Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:34pm
Hi, we just had partners right hand drive Honda Insight hybrid metriculated onto Spanish plates.
The first thing that "The Garage" near Albox did before they got the car thru the Spanish ITV test was tell us we needed almost £1000 worth of new EU standard headlamps that throw the headlamp beam to the right as the stickers you can buy wont get you past being stopped by the Guardia Civil or even the Policia Local. But having said that, it's how you prove you only stay here 6 months of the year. How's your Spanish ?? Lol.
Then you might fall foul of your rear lights, fog lamps etc.
You may have seen some scaremongering videos about "Foreign registered" cars being stopped, in some cases impounded, fines levied etc. We had no problems for almost 5 months.
Doing dual registration is a bit of a grey area. 6 months here, 6 months there etc.
We were told that EU spec headlamps have a switch which will get around the headlamp beam left/right beam requirement for both countries which would help.
We are here permanently so some things for us have been/are different.
As has been said, check with the DVLA and Spanish driving agencies.
We didnt get stopped whilst we were driving on UK plates but dont take that for granted.
If you need a bank account I think you'll need an NIE number, likewise you cant get a full on medical card without "Residencia", you can get a 3 month temporary medical card by going to your local medical centre, you'll need to go on the town "Padron" as well. "Residencia will provide you with a form of NIE and you'll need to get the help of a good lawyer who does "Residencias and NIE numbers". A lot to take in if you want to stay legal.
Doubtless others may slim down some of the above as like I said we will be permanent residents. We know also there's people who fly under the radar a bit lol.
It's all worth it in the end. Where in the UK can you go skinny dipping in your own pvt pool and/or enjoy this current heatwave in the UK lol..