In times when the free movement of goods and people between borders predominates, it is still necessary to carry out some formalities before traveling abroad. Every citizen must have their identification documents in order, such as their passport or European health card, and if they also plan to drive in another country, they will have to make sure if their Spanish driving license is valid depending on their destination or the degree of coverage of their insurance in case you are going to do it with your own vehicle.
In the same way, and despite the fact that traffic rules tend to be homogenized within common economic spaces such as the European Union, it is worth consulting the traffic rules, speed limits or applicable sanctions in the destination country. Regarding the restrictions on polluting vehicles, there are equivalents to the Spanish environmental badges in other countries with low emission zones such as France, Germany or Denmark, although this will not exempt the driver from obtaining the corresponding cataloging or from consulting the regulations that govern in each local entity.
Traffic regulations are quite lax for citizens of the European Union. If you are passing through or are going to drive during your holidays without exceeding its borders, it is enough to have a valid driving license, without additional procedures. In the same way, you can travel in your own vehicle as long as you have the ITV and your insurance in order. Of course, you must make sure that your policy covers damages that occur in the territory of the European Union and, if this is not the case, you can request your company to extend the coverage outside our country by paying a supplement.
Things change significantly if you want to drive beyond the territory of the European Union. Although it is true that Spain has reciprocity agreements with some Ibero-American nations or neighboring countries such as Andorra and Morocco, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) warns that, in this case, you must accompany your driver’s license with the International Permit, valid in almost every country in the world. It is a gray cardboard on which the personal data of the driver and all the permits that he has are recorded.
This document is valid for one year and cannot be extended, since, for long stays, you will have to obtain the permit in accordance with the regulations of your new country of residence. You can request it online or by going to the nearest DGT Office, by paying a fee of 10.51 euros.
As far as your car is concerned, in most countries in the world the Carnet de Passages is required, that is, the passport of the vehicle that will allow you to cross customs. The need to carry the vehicle’s so-called Green Card is also common. This is a document that must be issued by your insured company to guarantee coverage in the event of an accident. That is why it is advisable to inquire at the corresponding consulate before traveling to the country of destination of the need to carry these or other documents.
