M.o.t. And insurance
Apr 21st 2017, 10:06 am
#16
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Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Hampshire UK
Posts: 302
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
You must pay road tax (or rather VED as it is now called) and your insurance. If not expect a fine from DVLA waiting for you on your return. If you have a passenger(?) you need to carry two vests, triangles and spare bulbs. AA and RAC have excellent guides on what is required and recommended for motorists travelling abroad.
Apr 21st 2017, 1:16 pm
#17
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Granada Costa
Posts: 10,898
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
According to the AA the requirement for spare bulbs in France is a recommendation and is not compulsory. It is impossible to change bulbs in some headlights, such as LED headlights.
In Spain, although two triangles are mandatory, that applies to Spanish cars, others can carry one, but again, it is recommended that you carry two.
In Spain, although two triangles are mandatory, that applies to Spanish cars, others can carry one, but again, it is recommended that you carry two.
Apr 21st 2017, 1:37 pm
#18
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Posts: 4,944
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
According to the AA the requirement for spare bulbs in France is a recommendation and is not compulsory. It is impossible to change bulbs in some headlights, such as LED headlights.
In Spain, although two triangles are mandatory, that applies to Spanish cars, others can carry one, but again, it is recommended that you carry two.
In Spain, although two triangles are mandatory, that applies to Spanish cars, others can carry one, but again, it is recommended that you carry two.
It is not compulsory to carry a jack, spare wheel or puncture repair kit either
Apr 21st 2017, 2:58 pm
#19
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Granada Costa
Posts: 10,898
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
It is compulsory in Spain, either to have a spare wheel or a means of repairing the tyre - usually one of these sealing kits.
I carry a set of normal bulbs, but not headlight bulbs as they are LED and the only option with a failure is a workshop and lots of money!
I carry a set of normal bulbs, but not headlight bulbs as they are LED and the only option with a failure is a workshop and lots of money!
Apr 22nd 2017, 6:12 am
#20
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,944
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
OP should consider what items are sensible to carry not merely those which are compulsory and I am pleased to note you have now acknowledged that it is sensible to carry a spare set of bulbs.
Last edited by missile; Apr 22nd 2017 at 7:04 am.
Apr 22nd 2017, 7:01 am
#21
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Granada Costa
Posts: 10,898
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
There are many "sensible" options, but they are not necessarily mandatory.
Apr 22nd 2017, 7:06 am
#22
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,944
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
The AA have a caveat to their advice
1) The list above is not an exhaustive list of compulsory items. Compulsory or required items could vary or change and fines may be imposed for failure to carry compulsory items. Please do check the latest motoring laws in the countries you are visiting before you visit.
Universal Bulb Kit (compact). Contains All 3 halogens 1 X H1, 1 x H4 (472), H7 (499). Includes selection of bulbs and fuses
Last edited by missile; Apr 22nd 2017 at 7:19 am.
Apr 22nd 2017, 7:27 am
#23
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Granada Costa
Posts: 10,898
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
To be fair to the motoring organisations, it must be difficult to keep up with changes (often not publicised) over 40 countries. It's difficult enough if you live there!
The only safe solution is to carry everything, including a yellow vest for the dog!
The only safe solution is to carry everything, including a yellow vest for the dog!
Apr 24th 2017, 2:44 pm
#24
Looking to Live in Spain
Joined: Feb 2017
Location: Somerset
Posts: 20
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
The Road Tax can be renewed by the Gov.org site.
Apr 24th 2017, 2:46 pm
#25
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Apr 24th 2017, 10:41 pm
#27
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2012
Location: London UK
Posts: 135
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
Surely you don't need UK road tax once abroad. Can't you just SORN it once outside the UK and retax it from abroad just before you return?
Apr 25th 2017, 1:42 am
#28
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Joined: Dec 2013
Location: Consolacion,Cebu
Posts: 1,931
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
If you become resident, then your vehicle usually has to meet the requirements of your residence country so can mean changing headlights/ Speedometer etc.
Apr 25th 2017, 5:21 am
#29
Looking to Live in Spain
Joined: Feb 2017
Location: Somerset
Posts: 20
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
Is it possible to stay in Spain without becoming a resident but live there full time?
Apr 25th 2017, 5:23 am
#30
Looking to Live in Spain
Joined: Feb 2017
Location: Somerset
Posts: 20
Re: M.o.t. And insurance
If you are in country as a visitor, then under european law your vehicle must meet the legal requirements of the country of registration.That's why you have to return to UK each year to get new MOT - assuming you can get long term visitor insurance. If you SORN your vehicle you cannot drive it on public roads other than to a pre-arranged appointment at an MOT centre. Your UK insurance would also be invalid as you have to advise your insurance company that the vehicle has been SORN'd.
If you become resident, then your vehicle usually has to meet the requirements of your residence country so can mean changing headlights/ Speedometer etc.
If you become resident, then your vehicle usually has to meet the requirements of your residence country so can mean changing headlights/ Speedometer etc.