In 2025, Spain’s Guardia Civil will launch a large-scale renewal of its covert patrol fleet. The Council of Ministers has given the green light to acquire 1,800 new vehicles, which will be used by plainclothes units to monitor road conditions across the country. A total of €39.2 million has been allocated for this purpose, paving the way for the purchase of modern, high-tech cars.
The procurement process is expected to take the form of an open tender, allowing various automakers to submit models that meet strict requirements. Priority will be given to environmentally friendly vehicles with Eco or Cero badges, in line with the government’s drive to reduce harmful emissions. Potential options include hybrid and electric models, such as the Ford Kuga made in Spain, as well as cars from Toyota, BMW, Renault, and others. The list also includes vans, which have long proven themselves as discreet patrol vehicles.
The new vehicles will differ from standard models only in minor details. They will have standard commercial colors to blend into traffic, along with tinted rear windows and extra antennas for communication with the central command. Some cars will be equipped with special devices for transporting mobile speed cameras and other equipment needed for covert monitoring of road conditions.
Special attention is paid to details that might reveal an unmarked police car: the absence of advertising frames on the license plates, sometimes the presence of the letters PGC on the registration plates, as well as careful and inconspicuous driving. These vehicles do not speed, avoid sudden maneuvers, and try not to draw attention, allowing them to effectively record violations and ensure safety on the roads.
The introduction of these new vehicles is expected to improve road monitoring and make the work of inspectors more mobile and discreet. Drivers should remember: spotting such cars is not easy, and the best way to avoid a fine is to follow the traffic rules.
