Driving in Spain
Driving in Spain for UK citizens
We know there has been some confusion around the exchange of UK driving licences and whether you need to start the process by 31 January. The information currently on the DGT website referring to the need to register your details by 31 January would apply only to a no-deal scenario. The UK is set to leave the EU with a deal under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement. In practice this means that the rules around the exchange of UK licences will remain the same during the transition period. You will have until 31 December to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one under the current rules, so there is no need to worry if you are unable to start the process before 31 January. But don't leave it til the last minute - book an appointment on dgt.es as soon as you can. Remember you can exchange your licence anywhere in Spain - it doesn't have to be where you are officially resident. Once you have made the exchange, your Spanish licence will be accepted in the UK when you visit and you can exchange it for a UK licence again should you return to the UK permanently.
driving in spain uK license
If you are resident in Spain, exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one. You can still use your Spanish licence in the UK for short visits or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK.
If you hold an old UK licence that doesn’t have a 10-year validity period, you must renew or exchange it for a Spanish licence once you’ve been a resident in Spain for 2 years.
If you are in Spain and your UK driving licence is lost, stolen or expires, you will not be able to renew it with the UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will need to apply to the DVLA for a ‘certificate of entitlement’ in Spanish to be able to apply for a Spanish driving licence.
Road travel
Licences and documentation
Carry a certificate of insurance in case you’re stopped. If you are using UK insurance, always carry your certificate with you. Remember that this certificate is generally only valid for a stay of less than 3 months - contact your insurer if you are staying longer.
If the UK leaves the EU with a deal, driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If there’s no deal, you will need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be able to drive in some European countries as a visitor after the UK has left. Check this guidance page for full information. You should also check guidance on driving in the EU after Brexit for information on other additional documents you may need to carry.
If you’re living in Spain, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.
Driving regulations
Driving is on the right. Driving rules and customs are different from those in the UK.
You must carry two red warning triangles which, in the event of an accident or breakdown, should be placed in front of and behind the vehicle. You must have a spare wheel and the tools to change it. If at any time you have to leave your vehicle due to an accident or breakdown or while waiting for the arrival of the emergency services, you must wear a reflective vest or you may face a heavy fine.
Spain has strict drink driving laws. Penalties include heavy fines, loss of licence and imprisonment.
On the spot fines can be issued for a variety of driving offences including exceeding the speed limit. Should you choose to accept the fine and pay within 20 days, it will be reduced by 50%. More information on how to pay is available on the Spanish driving agency website.
Seat belts are required for all passengers in the front and back seats. No children under the age of 12 should be in the front seat and small children must be in an approved child safety seat in the back seat. Your car hire agency will be able to provide a seat so let them know you need one when you reserve the car.
Talking on a mobile phone when driving is forbidden, even if you have pulled over to the side of the road. You must be completely away from the road. Using an earpiece is also prohibited but you’re allowed to use a mobile phone with a completely hands-free unit.
See the European Commission, AA and RAC guides for more information on driving in Spain.
Vehicle restrictions
Temporary restrictions may apply to car use in Madrid on days when air pollution levels are high. When in force, only cars with a number plate ending in an even number are allowed to circulate on even dates, and cars with number plates ending in an odd number on odd dates. Restrictions apply within the city boundaries (within the M30 inner ring road) between 6.30am and 9pm.
Exemptions may apply to cars with multiple occupants (3 people or more), motorbikes and mopeds, hybrid and zero-emission vehicles, those with a disabled badge and taxis. For more information you can follow Madrid Town Hall on Facebook and Twitter, or call the ‘Línea Madrid’ citizen information and support line (in English) on 010 (from Madrid) or +34 915 298 210 (from outside Madrid).
Some cities in Spain now operate low emission schemes and apply vehicle restrictions to city centres. Regulations often require registration before you drive, and fines are issued to unregistered vehicles who enter low emission zones. You should check with your destination’s city council for information on registration and access requirements.
Road safety
In 2018 there were 1,806 road deaths in Spain (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 3.9 road deaths per 100,000 population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2018.
Timeshare and holiday clubs
Timeshare ownership is well established in Spain with many respected companies, agents and resorts operating legally and fairly. However, there are also many unscrupulous companies, some of which claim to provide various incentives, which don’t always materialise. Further information and advice is available from the Timeshare Consumers Association (TCA) and on the British Embassy website.
Requirements For Americans Driving In Spain
driving in spain us license
Expat Tips
If you are from the United States and are moving to Spain to work, study or even for a vacation, there's a good chance that you will want to drive a motor vehicle during your time here.
When it comes to driving laws and documentation requirements, Spain is no different from the United States and most other countries.
American Driving Licenses and Spain
The Spanish as in the U.S. can be quite strict when it comes to having the correct documentation.
If you are an American driving in Spain, you will need to carry both your valid U.S. driving license, plus an International Driving Permit (IDP).
The International Driving Permit is a separate document that translates your driving license into 10 different languages. It is recognized in over 150 different countries worldwide and allows any foreign authorities to be able to easily interpret your driver's license in their native tongue.
The IDP makes life a lot easier when driving in a foreign country, especially in non-English speaking countries, so is well worth the relatively small investment. Many car hire companies in Spain may also insist on the presentation of an IDP along with your driver's license.
How to Get Your IDP (International Driving Permit)
An IDP can be easily obtained for $20.00 from your nearest American Automobile Association (AAA) office or online via their website here.
Once you have downloaded the IDP, you will need to complete it and either take it to your local AAA branch, or send it to the branch via post.
Application for the IDP has to be made via post to the following address:-
There are certain requirements and things you will need when applying for your IDP which you should be aware of. These include:-
The fee of $20.00
The applicant must be over 18 years of age.
Signed copies of the front and back of your current driving license.
Two passport-sized photos (See application form for requirements)
A completed IDP application form
Your current driving license will need to have at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond the issue of your IDP.
Please note that the IDP is only valid for 12 months, at which time it must be renewed.
The IDP can be renewed from overseas, but your driver's license must be valid for at least six months from issue. You will also need to allow up to 15 business days for delivery of your new IDP.
Traffic Citations and Your American Driver's License
If you do get a traffic citation while in Spain, it's important to note that this is placed against your driver's license and not the IDP document.
Any citations incurred in a foreign country only apply to that country, as the various states' Departments of Motor Vehicles are only able to access a national database. There is no international traffic citations database at this time.
Staying Long-Term in Spain
Unfortunately, Spain and the United States do not have a reciprocal agreement on the validation of U.S. driver's licenses.
If you plan on staying in Spain long-term and becoming a resident here, you will need to take a Spanish driving test and obtain a Spanish driving license.