How long would I be able to drive my car from UK in Spain with the UK plates? My UK insurance covers me for 90 days in Europe.
Up to 6 months. Unless you are taking out residency in which case you must apply to rematriculate it within 30 days of arrival.
But just using it on holiday up to 6 months on your UK plates and UK driving licence but you can only stay a maximum 90 days.
The car itself can stay all year but can only be driven for up to 6 months in any one year and has to go back to UK for the MoT and has to be insured all the time even if off road.
Posted: Thu Aug 3, 2023 12:11pm
Helpful member
I would not bother. It is not a good idea driving a left handed car over in Spain. Just rent one if you really need one. The local transport is just fine.
Steve6 wrote on Thu Aug 3, 2023 12:11pm:
I would not bother. It is not a good idea driving a left handed car over in Spain. Just rent one if you really need one. The local transport is just fine.
Bit awkward if they are driving over as many people do. We used to do it all the time by ferry before we became resident. Did get rid and bought a LHD car when we moved here permanently. But for holidays it was great.
Posted: Thu Aug 3, 2023 1:15pm
Helpful member
Sorry yes I meant a Right handed when it should have been Left Ohhh
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Steve6 wrote on Thu Aug 3, 2023 12:11pm:
I would not bother. It is not a good idea driving a left handed car over in Spain. Just rent one if you really need one. The local transport is just fine.
For the sake of a balanced opinion, we have a RHD car we brought from the UK when we moved here and we have absolutely no issues with driving it in Spain.
A few car parks and the limited amount of toll boots can be a touch awkward but if you are travelling with a passenger it won't be a problem.
Posted: Fri Aug 4, 2023 5:10pm
Helpful member
Rob60 wrote on Fri Aug 4, 2023 4:15pm:
For the sake of a balanced opinion, we have a RHD car we brought from the UK when we moved here and we have absolutely no issues with driving it in Spain.
A few car parks and the limited amount of toll boots can be a touch awkward but if you are travelling with a passenger it won't be a problem.
Fully concur with Rob60.
We came over in 2018 in our RHD car and we have very little issue with using it on Spanish roads. We converted to Spanish plates before the UK left the EU and I gather it can be slightly more difficult/expensive now. It was certainly beneficial having a car we were familiar with and knowing its service history.
So whilst it might not be ideal I'm not sure why people might think it is not a good idea. Everyone's circumstances are different, and of course this is just my two pennies worth.
Regards,
Bob
Posted: Fri Aug 4, 2023 6:09pm
Legendary helpful member
Rob60 wrote on Fri Aug 4, 2023 4:15pm:
For the sake of a balanced opinion, we have a RHD car we brought from the UK when we moved here and we have absolutely no issues with driving it in Spain.
A few car parks and the limited amount of toll boots can be a touch awkward but if you are travelling with a passenger it won't be a problem.
Absolutely right Rob. I have driven a RHD drive car in Spain for 5 years and it's fine. Bit tricky on my own at Alicante departures car park but a minor inconvenience!
Given the regular posts on here bemoaning the problems with car hire in Spain I'd much rather have my own car that face rental issues every visit!
Aitch.
Posted: Sat Aug 5, 2023 12:38pm
Legendary helpful member
aitchc1401 wrote on Fri Aug 4, 2023 6:09pm:
Absolutely right Rob. I have driven a RHD drive car in Spain for 5 years and it's fine. Bit tricky on my own at Alicante departures car park but a minor inconvenience!
Given the regular posts on here bemoaning the problems with car hire in Spain I'd much rather have my own car that face rental issues every visit!...
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Aitch.
I also brought my RHD car with me when I moved in 2016. It's a cherished Merc CLK and to get a similar vehicle here would be more than double the price. I saw one advertised recently with 350,000 km on the clock and he wanted 12.000€ for it, an absolute joke.
If you're a careful driver there really aren't any issues. It is important though, when merging to your left that nothing incoming gets caught in a blind spot.
Re Airport, I find the drivers behind me are generally very patient at the barrier, after all they realise you can't reach the ticket machine ! I think they're intrigued more than annoyed, and it only takes a few seconds.
Steve
Posted: Sat Aug 5, 2023 3:35pm
Legendary helpful member
dinnerout wrote on Sat Aug 5, 2023 12:38pm:
I also brought my RHD car with me when I moved in 2016. It's a cherished Merc CLK and to get a similar vehicle here would be more than double the price. I saw one advertised recently with 350,000 km on the clock and he wanted 12.000€ for it, an absolute joke.
If you're a careful driver there really aren't any issues. It is important though, when merging to your left that nothing incoming gets caught in a blind spot....
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Re Airport, I find the drivers behind me are generally very patient at the barrier, after all they realise you can't reach the ticket machine ! I think they're intrigued more than annoyed, and it only takes a few seconds.
Steve
Hi Steve,
I know second-hand car prices have gone up in the last couple of years but 12000euro for a car with nearly 220,000 miles on the clock is ridiculous, though t's impressive that it's still running, must be a diesel engine.
The car I brought over was bought new by one of my daughters, so I have the full service history. It's a Seat so no issues with servicing, spares, etc. and when it picks up a car park ping I don't worry too much.
Your right about the traffic from the left, that can be a blind spot if not careful.
I did not get any abuse at the airport just a bit tricky getting round to the machine. In fact some in LHD cars can take as long!
Rgds,
Aitch.
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