Headlight convertor - Page 3

Depends how long you'll be using the car in Spain! You have to put it on Spanish plates after 6 months I believe, otherwise you'll be breaking the law and more than likely be uninsured.

Denise.

To add some clarity to the responses your getting you will always get the doom and gloom merchants advising you etc etc.

Dpending on how long you intend using your UK registered car in Spain you are supposed to have it transferred onto Spanish plates if you've been here more than 3 months (90 days). This means having the UK headlights adjusted to comply with Spanish driving regulations, have the vehicle ITV tested which is the same as a UK MOT and pay any Spanish tax based on the engine imitions of your car. The dirtier the exhaust fumes the more tax you pay.

If your vehicle has a current UK MOT and you've got Insurance that covers you for Spain (sometimes called a green card) and you have headlight deflectors fitted so you dont dazzle on coming vehicles then dont be put off by people that say your breaking the law.

Yes technically they are correct if your over your 90 days but there are thousands of ex Pat's who have been living in Spain for years that still havent changed there car onto Spanish plates.

Ihope this helps

"there are thousands of ex Pat's who have been living in Spain for years that still havent changed there car onto Spanish plates."

And more and more of them are getting stopped by the Guardia Civil and getting their car impounded....

That's OK then, other's break the law so I can too. You will NOT be insured to drive the car in Spain if you don't comply with the law of that country! Why should law abiding drivers share the road with people who think they know best and disregard the law?

It certainly isn't doom and gloom as you put it. It's the facts and people who don't know should be made aware of them, which is what forums such as this aims to do. Unfortunately a few people encourage law breaking such as this and illegal airport runs.

The ANPR system and the Guardia in Spain are really clamping down on all forms of driving behaviour. They have spent a fortune on new technology including helicopters capable of finding the law breakers from a distance, I saw one above the A7 the other day. Fines are very heavy and vehicles impounded quite rightly in my opinion.

Wow a helicopter that can read number plates. I'm Impressed 

So you should be. They can also tell if seat belts are being worn and if a mobile is in use. Just look it all up on the internet! The Spanish are pumping money into road safety.

Correct............

Hi Guys,

It seems my question has caused rather a stir which wasn't my intention.  Having lived in Crete for 14 years I am well used to gloom and doom and picking out the relevant bits of info that are helpful, so thanks for all the help.  Just to update, I now have my reflectors fitted, my Toyota garage very kindly involved the Seat garage mechanic and fitted them with professional equipment.  I also have my GB sticker on but sadly had to sellotape to back window as it's metallic and doesn't attach to aluminium.  I will of course order one from the UK that can go in the correct place!

My car will always be insured and covered for Spain, and currently doesn't need an MOT as it's not old enough.  I am aware of lots of ex pats driving around Spain and other countries with no insurance, or road tax, which is not acceptable.  This happened a lot in Crete and several people involved in accidents had no insurance which is horrific for everyone.

So thanks again for all your help