Can I drive my UK car to Spain?

If you're considering moving to Spain or any other European country from the UK and choose to take your own vehicle with you, I’m sure you will find the following article of interest.   Whether you're looking to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine long-term or just want the convenience of having your own trusty car in Spain, it's definitely possible. However, there are a few important steps and regulations to think about before you decide to take it on a journey to a new life in the sun

In this guide, we’ll steer you through everything you need to know about bringing your UK car to Spain and what legal procedures you must be aware of when you arrive.

The Best Routes to Drive my Car from the UK to Spain

Here's a quick summary of the best routes to take when driving to Spain from the UK:

The quickest route is: Calais – Rouen – Le Mans – Tours – Bordeaux – Irun. 

Travel time: 12 hours. Distance: 1,095km (open in Google Maps)

The most scenic route is: Calais – Paris – Orleans – Clermont-Ferrand – Millau – Beziers – Perpignan – Barcelona. 

Travel time: 15 hours. Distance: 1,359km (open in Google Maps)

The cheapest route is: Calais – Rouen – Chartres – Poitiers – Angouleme – Bordeaux – Irun. Don’t forget to set your sat nav to avoid tolls. 

Travel time: 15 hours. Distance: 1,083km (open in Google Maps)

The alternative route is: Calais – Rouen – Le Mans – Tours – Bordeaux – Somport Tunnel – Zaragoza. 

Travel time: 16 hours. Distance: 1,416km (open in Google Maps)

By ferry: From Portsmouth to Bilbao in the North of Spain (27 to 31 hours sailing time).

Driving Your UK Car in Spain (For Up to 6 Months)

If you’re planning to stay in Spain temporarily—whether for work, travel, or a short-term relocation—you can use your UK-registered car for up to 6 months without having to re-register it. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Insurance: Your UK car insurance should cover driving in Spain, but it’s essential to double-check with your insurer that you have valid international coverage. Some UK insurers offer European coverage, but it’s always a good idea to confirm the details before you drive across borders.

UK Registration Plates: As long as you’re in Spain for under 6 months, you can keep your UK number plates on your vehicle. This is the case for temporary stays, and there’s no need to go through the registration process if you're just passing through or living there temporarily.

Roadworthiness: Make sure your car is in good condition and passes any checks needed for driving in Spain. You’ll need to carry valid documents like your car’s V5C (UK registration certificate), proof of insurance, and your UK driving license.

Important Reminder:

If you’re a UK citizen living in Spain for more than 6 months, you’ll be considered a resident. After this time, Spanish law requires you to re-register your car in Spain to comply with local regulations.

Re-registering Your UK Car in Spain (If You’re a Resident)

If you decide to make Spain your home and plan to stay longer than 6 months, you'll need to re-register your car in Spain. The process involves several steps, and while it can seem a little complex, it’s entirely manageable if you follow the right procedures.  You can use your UK car without re-registering it, but for permanent residency, Spain requires that you re-register your vehicle within 30 days of moving.

How to re-register your UK car in Spain

What documents do I need to register my UK car in Spain?

Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Residency (Empadronamiento)

The first thing you’ll need to do is prove your residency in Spain. To do this, you’ll need to register with your local town hall (known as the ayuntamiento) and obtain a certificate of Empadronamiento, which shows that you’re living in the area. This certificate is often required when you begin the re-registration process for your vehicle.

Step 2: Get Your Car Inspected (ITV)

In Spain, every vehicle must pass a technical inspection to ensure it meets safety and environmental standards. This inspection is called the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos). It’s similar to the MOT in the UK and is required for all cars, even those that are being re-registered from another country.

The cost of the ITV varies based on the region and kind of vehicle; however, it typically ranges between €30 and €50. 

If your car is more than four years old, you must renew the ITV every two years. Newer vehicles may just require a check every four years. 

During the ITV, they will examine your vehicle's emissions, brakes, lights, tires, and overall roadworthiness. If all goes well, you'll obtain a certificate proving that your vehicle complies with Spanish standards.

Step 3: Register Your Car in Spain

After the initial ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) inspection, you can speed ahead with registering your car in Spain. Here’s what you’ll need:

Proof of identity (passport, NIE number)

Proof of residence in Spain (the Empadronamiento certificate)

Proof of ownership (the UK V5C registration document)

ITV certificate (showing your car has passed the technical inspection)

Once you have all of the necessary paperwork, you can take them to your local Tráfico office (the Spanish traffic authority). You'll also need to pay registration taxes at this point. These taxes are depending on the vehicle's CO2 emissions and the region in which it is registered.

Step 4: Pay the Registration Tax and Road Tax

Will there be any taxes to pay when registering my car in Spain?

There are two main taxes when registering a vehicle in Spain:

Vehicle Registration Tax (Impuesto de Matriculación): This tax is based on your car’s value, emissions, and age. It can range from a few hundred euros to over €1,000, depending on the specifics of the car.

Road Tax (Impuesto de Circulación): This is an annual tax paid to the local municipality where you live. It’s calculated based on the car’s engine size and emissions. Expect to pay around €100 to €200 per year for most cars.

Step 5: When Do I receive my Spanish Number Plates?

You will receive your Spanish number plates after you have completed the application and paid the necessary fees. Once these plates are displayed on your vehicle, you will be legally registered to drive in Spain.

Additional Considerations: Bringing Your UK Car to Spain Post-Brexit

Since the UK left the EU (Brexit), there are some important changes you’ll need to be aware of when moving to Spain, but fortunately, you can still bring your UK car. Here’s what you need to know:

No Customs Duties: If your car is more than 6 months old and you’ve owned it for at least 6 months, you won’t have to pay any customs duties when importing it into Spain.

Re-registration within 30 Days: As soon as you establish residency in Spain, you must re-register your UK car within 30 days. Failure to do so could result in fines or penalties.

Once your car is registered in Spain, you’ll need to switch your UK insurance to a Spanish insurance provider, as UK car insurance is not valid once you’ve become a Spanish resident.

Do I Need to Make Any Adjustments to My UK Car When Taking It to Spain?

Headlights: Adjusting for Driving on the Right

One of the first things you'll need to consider when bringing your UK car to Spain is the headlights. In the UK, cars are designed for driving on the left, which means your headlights are angled to illuminate the left side of the road. But in Spain, where you'll be driving on the right side, those headlights need to be adjusted so they don't blind oncoming drivers.

What to Do:

Adjustable headlights: Many modern cars allow you to manually adjust the headlights for driving on the right. This might be a simple switch or dial inside your car, typically near the headlight controls.

Headlight conversion kits: If your car doesn't have adjustable headlights, you’ll need to use a headlamp converter kit. These are small stickers or covers you apply to your headlights to redirect the beam. You can buy these at auto stores or online, and they’re a relatively inexpensive solution to ensure you’re driving safely and legally.

Remember: if your car has automatic headlights, it may already be capable of adjusting to the right side, but it’s still worth checking before you hit the road.

Speedometer: Switching from Miles to Kilometres

In the UK, speed limits are given in miles per hour (mph), but in Spain, they’re measured in kilometres per hour (km/h). This means you’ll need to be aware of the speed limits in kilometres, not miles. While some newer cars have digital displays that can switch between mph and km/h, older models may only show miles.

What to Do:

Check your speedometer: If your car only displays miles per hour, you’ll need to either convert the units or add a kilometre scale sticker to your dashboard. If your car is older and doesn’t allow easy conversion, it may be worth visiting a garage to adjust the speedometer.

Speeding in Spain: Be aware that speeding fines in Spain can be hefty, so it’s important to keep an eye on those kilometres per hour when driving, especially if you’re coming from a country that uses miles.

Road Signs and Environmental Regulations

While the road signs in Spain are largely similar to those in the UK, there are a few differences you’ll want to know about. Spain is also becoming more environmentally conscious, especially in cities, so you may need to consider low-emission zone restrictions and other local driving regulations.

What to Do:

Environmental stickers: In some Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona, there are low-emission zones (LEZ) where access is restricted for older, more polluting vehicles. To drive in these zones, your car needs to display an environmental sticker (Distintivo Ambiental). This sticker categorizes vehicles based on their emissions and tells you whether your car is allowed to enter certain areas.

You can apply for this sticker after your car is registered in Spain, and you’ll likely need to visit a local traffic office or apply online.

Other Adjustments You Might Need to Make

Beyond the basics, there are a few other minor adjustments to keep in mind when bringing your UK car to Spain:

Warning Triangle: Spanish law requires that all vehicles carry a warning triangle for emergencies or breakdowns. If your car doesn’t already have one, make sure to pick one up before you drive in Spain.

Reflective Vest: If you need to exit your vehicle on a highway or at night, Spanish law requires you to wear a reflective vest. Keep one in your car for safety.

First-Aid Kit: While it’s not strictly mandatory, it’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit in your car in case of emergencies.

Spare Tyre and Tools: Make sure your car has a spare tyre and the necessary tools in case of a flat. This is important for both safety and legal compliance.

UK Car Sticker 

Why Do We Need UK Stickers on Cars When Traveling to Spain?

If you're driving a UK-registered car to Spain, you may have noticed that a UK sticker is required for your vehicle when travelling in certain countries. This rule became particularly important after Brexit, as the UK is no longer part of the European Union. Here's why you'll need a UK sticker on your car when travelling to Spain.

Understanding the UK Sticker Requirement

Before Brexit, UK vehicles travelling to Spain could rely on the EU license plate format, which included a GB (Great Britain) identifier, making it easy for authorities to recognize their origin. However, following the UK's exit from the EU, UK-registered vehicles are no longer covered by the old EU rules, meaning the GB sticker is no longer sufficient for travel within EU countries.

To ensure smooth travel and comply with regulations, UK drivers must now display a UK sticker (or the new UK number plate design with the Union Jack) when driving in Spain or any other EU country. This sticker clearly indicates that the vehicle is registered in the UK and helps customs and authorities easily identify its origin.

Why Is It Important?

The UK sticker serves several key purposes: 

Legal Requirement: After Brexit, the EU no longer recognises UK plates with just the GB identifier. The UK sticker is now necessary to comply with international travel regulations.

Identification: The sticker makes it clear to customs officers and road authorities that your vehicle is UK-registered, helping avoid confusion at border crossings or during routine checks.

Avoiding Fines: Without the proper sticker, you could be subject to fines or delays when driving in Spain or other EU countries. Displaying the UK sticker ensures you’re following the rules and helps avoid unnecessary penalties.

When is a UK Sticker Necessary? 

Driving through other European nations, taking the Channel Tunnel, or taking a ship to Spain, you will need to display the UK badge. Although a UK number plate (or the new UK design) is acceptable for driving within Europe, the sticker is particularly crucial for cars with a number plate that does not include the Union Jack or the UK identification because it serves to identify the vehicle's place of registration.

Where do I position the UK sticker on the car? 

The UK sticker needs to be put next to your license plate on the back of your car. If your license plate already has the Union Jack or UK identification on it, you won't need a separate sticker because the design is enough. When travelling overseas, it's a good idea to have the UK sticker on hand as a backup, though, especially for older plates or if you're not sure.

Brexit altered the regulations for automobiles registered in the UK, so there is a little more planning involved when travelling from the UK to Spain. According to Spanish and EU legislation, it is now mandatory to have a UK sticker on your vehicle to prevent any penalties or issues while travelling. Make sure your car is appropriately stickered up before you go, and you'll have a more convenient and hassle-free trip across Europe!

Car Insurance: Make Sure You're Covered in Spain

Your UK car insurance may cover driving in Spain for a short period, but once you become a resident in Spain (after 6 months), you’ll need to switch to a Spanish insurance provider. Spanish law requires all vehicles to be insured, and insurance must be valid in Spain.

What to Do:

Check with your UK insurer: If your UK policy offers coverage in Spain, confirm that it is still valid for long-term stays.

Switch to a Spanish insurer: When you register your car in Spain, you’ll need to arrange for Spanish car insurance. The minimum requirement is third-party insurance, but you can also opt for more comprehensive coverage depending on your needs.

Be sure to have your new Spanish insurance in place before you start driving around regularly.

Is It Worth Bringing Your UK Car to Spain?

Many visitors find the freedom to roam Spain's breath-taking countryside, coastal regions, and quaint villages to be worthwhile despite the hassle of all the paperwork and legalities involved, obviously, transporting a vehicle from the United Kingdom to Spain does require some planning and modifications, but it is entirely feasible and worthwhile for many visitors and future residents. You can keep your vehicle safe, legal, and have peace of mind knowing that you have prepared it for Spanish roads, whether you're re-registering it or driving for a short time.

Another thing to consider: I’m not sure if the obligatory fluffy dice is a thing in Spain right now!

Further Reading

For more detailed information on how to make your UK car legal in Spain, go to: Registering a vehicle coming from the UK in Spain