Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2017 7:00pm
Hi, been here since late March, UK car but now on Spanish plates, never stopped in the 1st 5 months we were here prior to getting the car matriculated. (Spanish MOT/ITV that you need to get a vehicle onto Spanish number plates).
Recently got Residencia, actually late August.
You'll find that if/as/when you get Residencia, become resident, you have 6 months driving on a UK licence with whatever kind of home address, you can own a Spanish home and still have a UK address, drive a UK or Spanish plated vehicle, doesnt seem to matter much, but after that 6 month period from getting Residencia you have to get a Spanish driving licence.
If you dont, then if you get stopped for whatever reason the Policia Local and/or Guardia Civil will hit you with an on the spot €100 euro fine. You'll find lots of posts in the forums from a guy who was stopped and fined in those circumstances.
Likewise if driving on the motovia and you come across a sign advising there's radar in the stretch of road your on, observe that speed limit. They have the same points system here as in the UK and the radar does work.
Spanish police both Local and Guardia have direct links with the DVLA also.
No matter whether your driving here or in the UK you'll find theres always someone who wants/needs/has to be somewheres in a hurry, always pays to be very very vigilant.