Can I drive a Spanish registered car in the UK?

I'm a UK resident, but I was stopped by police while driving my Spanish registered, right hand drive car. They said UK residents are not allowed to drive foreign registered cars in the UK. They also said that the foreign insurance is not valid. I have full cover from Linea Directa and a green card. They spoke to DVLA and some other insurance authorities, as well as the Lenea Directa in Spain, who assured that I'm covered in any European country. I bring the Spanish registered car back to UK from time to time. I've been doing this for the last 10 years. The police also spoke to Direct Line as well. From the conversation I heard, none of the agents they spoke to could not confirm that I am committing a crime. Eventually they let me off after spending more than an hour in the back of the police car. They said not to drive on UK roads again. However, I was planing to stay for another two weeks. What is my legal position?

Asked on 20 April 2018 by Shelton Nethisinghe

Answered by Honest John

The provision allowing a foreign vehicle to be used temporarily in the UK relies on the individual being a resident in the country that the vehicle is registered in. If you are resident in the UK you would not be able to use a foreign registered vehicle in the UK. You would need to register the vehicle in the UK should you wish to use it in the UK. Further information is available on www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/temporar...s.

Tags:

Similar questions

Is it legal to park on the pavement?

If I park on a wide pavement with double yellow lines painted on the road an I technically parking on double yellow lines? My son parked his van on a wide pavement so wasn't blocking either the pavement...

Should I buy a used Lexus with a gap in the service history?

Should I buy a 2017 Lexus which has five Lexus dealer services in the record although there's a gap of 3 years? The car is being sold by a Lexus dealer.

Can I buy a hybrid even if I don't use it during the winter?

I am looking at a Toyota Yaris, the car will not be used in the winter months and garaged. Will this affect the life of the lithium batteries if not used for four months each year?