Driving in Spain

Driving rules

Driving practices in Spain are quite similar to those in many other European nations concerning rules and regulations. For instance, traffic keeps to the right side of the road, and overtaking is done on the left. Citizens from EU/EFTA countries, especially, will recognize many road safety laws and vehicle equipment standards. 

Spain has one of the lowest rates of fatal traffic accidents in the EU, with 35 deaths per million inhabitants, compared to the European Union average of 44 deaths per million inhabitants.

The Directorate-General for Traffic (Dirección General de Tráfico – DGT) oversees Spain’s road transport system.

Vehicles in Spain

In Spain, there are approximately 629 cars per 1,000 inhabitants. This number is within the European average, with a total of 560 cars per 1,000 inhabitants in the European Union. 

The electrified vehicle fleet (electric and plug-in hybrids) in Spain comprised 599,877 vehicles as of 31 December 2024. This figure is 28% higher than that recorded at the end of 2023.

In 2025, growth in the adoption of electric cars in Spain is expected, driven by the end of sales of combustion vehicles in 2035 and incentives from the Moves IV Plan. Sales of electric cars are expected to reach 6.1% of the total market.

Cars with Emissions (Combustion)

Cars that run on combustion engines, whether petrol or diesel, produce emissions. These emissions primarily include greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as other pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). Modern vehicles have increasingly stringent emissions standards to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. 

Impact of European regulations: new restrictions on CO₂ emissions could lead to a drop in sales of combustion vehicles, with an estimated reduction of 175,000 units.

Low Emission Zones

In Spain, several cities have implemented Low Emission Zones (LEZs) to improve air quality and reduce pollution. The purpose of LEZs is to restrict access by the most polluting vehicles to certain urban areas, thereby promoting sustainable mobility and improving air quality in cities.

Cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, as well as island territories, are required to implement ZBE. Law 7/2021, of 20 May, on climate change and energy transition establishes this obligation.

Some cities that have implemented or are in the process of implementing ZBE are:

• Madrid: Madrid Central is a ZBE that restricts access to vehicles with A, B and C stickers (vehicles without stickers, diesel vehicles registered before 2006 and petrol vehicles registered before 2000).
• Barcelona: Barcelona has a ZBE that affects vehicles with an A sticker.
• Valencia: Valencia has implemented a ZBE that affects vehicles without a sticker.
• Seville: Seville has a ZBE that affects vehicles without a sticker and with an A sticker.
• Córdoba: Córdoba has implemented a ZBE.
• A Coruña: A Coruña has a ZBE.
• Rivas-Vaciamadrid: Rivas-Vaciamadrid also has a ZBE.
• San Cugat del Vallés: San Cugat del Vallés has implemented a ZBE.
• Badalona: Badalona has a ZBE.
• Sant Joan Despí: Sant Joan Despí has a ZB.

Other Spanish cities are working on implementing LEZs, such as Gijón, Valladolid, Burgos and Extremadura.

Electric Cars:

Growth: electric car registrations are expected to increase in 2025, with growth of 22.3% compared to 2024, reaching 62,435 units.

Incentives: the Moves IV Plan, with subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles, is expected to further boost the adoption of these vehicles.

Electric charging points

In 2024, a total of 40,438 charging points were recorded, 10,088 of which were newly installed, representing a 33% increase on the figure recorded in 2023. 

In terms of power, it is worth noting that ultra-fast charging points have almost doubled in one year. 2025 has started with a 20% increase in the public charging network, up to 46,358 points.

Who can drive in Spain?

To drive a car in Spain, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving license. Individuals from EU/EFTA nations can use their home country's license, though they need to register with local authorities and exchange it for a Spanish license upon expiry. 

Non-EU/EFTA nationals may use their existing foreign license for six months, after which an exchange for a Spanish license is necessary. An alternative is obtaining an international driving permit (IDP), valid for up to one year.

If your license is in a language other than Spanish, it must be officially translated or accompanied by an IDP.

Spanish driving licenses

The DGT is responsible for issuing driving licenses in Spain. Current licenses are credit card-sized  (also valid in their digital version through the DGT application), featuring the holder's photo and signature, plus details like name, birth date, issue/expiry dates, and a unique license number. They typically remain valid for ten years.

Getting a driving license

To obtain a Spanish driving license, you must be a resident of Spain and successfully pass a two-part test (a written theory exam and a practical driving test). This requirement is waived if you are exchanging a qualifying foreign license, subject to specific conditions based on your country of origin (details below).

Spain employs a points-based licensing system. Drivers usually begin with 12 points, which are deducted for committing traffic offenses. Reaching zero points generally leads to license revocation.

Driving licences issued in any Member State of the European Union and the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) are valid for driving in Spain as long as they are valid and have not been withdrawn for any reason, with the exception that the age required for driving must correspond to that required to obtain the equivalent Spanish driving licence.

Exchanging a foreign driving license

EU/EFTA citizens: EU/EFTA nationals generally only need to renew their license when it expires, effectively exchanging it for a Spanish one unless they choose to renew it in their home country. Check the DGT website. You can also complete the process online.

European citizens who have resided in Spain for more than two years and whose original permit is valid indefinitely or for more than 15 years must exchange it for a Spanish one.

Non-EU/EFTA citizens: Non-EU citizens usually have to exchange their license after six months (or one year if driving with an IDP). Spain has license exchange agreements with approximately 25 countries, including Brazil, Japan, and Türkiye, allowing for a straightforward swap. Consult the DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority)

Nationals from other countries: Australia or the US, are required to pass the Spanish driving test to get a full license.

To exchange a foreign license in Spain, you need to book an appointment at a police station or traffic office (tráfico). You must submit an exchange application form along with:

Documentation required

Exchanges of EU licences:

• A valid foreign licence
• National identity card or residence card is required
• Possibly a psychological and physical aptitude report.

Exchanges of licences from countries with agreements:

• A valid foreign license
• ID card or valid passport, residence card
• Possibly a psychological and physical aptitude report.

Exchanges of non-EU licences:

• A valid foreign licence
• National identity card or residence card
• Certificate of registration in the register of foreigners
• Residence permit
• Possibly a psychological and physical aptitude report.

Drivers with disabilities

People with disabilities can obtain a driving licence provided they meet the medical requirements and have an adapted vehicle, according to the DGT. If you need to adapt a vehicle to your disability, you must go to the Traffic Headquarters or Office to specify the necessary adaptations.

Drivers in Spain facing disabilities or mobility challenges can apply for an EU parking card. This card grants special parking privileges, including access to designated spaces and free or discounted parking fees. Applications for the card are processed through your local municipality in Spain.

You must have a minimum disability of 33%, and the disability recognised in the medical report must be related to the assistance requested. The general process for obtaining a parking card is as follows:

Go to your local council, usually to social services or the local police, there you will be informed about the requirements and deadlines. There you must ask for the application form and the necessary documentation. , to apply for the card.

Documentation: the documentation may vary depending on the autonomous community, but generally includes:

• Official application form.
• Photocopy of the applicant's ID card or foreign resident ID number (NIE).
• Medical report certifying the disability and its degree of severity.
• Recent photograph of the applicant.
• Signature of the legal representative (if the applicant is a minor or unable to sign).

A fee may be charged for issuing the card. Once your application has been processed, you can collect your parking card from the town hall.

If you do not speak Spanish, it is advisable to bring a translator or ask your legal representative to handle the process.

Driving rules and penalties in Spain

Spain’s Traffic and Road Safety Code (Código de Tráfico y Seguridad Vial) details information on the country’s road rules, regulations and norms (in Spanish). Some of the main general rules are:

• Vehicles overtake on the left. Any vehicle longer than 10m or over 3.5 tons should keep at a distance of at least 50m from the vehicle in front on main roads.
• All passengers need to wear seatbelts. Children need to be 12 years old or above to sit in the front passenger seat. All children below 1.35m tall need to be secured in a child safety seat.
• Drivers approaching from the right have priority, although vehicles from either direction have priority at roundabouts.
• Snow chains are required if traveling to mountainous areas in winter.
• It is illegal to use a car horn unless in an emergency, you need it to avoid an accident, or to alert to a serious incident (e.g. a crime).
• Fines for minor offenses can be up to €100. If you don’t have a residency permit or a Spanish NIE number, you usually have to pay the fine on the spot.

Penalties related to an offence

Traffic penalties can vary depending on the offence committed, ranging from a fine for speeding to the loss of points on your driving licence. Therefore, the amount of the financial penalty for a fine will depend on the severity of the offence committed.

Speeding:

Penalties: between €100 and €600

Points:from 2 to 6 points

What the law says: it is an offence to drive at speeds exceeding the speed limit by 60 km/h on urban roads and 80 km/h on interurban roads. On sections of motorways and interurban motorways leading into cities where speed limits of less than 100 km/h have been established, speeding offences will be punished with the corresponding fine as set out in the table of penalties. The other administrative and criminal penalties will only apply when the speed limit is exceeded by more than 100 km/h and under the terms established for this limit.

Alcohol and drugs:

Penalties: between €500 and €1,000

Points: from 4 to 6 points

What the law says: the maximum blood alcohol level for new and professional drivers is 0.15 mg/l in exhaled air. For all other drivers, it is 0.25 mg/l, and exceeding 0.60 mg/l is a criminal offence. For other drugs, any presence in the body is grounds for punishment.

Mobile devices:

Penalties: €200

Points: from 3 to 6 points

What the law says: while driving, using a mobile phone without a hands-free device, reading or sending messages, or using earphones (even if only one) is grounds for a penalty. The manual use of navigation devices or other electronic devices is also prohibited. Driving while holding a mobile phone in your hand is punishable by the loss of 6 points.

Helmet, seat belt and child restraint system:

Penalties: €200

Points: 4 points

What the law says:

• Seat belts must be worn in all seats and fastened correctly. Clips or devices that alter or block their operation must not be used. The driver is responsible (with the corresponding loss of points) if any child travels without a child restraint system (CRS).
• In the case of helmets, failure to wear a helmet or misuse of these items (e.g. wearing a helmet without fastening it) will be punishable. The motorcyclist will be responsible if the passenger is not wearing a helmet or is not of the minimum age required.

STOP signs and traffic lights:

Penalties: €200

Points: 4 points

What the law says: red traffic lights and STOP signs always require you to stop. In the case of STOP signs, this obligation also applies to road markings painted on the road, even if there is no vertical sign. Find out more details in the DGT official website.

What documentation should you carry in your vehicle?

All vehicles must have a valid driving licence and technical specifications or MOT certificate in order to be legally permitted on the road.

• Circulation Permit is the document that identifies the ownership of any type of vehicle, including special vehicles, such as agricultural, construction and service vehicles.
• The ITV card or technical data sheet is the document that certifies that the vehicle is approved to circulate on the roads of our country. These cards are issued by ITV stations.
• In addition, when driving, you must always carry your driving licence with you.

Since 2015, vehicle registration certificates include two new pieces of information: the vehicle's mileage and the MOT expiry date (if the car is new, the mileage information does not appear, but the date on which it must pass its MOT does).

These documents are also required for rental vehicles. Before starting to drive a rental vehicle, check that it has all the necessary documentation.

Since 2008, it is no longer mandatory to carry your insurance policy or proof of your last payment in your car.

Mandatory equipment

• Spare wheel: it is mandatory to carry a complete wheel or temporary wheel, with the necessary tools to change it or, failing that, a puncture repair kit that guarantees the vehicle's mobility.
• Reflective vest: if you need to leave the vehicle and walk on the road or hard shoulder of a motorway, you must wear a high-visibility reflective vest. This is why you should always carry one in your car.
• Triangles: as with reflective vests, it is compulsory to carry two approved triangles in your car to warn other drivers that your vehicle is stationary.

Driving without a license

It is illegal for anyone to drive a vehicle without previously obtaining the corresponding driver’s license. In Spain, driving without a license is considered a criminal offense. The Spanish Penal Code establishes that driving without a license is a crime punishable by imprisonment of 3 to 6 months or a fine of 12 to 24 months. It also contemplates the possibility of depriving the right to drive motor vehicles and mopeds for a specific period of time. This is established in the Article 384 of the Criminal Code

Anyone who drives a motor vehicle or moped in cases of loss of validity of the license due to total loss of legally assigned points will be punished with a prison sentence of three to six months or a fine of twelve to twenty-four months, or community service for thirty-one to ninety days.

However, it is important not to confuse not having obtained the driver’s license, commonly known as driving without a license, with the act of driving without physically carrying the obtained license, which would be a possible administrative infraction.

Road signs in Spain

Road signs in Spain generally adhere to European conventions. The primary categories include:

• Warning signs: Alert drivers to potential dangers ahead. Typically triangular with a red border, featuring a black symbol on a white background.
• Information signs: Provide general information, like indicating a parking zone or pedestrian crossing. Usually rectangular or square, often white text/symbols on a blue background or black on a white background.
• Prohibition signs: Indicate actions that are not permitted. Typically circular with a red border and a black image or text on a white background.
• Mandatory signs: Issue instructions that drivers must follow, such as a mandatory left turn or the need for snow chains. Usually a blue circle with a white image or text.
• Priority signs: Clarify right-of-way in various situations. These come in diverse shapes and colors.

Useful resources

• Spanish government online portal – Contains a section on vehicles, primarily focused on information for EU/EFTA residents living in Spain.
• Directorate-General for Traffic (Dirección General de Tráfico – DGT) – The government body in charge of roads and traffic regulations in Spain.
• Normas de Trafico
• DGT- Types of offences and penalties
• DGT website - Exchange of foreign driving licences
• EU parking card.