Visitors
EU licences are valid. Many non-EU licences are accepted for up to six months; an International Driving Permit is advisable (and sometimes required) alongside a non-EU licence.
New residents
- EU/EEA licences: valid in Spain; you may need to renew it in Spain when it expires.
- UK licences: Spain and the UK have an exchange agreement. Residents should exchange through the DGT (traffic authority) within six months of becoming resident.
- US and many other licences: there is no exchange agreement, so after six months of residence you must pass the Spanish theory and practical tests.
- Other countries (many in Latin America, Japan, South Korea and others) have agreements; check the DGT list.
Rules that catch newcomers
- Speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on most other roads, 50 km/h in towns, and 30 km/h on many single-lane urban streets.
- Two warning triangles are being replaced by the V-16 flashing beacon, mandatory from January 2026.
- Using a phone in your hand is heavily fined and costs licence points.
- Drink-drive limit: 0.5 g/l (0.3 for new and professional drivers).
- Low-emission zones (ZBE): cities over 50,000 people must have them. Foreign cars may need to register before entering; check the city’s rules.
Owning a car
Cars need an ITV (roadworthiness test) periodically, insurance and the annual road tax paid to the town hall.
