Usually, many drivers in our country tend to leave their car papers at home or forget them in another vehicle they own. However, this oversight could cause another problem with the lawwhich will be obliged, in certain cases, to impose a fine on the person who has not physically presented the relevant documents before any type of routine check.
What documents should be carried in the car?
Then we will detail all this necessary documentation which should be carried in the car to avoid confusion and all kinds of unpleasant situations.
1.- Driving license
In this case, a driving license is completely essential. In addition to taking it with you every time we travel on any road in our country, it is essential that it is valid and up to date, otherwise you could face a a heavy financial fine.
If you are stopped and do not have your driver’s license with you, you may be fined. 10 euros, in accordance with article 13 of the General Regulations for Drivers. However, if you can prove it with your DNI, the sanction can be withdrawn. Otherwise, the fine would have heavier consequences if you cannot prove your identity.
2.- Traffic permit
This document, for its part, proves that the vehicle is registered and authorized to circulate correctly and without any problem. It must be carried in the car, as it may be requested at a checkpoint by traffic officers.
If you do not have your driving license, the penalty is 10 eurosin accordance with article 11 of the General Vehicle Regulations. If you prove that the vehicle is fully registered, for example by providing your number plate information, the fine will be withdrawn or not imposed at all.
3.- vehicle insurance
You must hold a valid insurance policy that covers, at a minimum, civil liability against third parties. It’s mandatory and, if they ask you at a checkpoint, you have to be able to prove that you have it via proof of payment or the police.
Failure to provide proof that the vehicle has valid insurance may result in a financial fine of 200 eurosand it could be even higher if you confirm that you do not own it, even the officers would immobilize the car in question.
4.-Vehicle technical data sheet
Another mandatory document is the vehicle’s technical inspection card, i.e. the ITV. It is very important that you are up to date and, of course, take it with you in the car, as it is necessary to prove that the vehicle has successfully passed the ITV if necessary. By not submitting the car’s registration card to any inspection, we risk being fined 10 euros.
5.- Road tax receipt
This document is part of the annual receipt which proves that the vehicle has paid road tax. Although this is not a document usually requested at a checkpoint, some authorities may request it in specific situations.
Not having the road tax receipt with you in the car is usually not grounds for a fine, but if they ask for it at a checkpoint and you can’t prove that you paid the tax , the agent could proceed with an administrative sanctiondepending on the Autonomous Community where you are located. The fine for not updating this tax varies, but can exceed 100 euros in some places.
6.- Vehicle documentation
Some drivers choose to carry copies of their documents in case they are lost or stolen, but should always be kept on handAt least the original of the circulation permit and the technical sheet. These will not be mandatory, but it is recommended to carry them in the vehicle to avoid any type of confusion.
7.- Additional documents
In case of emergency or travel, it may be useful to carry the roadside assistance card or some type of contact details of the insurance company, although they are not obligatory, but they could get us out of any problem in case of adversity while driving.
What happens if you don’t bring the documentation?
If you are missing any of these documents, you could be fined. The fine varies depending on the type of missing document, and in some cases the vehicle could be immobilized until you can prove you are complying with the regulations.
1.- Immobilization of the vehicle: In certain cases, particularly if you cannot prove that the vehicle is insured or if there is a serious infraction, such as the absence of a technical inspection or important documents, the agent may decide to immobilize the vehicle until ensure that you comply with legal requirements.
2.- Possibility that the agent will let you continue with the vehicle: There are cases where the agent allows the trip to continue despite the absence of certain documents. Of course, provided you prove it with data or by performing a quick process to present it.
