The information on this page was collected from public resources and does not constitute legal advice.
Are there any differences in traffic rules in this country compared to Ukrainian ones?Driving in Spain - Rules and Safety Measures:
Speed Limits in Spain:
More information here |
Is it possible to drive a car with a Ukrainian driver's license?At the end of July, the Regulation on the use of Ukrainian national driverโs licenses in EU countries entered into force. The changes affect only persons who enjoy temporary or adequate protection in EU countries. This document establishes special rules regarding expired, lost or stolen Ukrainian driverโs licenses. So, from the end of July in Spain you can:
The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has extended the validity of Ukrainian driver's licenses to 12 months. After this period, the certificate will not be considered valid and must be replaced by a Spanish-style document. Otherwise, you may be fined. Pay attention:
More information here |
Is it necessary to register the car in the new country of residence?If you are a resident in Spain, you will have to register your foreign-registered vehicle in Spain. Registering it is mandatory whenever the owner of the vehicle is a national resident. You have a period of one month from when you become a resident to re-register your vehicle with Spanish plates. A citizen who would like to transfer their usual vehicle from another country must follow the 3 steps below for re-registration:
If for any reason you do not have time to complete the procedure for registering your vehicle within the one-month deadline, you can apply to the DGT for the temporary registration of your vehicle. With this procedure you will receive green temporary registration plates with which youโll be able to drive your vehicle for 2 months (extendable) while you complete the proper registration process. More information here |
Is it possible to drive a car that has Ukrainian registration, but is registered not to the driver, but to another person? What documents are needed for this?If you are not the owner of the car you are driving, it is useful to carry a written authorization from the actual car owner with you including substantial details, such as the license plate and the insurance number of the car in case authorities might ask for it. Further, the owner should contact the motorist insurance to cover possible damages caused by the third party. |
Is it necessary to insure the car in the host country? Is Ukrainian insurance enough?If youโre thinking of driving in Spain, itโs important you stay on the right side of the local laws. Car insurance is a legal requirement in Spain. Apparently, if you register a car in Spain, you will have to take out Spanish insurance. |
What is a vignette? Do Ukrainian drivers need to buy it? How and where can they buy it?In Spain, no vignettes (time-based charges) are applied for driving on the countryโs roads. However, prior payment of a fee or toll (distance-based charges) is compulsory for driving a motor vehicle on certain sections of motorways in Spain. The main axes where motorways are located on which payment of the toll is compulsory are:
Payment of tolls is generally compulsory for the following motor vehicles:
Payment is made immediately at the toll control points located at the entry and exit of the motorway sections where payment is compulsory, or on the motorway itself. In general, toll control points have barriers that are automatically lifted when the corresponding fee is paid, allowing the vehicle to pass. The amount of the toll to be paid depends on:
In general, toll fees can be paid by the following means:
To use it, you need a device called an OBE, which, once placed inside the windscreen of the vehicle, allows wireless communication with an antenna in the payment lane; the toll is charged to the bank account designated by the user. Payment by VIA-T electronic toll is available in almost all payment lanes, with an exclusive lane for this payment method and for every possible destination at every toll station. The device is available in most banks and service companies linked to the transport sector. More information here |
What are the parking rules?Usually, parking in big towns and cities will require payment. Places where you need to pay for parking are typically indicated with blue paint markings, blue zones and blue ticket machines too. As normal, you should purchase a ticket and display it on the dashboard. Usually, parking is free on Sundays, from 2 pm on Saturdays and often free between 2 pm and 4 pm between Monday to Friday as this is โsiestaโ time. However, it is essential to check the signage as this can vary. If you receive a parking fine in a blue zone, you can often cancel the ticket by making a payment at the ticket machine. Usually, you can receive a 50% discount on your fine if you pay immediately. If you spot other coloured parking zones, these are usually residential parking only. To park in these sections you must be a registered resident and pay the annual fee. If you park here without being a registered resident, then you are likely to receive a fine. There are some areas where you cannot park, however, which include:
That said, many Spanish people will park in questionable areas, such as on pedestrian crossings, corners, even roundabouts. Double parking is common too. However, with this, you do risk your vehicle being towed. So, donโt follow the advice of locals and instead find a suitable place that is dedicated to parking. More information here |
What are the most common fines? How and where can Ukrainians pay them?As in almost any country, traffic fines can be issued for any number of offences ranging from the very minor to the very serious. These include:
You can also be fined when filling up at the petrol station. If you are smoking, using a mobile or have left the radio or lights on, you can be fined up to 200 Euros and have 3 points added to your licence. You will also want to make sure that your vehicle is clean as a dirty number plate can also mean a fine of 80 Euros. Another lesser-known offence is to wash your car in the street. In Spain, it is forbidden and you will receive a fine if caught doing it. If you are a non-resident, Spanish speeding fines usually have to be paid on the spot. The police also have the right to escort you to a hotel or holiday accommodation you are staying in or even a cash machine to collect payment. If it is a speeding fine from one of the many speed cameras, you will receive your fine in the post. There is also a fine of 200 Euros and a three-point penalty if caught using a mobile phone while driving and the same for not wearing a crash helmet for motorcyclists. Adults not wearing a seatbelt and if a child is not restrained correctly, a 200 Euro and three-point penalty can be imposed. More information here |
What documents are required for registration of trailers/cargo (equipment, furniture, etc.)?Trailers which carry less than 750 kg will need an ITV card, so you will have to go to an ITV Station where they will check your trailer and if the trailer passes the test, you will receive your ITV card. You do not need an extra "Permiso de Circulaciรณn", you will have to put the registration number plate of your car on the back of the trailer. Trailers which carry more than 750 kg will need apart from the ITV card , a new "Permiso de Circulaciรณn" which you have to be issued from the Traffic Deparment in Alicante, taking the ITV card, your trailer will get a registration plate number. (Red Plate). You will have to put the registration plate number of your car together with the trailer registration number on the back of the trailer. More information here |
Do Ukrainians need to declare what they bought in Europe?There are no restrictions on what you can buy and take with you when travelling within the EU provided that the bought products are for you own use and not for resale. Taxes on are already included in the retail price of the product. To determine if the products purchased are intended for your own use, customs authorities may verify the products, e.g. the packages or the quantity. In order to prove that goods are for your own use, authorities may ask to see the receipt or other proof of purchase. If you cannot provide sufficient evidence, you might have to pay duties or the products can be confiscated. If you carry 10,000 euros or more in cash, alcohol drinks, tobacco products, fuel or other goods including perfume, certain restrictions may apply regarding the quantity and value of the products. For more information please check this site |