Do British tourists need an International Driving Licence in Spain?

The British Embassy has cleared up some confusion relating to driving in Spain

British tourists have been dealt their fair share of conflicting information about what documents they require to take to the roads on their Spanish holiday, and so the British Embassy in Madrid has taken to social media to clear up a few issues relating to International Driving Permits (IDPs), since several UK Nationals visiting Spain have reported being fined for not having one.

Thankfully, the rules are very clear-cut: according to the Geneva Convention, people visiting from participating countries, including the UK, DO NOT require an IDP to drive in Spain if they are here on holiday.

The Guardia Civil have confirmed that around 30 holidaymakers have been incorrectly fined in recent months for not holding an IDP and that these charges will be refunded, since all British tourists are permitted to drive with their valid UK licences.

However, nationals of the United Kingdom who have a residency permit that is older than six months must obtain a Spanish licence in order to continue driving in Spain.

The British Embassy has advised that anyone who believes they have been incorrectly fined should first check which body issued the sanction and then follow the appropriate process to appeal. General guidance from the DGT on fines related to traffic offences can be found on their website.

>>> Find all the latest motoring and travel news here to join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates <<<

Image: Pixabay

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Do British tourists need an International Driving Licence in Spain?

The British Embassy has cleared up some confusion relating to driving in Spain

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