International Road Transport Operations in Spain
Operational Activities
Cabotage
UK operators may carry loads to, from or through the country. Loads can be carried between other EU third countries by UK operators.
Cabotage is permitted.
Dangerous Goods
Spain is party to ADR. It is essential that fully completed ADR documentation is prepared for the movement of dangerous goods.
Abnormal Loads
Vehicles/loads exceeding the weights/dimensions outlined below will require special authorisations, which can be obtained from
Ministerio de Transportes, Turismo y Communicaciones, Direccion General de Transportes Terrestres, Seccion de Autorizaciones Especiales de
Circulacion, Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz, 28003 Madrid. Tel: +34 (91) 597 7714, Fax: +34 (91) 597 8815
Taxation
A full tank of fuel can be imported duty free.
Customs
TIR Carnets are accepted for vehicles crossing Spain and destined for a non-EU country. ATA Carnets are accepted for certain temporary
imports from non-community countries. CMR notes are required and must be fully completed.
Movement Restrictions
There are driving restrictions throughout the Road network for goods vehicles of 7.5 tonnes and above on specific sections of the national
road network on Sundays and Public holidays. Due to the many local restrictions, please download the full list from the link below:-
| Public Holidays | |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 2012 |
|
|
Road Tolls
In Spain the SERVISA card is used for payment of motorway tolls and is valid for all toll motorways in Spain. The SERVISA card is issued in
the company name, although cards can be issued with registration numbers.
You can also rent a VIA-T unit, which is an electronic unit, that has to be installed in the windscreen of the vehicle. With a VIA-T unit the vehicle does not stop at the toll terminal, but goes through the terminal in a reserved VIA-T lane where the toll is registered electronically. VIA-T can be used on most of the Spanish motorway road network. Units are rented from the motorway company, and when ordering the units the registration number and number of axles of the vehicles that are to use the units will be required. The order must be accompanied by a copy of the vehicle's description and the registration certificate.
Bridge and Tunnel Tolls
Road Tunnels and Bridges that are tolled in Spain include:-
- Tunel del Cadi - Visit their website www.tuneldelcadi.com and click on Tarifes I Descomptes for charges
- Tunels de Vallvidrera - Visit their website www.tunelsdevallvidrera.com and click on Tarifes I Descomptes for charges
Vehicle Requirements
Documentation
Green Card required, plus original vehicle registration docs. A GB plate must be fitted to rear of vehicle/trailer.
| Maximum Weights & Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 metres |
| Width | 2.55 metres (Fridges 2.6 metres) |
| Length |
Artic 16.5 metres
Road Train 18.75 metres |
| Weight |
Artic 40 tonnes (40 foot ISO containers - 44 tonnes)
Road Train 40 tonnes There are also various maximum permitted weights on vehicles, trailers and road trains which are applicable according to the number of axles. |
Safety Equipment
It is compulsory to carry the following items of equipment and/or observe specific rules:-
- First Aid Kit
- Hi-Vis Jacket must be worn when crew leaving vehicle in the event of breakdown
- Warning Triangle
- Spare Bulbs
- Do not park facing oncoming traffic - it is an offence
- Seat Belts must be worn
- Drivers who wear spectacles or contact lenses must carry a spare pair
It is advisable to carry Snow chains, the use of chains is compulsory on certain roads in mountainous regions.
Driver Requirements
Legal Documents
Full passport required. International driving licence or normal UK Licence. Letter from employer giving driver permission to drive vehicle
- Attestation letter and form. Where attestation letter is carried to explain missing tachograph charts or non- use of Digital card
as a result of the driver being on holiday or off work through sickness, the attestation should be in Spanish. EU Hours rules apply.
Speed Limits
| Vehicles Concerned | Built-Up Areas (kms) | All Purpose Roads (kms) | Expressways / Dual Carraigeways (kms) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trucks to 3.5 tonnes | 50 | 70 | 80 | 90 |
| Articulated Vehicles | 50 | 70 | 80 | 90 |
| Road Trains | 50 | 70 | 80 | 80 |
Country Contact Info
British Embassy
Us the website link for the nearest Embassy Office and contact numbers. Website: www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk
Transport Organisation
Asociacion Del Transporte Internacional (ASTIC), C/ Fernandez de la Hoz, 78 - entreplanta - 28003, MADRID.
Tel: +34 91 451 48 07 Website: www.astic.net
