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Driving in Spain

Previously it was a requirement that anyone deemed as a resident, i.e. living in Spain for more than six months each year, had to apply for a Spanish driving license. This requirement no longer exists: providing you have a valid pink European driving license and you are over 18 years of age, you are able to drive in Spain.

Buying a Spanish Car

In order to purchase a car, new or second hand, you have to either own a property in Spain or have a rental contract for one year or more. You also need to be registered as an inhabitant of your municipality and be in possession of an NIE number or certificate of residencia.

Car Hire

Due to strong competition, car hire in Spain is the cheapest in Europe; this fact also puts Spain the top European destination for visitors renting cars. Andalucía accounts for a high percentage of the annual car hire figures in Spain and there is a plethora of hire companies vying for your business.

Living in Spain

Motoring

Car Documentation

Second hand cars in Spain are known as ‘vehiculos de ocasión’. Vehicles can be bought privately or through a dealer. Regardless of where you buy a car, you should check that its documentation is correct. Check out our guide to car documentation.

The Penalty System

With Spain having an appalling record for serious road traffic accidents and general road safety, the government decided to take a tougher stance and introduced a points deducting penalty system. The system operates as follows:-

Fuel Prices

Paying too much to fill your car with fuel? If you want to know who has the cheapest fuel in your area you need to check out the Spanish Ministry for Industry website. On their site is a page showing the location of petrol stations with the lowest prices for fuel.