DGT Urges Drivers to Finalize Used Car Transfers Within 30 Days to Avoid Fines
Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic reminds motorists that failing to officially register a used car transfer within 30 days can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and ongoing legal liability for the seller.
When buying or selling a used car in Spain, legal certainty depends on how carefully you handle the transfer. As the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) recently reminded the public, the sale isn't finished once the keys are handed over and the contract is signed. You must update the Vehicle Registry immediately to avoid tax and administrative issues for both the buyer and the seller.
By law, you have 30 calendar days from the date of the sale to finalize the transfer at a provincial traffic office. If you miss this deadline, you face a 200-euro fine, and authorities have the power to impound the vehicle. This rule exists to keep the vehicle registry accurate, ensuring the previous owner is no longer held responsible for traffic fines, legal notices, or vehicle taxes.
Beyond the legal requirement—which costs 55.70 euros for cars and 27.85 euros for mopeds—experts recommend checking the vehicle’s history before you buy. Reviewing this report is essential to spot any outstanding debts, seizures, or financial issues that could block the transfer or affect your ownership.
Failing to update the registry often leads to complicated legal disputes, especially when traffic fines cannot be delivered to the correct person. To protect yourself, always verify the vehicle’s history and complete the change of ownership as quickly as possible. This ensures the new owner is officially and legally responsible for the vehicle from the moment the sale is complete.