For sale: Ford Transit Crew Cab Van, 6 Seats, 5995 euros

You're taking a big chance driving it, in view of the fact that the tax ran out last October!

Hello Jim, 

Thank you for your concern, however, as this is not our only vehicle it is not an issue. The car is stated as 'currently in use' as it will be returning to the UK shortly thus soon will be again, for this reason tax would need to be purchased either by ourselves, or a potential buyer. As it is not actually being used on the roads here, I have been assured by the guardia civil when the van entered last September, that there would not be a reason to purchase tax unless we were intending to re-register for use on Spanish roads. This is not our intention as we require a different type for our third vehicle. 

If you would like any advice on Spanish road tax and the legalities of driving here, please let me know I am always happy to help a fellow expat! 

All the best to you 

Paul 

Just a point worth mentioning although you can register certain commercials in Spain it can not be used for commercial purposes and if you were subsequently found with say a bag of sand or a toolbox in it they could take a seriously dim view on this.

Hope this helps.

Hi Paul, I posted what I said because I thought from your post that 'Currently in use' meant that you were using it on the road here - obviously I misunderstood what you were saying.

I disagree with what you say the guardia told you. I haven't got time to dig out the reference, but my understanding is that all vehicles in use in the EU must have valid road tax.

Hi Jim I think it may be in the country with no tax as long as it registered SORN if not SORN then you are correct as it may not be driven on EU roads or enter the UK without current TAX. and in Spain even if SORN must be insured.

Hi Ada. That's why I said 'in use'.

Again, I don't have time to find references, but I thought SORN only applied in the UK. If it's kept off-road here then, in theory, it should have a SORN, but it seems a bit academic. And I'm interested in what you say about an off-road vehicle having to have insurance - that's a new one to me.

Hi Ada

Yes, that is also correct, as far as I am aware. If intending to use for work purposes as such, then it would be risky, and up to the individual as officials may not take too kindly to a van being used for such a  purpose. However, to purchase or transport items for yourself or for commuting back and forth to the UK or even ferrying family to and from the airport when they visit (along with their luggage), then it would be an ideal and fully legal way to enjoy this size vehicle! 

Also worth noting that different rules exist on registering vehicles for second home owners, taxis, car rentals (or even 'borrowing a car'), disabled persons, students and of course diplomats (how lucky), may be worth looking into these also. I find the trafico site very useful for info, rather than only relying on forums and hearsay, its better not to rely too much on the advice of others with this type of subject, even if it is given with the very best of intentions and indeed very welcome! 

Great points though and all very worth mentioning. 

All the best 

Paul 

I agree, Paul. Unless there's a change recently, re-registering a commercial vehicle onto Spanish plates comes with the restriction that it can't be used for commercial purposes.

And I agree that the DGT website has a load of useful information. They could however improve it. For example, if you want to get an 'informe' on a vehicle, then this is difficult to say the least. Last time I did this, I had to install an old version of Firefox and do all sorts of configuration before I could get the informe.

Yes, similar to a SORN, titled a baja, useful to know. As for insurance, a necessity here for sure!