Hi all

I received this email this week and Brian kindly replied to Andrew with a copy to me so for your information I have posted it both on the website under driving in Spain and here on the forum you will note that the new book, the 3rd edition is out this week and to order your copy you just need to look on Brians website and follow the instructions if you drive in Spain you should not be without a copy of theis book!!

Hi, is it possible to import a new rhd van/commercial vehicle into spain.I know holland,france and germany use rhd delivery vans.My company is a spanish registered company but I have a new rhd van in the uk.

Many thanks Andrew Waite

Dear Mr Waite,

Sharon has passed your enquiry to me. More details of why are in my web-site and the link is below.

To clarify the term RH drive, I am assuming that this means that the steering wheel is on the left-hand side as are 99,9% of vehicles in Spain. I write this because some people get confused on this point.

From November 1st 2007, ALL used commercial vehicles and this includes trucks, buses and motor-caravans, will not be accepted for re-registration in Spain due to exhaust pollution reasons. For some years now, people have been importing used vehicles from places such as Germany where the used values are less than here, and in some cases with motor-homes, they have been 10 - 15 years old. Also, often it has been because they were moving here.

It is possible if the vehicle is less than six months old, to apply but advisable to check beforehand as these working vehicles do high mileages and may not pass a pollution test check at the ITV station. It is not only the actual pollution but the old design stage of the engine and exhaust with particulate filters now being normal on new vehicles.

You may ask Jaime at vehicleregist@hotmail.com or phone 616-673-556 or 952 59 35 00. Jaime is based in Fuengirola, Malaga and has been attending to these matters since 1997, and has valuable contacts at Trafico. He speaks fluent English.

As you have just arrived, may I suggest that you obtain a copy of my book, Motoring in Spain, which contains this information as well as 288 pages of other legal and important driving advice, all in English.

The Third Edition is about to be issued (at the printers now) and can be obtained later next week (to allow for delivery times) from one of the bookshops listed in my web-site at (click) www.spainvia.com/bookshopslist.htm. The suggested selling price is Euro 22, 95.

Regards / atentamente

Brian J Deller, author and publisher/ autor e editor
Tel. (0034) 952 83 49 93 OR (0034) 666-888-870 (Mobile)
Marbella, Spain.
Driving in Spain? You need the new (November 2007)book "Motoring in Spain" THIRD EDITION (ISBN No. 978-84-611-9278-6): all the Laws, road signs and extensive advice on owning and driving a car or motorcycle in Spain. Please go to www.spainvia.com/motoringinspain.htm for more details.

Subject: Re: From Brian Deller Motoring in Spain.

Hi Brian,thanks for your info and I will endeavor to pass on your website etc to anyone who needs driving info.The vehicle I was refering to is a uk spec,steering wheel on the right,2 months old van,to the max weight of 6.5 tonnes.I have been in spain for 5 years and now I am moving my whole company to spain ,I would like to bring this truck with me to use over here,but I cannot find that definative answer of wether I can import it or indeed if I can use it here on uk plates (being in europe etc).

Thanks for your valuable time Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Steering wheel on the right alone is enough to disqualify the vehicle and has been for several years. It is to do with danger when pulling out from the curb and so on. Sorry but you need to sell it in the UK. Private vehicles may be used here for up to 182 days in any calendar year with certain restrictions, but commercials are only allowed here working only for 30 days to deliver from outside of Spain or to deliver back outside. It is the same throughout Europe.

You will have to buy a used or new one here or a new one in the UK with a LH steer-wheel and register it here. Better to buy here for warranty etc.

As I have said, my book has much more information and I am collecting the new Third Edition from the printers tonight. For Euro 22, 95 like all others who have thanked me in the past for writing it, I am sure you will find it invaluable.

Where do you live or are you based?

Regs.

Brian Deller
edited by Shar on 19/11/2007