The three automotive paperwork each driver in Spain MUST carry.
Be careful. In case you’re driving in Spain with out these paperwork? You possibly can be breaking the legislation with out figuring out it.
Credit score: Prisca Laguna, Shutterstock
Whether or not you’re doing the varsity run in Marbella or heading to the seaside in Benidorm, Spanish legislation couldn’t be clearer: there are three paperwork each driver will need to have within the automotive – and in the event you’re lacking even one, the Guardia Civil received’t be supplying you with a pleasant wave.
Neglect your insurance coverage receipt – that’s so 2008. What issues now’s carrying the holy trinity of motoring paperwork. No excuses, no exceptions. Miss simply considered one of these and you can face fines, towing or worse.
The three paperwork that would cease your automotive being towed
Right here’s what must be in your glovebox – each time you get behind the wheel:
- Driving licence (“Permiso de Conducir“) – In case you’re within the driver’s seat, you’d higher be licensed to be there.
- Automobile registration certificates (“Permiso de Circulacion”) – Proves your automotive’s not just a few rogue tin can on wheels or some dodgy foreign automotive attempting to slide below the radar.
- ITV certificate or ITV card (Tarjeta ITV) – Confirms your automotive isn’t a dying lure on wheels.
These three should be legitimate and both unique or formally licensed copies. Bought a crumpled photocopy in your glove compartment? That received’t minimize it. In case you’re pulled over or concerned in a bump, these are the primary issues the police will demand.
Sure, even rental vehicles want them
Renting a automotive to discover the Costa del Sol? You’re not off the hook. Rent automobiles are legally required to hold the identical paperwork. Don’t drive off with out checking the glovebox – it’s your wonderful if it’s not there.
Digital paperwork? There’s an app for that
Excellent news for the paper-haters: Spain’s official miDGT app permits you to carry your driving licence and car registration digitally. And sure, they’re 100 per cent legally legitimate – so long as you’re driving in Spain.
Unhealthy information? In case your telephone dies otherwise you overlook your password, you’re again to sq. one.
What to do in the event you’ve misplaced your automotive paperwork
In case your papers have gone walkies – stolen, misplaced or destroyed – you have to exchange them. Quick.
For lacking or broken:
- Permiso de Circulacion (car registration)
- Tarjeta ITV (technical security inspection certificates)
You’ll have to request a replica. If it was stolen, report it to the police to keep away from somebody utilizing your particulars to commit fraud. If the entire car’s been nicked, report it to the Guardia Civil instantly.
Changing misplaced automotive papers – how and the way a lot
For a brand new car registration certificates:
- Apply on-line or in individual
- First, run a free check on your vehicle’s status utilizing the DGT’s “informe reducido”
- Value:
- Free in the event you’re simply updating private particulars (identify change, as an illustration)
- €20.81 for giant adjustments like switching car sort or possession sort
- €8.67 for minor knowledge updates
For a replica ITV card:
- In case your automotive was registered earlier than Might 2016, go to an authorised ITV station
- If registered after, and also you’ve bought the digital model (eITV), you possibly can apply through the DGT
- Value: €8.67
A last warning for forgetful drivers
These three items of paper (or their digital twins) are your passport to peace of thoughts on the street. Miss one and you can be slapped with a wonderful, delayed for hours, and even have your automotive taken off you.
Don’t depart it to likelihood – verify that you’ve bought your licence, registration, and ITV card each time you set off.
Insurance coverage paperwork? Not wanted since 2008 – the police can verify that on their system. However your authorized proper to drive and your automotive’s roadworthiness? That’s nonetheless wanted.
Learn extra motoring information.