The Police and Driving in Spain

The Police and Driving in Spain - Many years ago I think the Spanish police were regarded as being a pushover and people were a law unto themselves. Believe me this really has changed. If you are unfortunate enough to be stopped by the police whilst driving, don’t think you can get away with whatever infraction you may have committed.

They now have the ability to link with the DVLA in Swansea and check out your driving license if they feel there is a problem, they can, and will confiscate your vehicle there and then if necessary.

Gone are the days too when you could while the way the hours in the local bar, then climb into the car and drive away. The Spanish police quite rightly take a very strict line on drink driving and driving whilst on drugs, the same goes for speeding.

When you’re out and about in your car there are generally three different kinds of police around.

The Police and Driving in Spain - Guardia Civil. This force is recognisable by the green and white livery on its vehicles and green uniform the officers wear. They are still linked to the Spanish army and live with their families at bases throughout the country.

They undertake many policing duties nationwide and here along the Costa del Sol they are particularly aware of illegal immigrants and drug issues. Out on the road they control traffic and patrol the roads, they drive powerful motorbikes which they ride in pairs, so if you see one, you know another is not far behind!

The Police and Driving in Spain - National Police (Policia Nacional). This is the nationwide arm of the police that mainly deals with serious crime and all its officers are armed. They are stationed in larger towns and work out of a comisera. Many national police detectives wear plain clothes although officers do have a brown uniform.

The Police and Driving in Spain - Local Municipal Police (Policia Local). This is the force you are most likely to see out and about in towns and villages either patrolling on foot or in their 4x4 vehicles or blue motorbikes. Again they do travel in pairs on motorbikes.

They wear a dark blue uniform with a chequered band around their hats. They deal with all levels of local crime and local traffic control. There is a police station run by the policia local in most towns and should be your first port of call if there is a problem.