Drivers License
Visitors and Non-Residents to Spain can drive on their home country drivers' license for a maximum of 6 months.  Non-EU residents must obtain a Spanish driving license after one year.

EU residents can drive on their existing EU license until it runs outs. It is then replaced with a Spanish driver’s license, which involves taking a driving test, which is in Spanish.

Fines
Fines for speeding are paid on the spot.  Pay attention and watch all the speed limits.

Seatbelts
It is the law to wear both front and rear seatbelts. Children under 12 must be seated in the back of the vehicle unless the front seat has an approved child restraint.

Cell Phones
It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in Spain.

Importing a Car into Spain
An EU national may bring an EU registered car into Spain without completing formal paperwork.  The car may be kept in the country for no more than six months in any year. Any person who spends more than a total of six months in any one year in Spain is considered a resident and must obtain a residency permit, which will then serve as permission to register your car.

In order to avoid your vehicle being registered as 'new', it has to have at least 4,000 miles (6.000 km) on the odometer. It also has to have been registered in your own name for the past 6 months.

When registering your car you are required to show your Spanish residence permit and pay the license plate registration fee.  The import duty will amount to 10% of the actual value of your vehicle.  You will also have to have your car inspected. 

As a Spanish resident, you will only be permitted to drive your imported car, with its foreign license plates, from the Spanish border or port of entry to your place of residence in Spain.  Within 30 days it must be registered with the Department of Transport and an application for Spanish plates must be filed. 

The "Real Automovil Club de Espana" (www.race.es) with offices in major cities will also assist with the formalities of registering your car.  Membership in this Spanish version of the Automobile Club is suggested.

Insurance
Third party insurance is mandatory.  If you provide proof of at least 5 years of no claims from your previous insurer you can reduce your insurance premiums

Buying a Car in Spain
In order to buy a car in Spain, you must have:
1.  Your NIE number or Residencia permit
2.  The address of your permanent residence
3.  A Spanish bank account or a Spanish or international credit card