable investment.
Sources: https://idaoffice.org/posts/how-to-drive-in-s-driver-license/
https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/expat-tips/342-requirements-for-americans-driving-in-spain.html