In 2025, Spain’s Guardia Civil will undertake a major upgrade of its undercover patrol fleet. The Council of Ministers has approved the purchase of 1,800 new vehicles to be used by plainclothes units for monitoring road conditions across the country. A budget of 39.2 million euros has been allocated for the initiative, paving the way for modern, high-tech cars.
The acquisition is expected to take place through an open tender, allowing various automakers to propose models that meet strict criteria. Priority will be given to environmentally friendly vehicles bearing Eco or Cero labeling, in line with the government’s drive to reduce harmful emissions. Potential options include hybrid and electric models such as the Ford Kuga, which is produced in Spain, as well as cars from Toyota, BMW, Renault, and others. The list also features vans that have proven themselves as effective unmarked patrol vehicles.
The new vehicles will differ from standard cars only in minor details. They will come in typical commercial colors to blend in with traffic, as well as tinted rear windows and extra antennas for communication with central command. Some cars will be fitted with equipment for transporting mobile radars and other gear essential for discreet road monitoring.
Special attention is paid to the details that can reveal a patrol car: the absence of advertising frames on license plates, sometimes the presence of the letters PGC on registration plates, as well as discreet and unremarkable driving behavior. These vehicles do not speed, avoid sudden maneuvers, and try not to draw attention to themselves, allowing them to effectively detect violations and ensure safety on the roads.
The introduction of new vehicles is expected to increase the efficiency of traffic monitoring and make the work of inspectors more mobile and discreet. Drivers should keep in mind: spotting these cars is not easy, and the best way to avoid a fine is to follow the traffic rules.
