Sol Classic Car Club

[firebreather]

What is the best thing to do about tax for a UK car? Mine is about to run out in January and without going back to the UK I can't see how I'm going to tax it. It is still insured with a UK insurer, but presumably this will become invalid once the tax runs out. Not to mention the automatic fine from the DVLA.

I know its not strictly legal, but I've heard some insurers here will still insure you and will only ask for the MOT. So presumably, I could tell the DVLA that my car is offroad now, to avoid their fine. And still insure it here.

Also what happens when it comes to MOT time? Mine is up in April, can I get it tested here?

My original plan was to stay here long-term and get my car registered on Spanish plates - its LHD so shouldn't be too hard. But I've had a look at some xpat websites and they say that you can't sell it for 12 months after that? I'm not now convinced I'm going to be in Spain in 12 months, so what do I do with my car then?

I'm thinking I may have to sell it soon, because I need the cash, but can I sell it here on UK plates?

Any ideas?

Cheers. Mark.

[livermoreb]

You have asked some difficult questions here. They are perrennials that come up time and time again and the answers seem different depending on who you talk to. I can only give you my understanding of the situation.

Firstly, it is stricly illegal for a Spanish resident to use a foreign registered car in Spain for more than 6 months. After that you should have it re-registered here and then tax, ITV, insurance etc are straightforward.

It is not difficult to and will cost about €500.

Of course you see hundreds of UK registered cars here and some people manage to get away with it for years. Others of course have their cars impounded!

You used to be able to get an ITV for a UK registered car but I understand that they will no longer do this - I suppose to encourage people to re-register their cars.

You can tax the car in the UK via the DVLA web site if it is MOT'd and insured there.

You can also apply for a SORN via the internet but your car will still be illegal and, as you say, the insurance will be invalid.

I hope this is helpful.

Bob

[JEREMY]

I would like to add this Firebreather, you state you have an American car, so i warn you now it is really difficult ( read expesensive ) to register.
First check with the local perrito ( homologation office) a European car cost approx 100e an American vehicle 1500e ( slight difference) all it is is the vehicle specifications ( weight, length, height etc..). Next you will need the VIN stamped into the metal of the vehicle somewhere ( American vehicles only have the vin on stickers & normaly behind the windscreen (LHS windscreen post). They warned me my tyres did not have the "e" European mark although they were almost new ( i actualy got away with this as they just checked the size). Sometimes if you have oversized wheels/tyres you have to change them back to factory spec. ( i had this problem with a Wrangler Jeep) for the ITV i put the 205/15" on when passed put my nice chrome 255/15 wheels back on. ( this was what the perrito told me to as a way round the ITV).The only other criteria is fitting a fog lamp, i presume being on English plates it has one so just a case of changing sides.
I am not trying to put you off but these are the problems i faced with my Wrangler Jeep & an Alfa spider i purchased in Holland ( which originated in the States). Being on english plates does make it easier had it been on American well lets just say even more problems.
I hope i have not put you off, by the way to put it back onto english plates costs maybe £100, Viva Espana