Spain has banned British expats from driving after a dispute between the 2 nations over a post-Brexit plan on UK licences couldn't be resolved.
A ban got here into impact on Sunday, Might 1, after a six-month rule ended which allowed Brits to make use of their DVLA issued licences in Spain.
Brits who're affected might have to take a seat a driving check in Spain so as to get hold of a Spanish licence to be allowed on the roads.
Nevertheless, vacationers can nonetheless use their British driving licence whereas on vacation within the nation.
Right here is every thing to know in regards to the driving ban for Brits in Spain.
Why are Brits banned on Spanish Roads?
The brand new restrictions got here into impact after the British and Spanish governments failed to achieve a mutual settlement on DVLA-issued licences by the April 30 deadline.
MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith mentioned: "It is a case of 'mañana, mañana [tomorrow, tomorrow]. It is time they pull their finger out and do what they agreed."
Till Sunday, Might 1, Britons residing in Spain have been in a position to make use of their DVLA-issued licences to drive, however a failed consensus might now set off weeks of chaos for individuals who journey by automotive.
Each different European nation has agreed a post- Brexit protocol in respect of British driving licences.
The official steering on the UK authorities's web site for British expats in Spain says: “When you've got a sound UK driving licence: From 1 Might 2022, when you have been residing in Spain earlier than 1 January 2021, your legitimate UK driving licence will now not be legitimate for driving in Spain.
“Should you moved to Spain after 1 January 2021, your legitimate UK licence will probably be recognised for six months from the date you obtained residence."
Can this difficulty be resolved?
The International Workplace mentioned it was pushing to "speed up talks" with the Spanish authorities.
A UK authorities supply mentioned: "This might go on for per week, or it could possibly be longer. It needs to be momentary, however we do not understand how momentary. Within the meantime, British residents residing in Spanish hill villages will not have the ability to drive a automotive."
A International Workplace spokesperson added: "An settlement to swap UK driving licences for Spanish licences has not but been reached. From Might 1, UK licence holders who've been resident in Spain for greater than six months and didn't trade their licence throughout the transition interval will now not have the ability to drive legally in Spain. We've agreed to quickly speed up talks, and are urging the Spanish authorities to convey ahead interim measures."
What to do in case you are impacted
Anybody affected by the ban is suggested to take fast steps to use for a Spanish licence.
This may contain each a idea and a sensible driving check.
Extra Brexit adjustments
In one other Brexit transfer, drivers are to avoid wasting £50 a yr on automotive insurance coverage attributable to authorities scrapping an EU legislation that allowed claims for mobility scooters and ride-on garden mowers.
British drivers' insurance coverage costs have been attributable to rise this yr as a result of Brexit meant the odd legislation needed to be made actuality in Britain - regardless of all different European nations scrapping it.
The legislation would imply anybody might convey an insurance coverage declare in opposition to automobiles like mobility scooters, ride-on garden mowers and golf buggies on non-public land.
Usually these automobiles wouldn't want to purchase motor insurance coverage, which is simply required for automobiles meant to go on the highway.
However claims made in opposition to these automobiles would have pushed up automotive insurance coverage premiums by £50 a yr per motorist, in accordance with authorities figures.
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