Yesterday´s story

One of yesterday´s UK newspapers ran a story under the headline "ID cards by the back door as drivers face order to carry licence at all times". At the moment it is only a proposal, but as usual the "human right loonies" will be chanting about it being an infringement on their rights blah blah blah.

This is nothing new in Spain, where you are required to do so by law. There is no outcry here or any other country where it is compulsory to do so, including most European countries and also in America. At present, if you are stopped in the UK you have up to 5 days to present yourself at a local police station with your licence if you do not have it on you at the time. However, as they do not take a photograph at the time, how do they know it will be the same person? This is the argument used by Magistrates wanting to bring this new motion in.

Don´t forget to carry yours!

If you are stopped by the Guardia Civil Trafico here in Spain - and may I say be afraid because even the Spanish are, if you do not have your licence on you, you will be issued with an on the spot fine of up to 300 euros. The Spanish Traffic police are renowned for pulling drivers over for no apparent reason - especially towards the end of the month! It is the norm and accepted here.

Other items which you are required by law to keep in your car are the following:
Vehicle registration document
Certificate of Insurance... also advisable to keep the proof of payment
2 warning triangles - but only 1 for non Spanish registered cars
Reflective jacket
Spare glasses - obviously only if you wear them for driving!

Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers and children under the age of 12 are strictly forbidden from sitting in the front - I know of one lady who was issued with a 500 euro fine for that one, so be warned.  Children under 135cm tall MUST use a booster seat.... an important point if hiring a car with children.

If you ever follow a driver with a green "L" plate hanging in the back, it is not to identify a learner driver but a new driver. Once you have passed your driving test here in Spain, it is compulsory to display one of these for a year and there is a speed restriction of 80 km per hr on these drivers.

It is also illegal to tow a car using an "A Frame" in Spain, although ok in all other European countries to my knowledge!  I have heard of cases where the Trafico are waiting just after the French boarder for motor homes pulling cars behind.

If you break down in Spain it is illegal to tow a car.... you have to call the grua (breakdown truck) to tow you to the garage.

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