HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Spain's local police force has initiated more stringent checks on British cars that have not switched their registration plates or whose MOT has expired, after being granted wider detection powers through the UK-Spain driving licence agreement.

The Spanish negotiators demanded greater access to the DVLA database in the UK as part of the agreement to allow British citizens residing in Spain to drive using their UK licences or exchange them for Spanish ones.

Since the agreement's ratification into law on March 16, 2023, Spanish authorities have closely monitored UK vehicles uninsured or untaxed in Spain, or which should have changed their number plate to a Spanish one but failed to do so after exceeding the legally permissible duration.

Non-resident UK or foreign registered vehicles in Spain must obtain a Spanish number plate after six months, and legal residents' cars must do so after 30 days. The police can now tow the vehicles of anyone breaching these regulations, as they now possess more tools to do so.

Recently, a car in the municipality of Mazarrón was impounded for having an expired MOT.

All vehicles not merely transiting Spain for vacation purposes must possess a valid ITV (the Spanish equivalent of an MOT), be fully insured, and be registered with Spanish number plates to comply with the legal requirement.

After more than two years of negotiations, the UK Ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliott announced in November that the two countries had finally come to an agreement over the exchange of licences.

From May 1, Brits living in Spain who hadn’t already exchanged their licences have been unable to drive in the country and have been forced to use public transport.

Brits living in Spain before 16 March 2023, can use their valid UK or Gibraltar driving licences to drive in Spain for up to 6 months from this date.

For those who move to Spain after 16 March 2023, valid UK or Gibraltar licences will be recognised for 6 months from the date they obtained residence.

Residents holding a UK or Gibraltar licence can exchange their driving licences for a Spanish one without taking a practical or theory test. This should be done within 6 months from 16 March or within 6 months of the date you obtain your residence, whichever is later.

After this, your UK or Gibraltar driving licence will no longer be valid for driving in Spain. However, you will be able to exchange it for a Spanish one.

Those making the exchange are reminded that they will need to obtain a ‘check code’ from the DVLA which they will need to present at their appointment with the DGT.

Further information can be found via the Living in Spain website.

Image Credit: Policia Local Mazarron

Source

https://murciatoday.com/spanish_police_begin_to_crack_down_on_unlicensed_and_uninsured_uk_cars_after_embassy_agreement_2093661-a.html
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