22 June 2022
Are you travelling to Spain? – Things you’ll need to know!
If you are planning on using your Towbar in Spain, there are some things that you need to consider before hitching up and setting off.
You will require a ‘Homologation Certificate’ - a document that certifies that the Towbar that has been fitted to the vehicle has passed the relevant Type Approval Testing deeming it safe to use.
The manufacturer of the Towbar can provide this certificate; you will likely need to pay an admin fee and the following information:
• A scan of the complete Spanish (or English if not yet changed) vehicle registration document (V5)
• A photograph of the blue type-approval label affixed to the Towbar
• A photograph of the vehicle’s main VIN plate
• An address to send the document via post (ITV require an original signed copy)
If you are importing your vehicle from another country and the fact your vehicle has a factory-fitted tow bar is clearly stated on the logbook (Fichas Tecnicas), then you should not require additional certification. However, if you have fitted the Towbar as an aftermarket modification sometime after the vehicle was manufactured, you will require a certificate.
If you cannot get a certificate from your Towbar supplier, other options are available.
If your car is Still UK Registered - and assuming that your UK MOT is still in date – you can contact the DVLA and ask if your vehicle logbook be updated to reference the fact that your vehicle has a Towbar fitted. This will enable your local ITV station to issue you a certificate and/or ensure that when you import your vehicle, these details can be carried over.
Once you have the relevant documentation to prove that your Towbar has been installed safely, you may require an additional ITV for your Caravan or Trailer, depending on its size and weight.
Trailers up to 750kg (Loaded)
- All trailers in Spain in this category are not required to be registered.
- Are required to have their own Fichas Tecnicas, separate to the towing vehicle.
- Are also required to hold a valid ITV to be road legal.
- Are not required to hold their own insurance.
- Are required to have the manufacturer’s plate affixed close to the Tow hitch.
*This applies to trailers for personal use only and not commercial use, which will be treated as below, regardless of weight.
Trailers Over 750kg (Loaded)
- All trailers in Spain in this category are required to be registered independently of the Towing Vehicle, showing red coloured plates.
- Are required to hold a valid ITV.
- Are required to clearly display the registration plates of the towing vehicle.
- Are required to have insurance separate from the towing vehicle.
- Are subject to payment of road tax.
- Are required to have the manufacturer’s plate affixed close to the Tow hitch.
- Cars towing a trailer of any size are limited to 80km/h (50 mph) on dual carriageways and motorways and 70km/h (44 mph) on all other roads.
- Any vehicle stopped by the Guardia for towing a trailer that does not comply with the law will not only have the appropriate fines and penalties applied to it, but the trailer will be unable to continue its journey with the car and as such, accrue fees with the GRUA for forward delivery.
- In case of a car towing a caravan/trailer exceeding 12m, two yellow reflectors must be at the rear of the towed caravan or trailer.
- Using an ‘A-Frame’ to Tow another car is strictly forbidden.
