In Spain, many drivers see nothing unusual about lending their car to a friend or relative. However, this practice can lead to problems if all legal nuances are not taken into account.
National law requires drivers to always have vehicle documents with them. If someone other than the owner is behind the wheel and cannot present the required papers when stopped by traffic police, this becomes grounds for a fine. In such cases, the penalty can reach up to €100, and responsibility falls on the person driving at the time of inspection.
The situation becomes more complicated if there is no proof of insurance. In this case, the fine can rise to €3,000. Even if insurance is in place but the driver cannot present the policy, sanctions are unavoidable. For this reason, owners are advised to explain in advance where all necessary documents are kept, in order to avoid misunderstandings during a potential check.
In recent years, Spain has allowed vehicle documents to be stored digitally through a special app; however, only the owner has access to these files. If the car is lent to someone else, that person cannot use the electronic versions, which may also result in a fine.
Another important point: if a traffic violation is recorded while someone else is driving your car, the fine notification will be sent to the registered owner. This means the vehicle owner bears responsibility for the actions of the temporary driver.
Before handing over your car keys, it’s important to carefully consider all possible consequences. Following formalities and informing the temporary driver about the location of the documents can help avoid financial losses and unpleasant situations on the road.
