The DGT warns of the three documents that the Police can ask us for in a control :
Driving without proper documentation is a violation of the Penal Code in Spain, with penalties of up to 6 months in jail in some cases. Despite this, sometimes some drivers doubt what documentation is mandatory to always carry in the car.
As clarified from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), the necessary documentation will either refer to the driver, or to the vehicle. If the police stop us, you may require any of these papers:
- Driving license. In case of having lost it, for example, the provisional authorization issued by the Traffic Headquarters or a certified photocopy may be presented.
- Circulation permit. It is mandatory to carry it in the car whenever it circulates.
- Vehicle Technical Inspection Card (ITV). To meet this requirement, we must have the ITV report on hand as well as the corresponding sticker on the windshield.
- Obligatory insurance. In Spain, all vehicles must have insurance. However, from the DGT they remind us that since 2008 it is not mandatory to carry the insurance policy in the car, although it is recommended.
If, on the other hand, the car is not ours because it is a rental vehicle, it will continue to be mandatory to check all the relevant documentation.
In case of having lost any of these papers, a duplicate can be requested by appointment at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters or at the ITV.