Fines for driving without a licence or with an expired licence

Many drivers think that driving without carrying a driving licence is not a problem, and that carrying an ID card to be identified is enough to avoid a penalty. In reality, checking the ID card number electronically would be enough to find out whether someone holds a valid driving licence or not. But be careful, because in practice this is not how it works.

Among the documents that must be carried mandatorily whenever a vehicle is driven is the driving licence, with all the details correct and the right permit for the type of vehicle being driven. If we did not have it with us and were stopped by a Guardia Civil officer or a Municipal Police officer, we could face a considerable fine.

The driving licence must always be carried

The driving licence is the document that proves we are authorised to drive the vehicle, after passing theory and practical exams that demonstrate the knowledge needed to do so safely. Not carrying it does not mean we do not have one, but it must be held physically at all times so it can be shown to any authority officer who requests it.

The ID card is not a valid document for driving, although it can be used for the corresponding checks. Nor can you drive with an expired licence, since this indicates that the medical and capacity tests required to renew the driving licence have not been passed.

These are the fines faced by anyone who does not carry their driving licence or carries an expired one.

• For not carrying the driving licence: the fine in this case would be very light, only 10 euros.
• For incorrect details on the driving licence: if the details are wrong, such as the place of residence, for example, the fine rises to 80 euros.
• For having an expired driving licence: the fine in this case amounts to 200 euros, the same as driving without a valid MOT (ITV).
• For driving after the driving licence has been withdrawn: this is the most serious case, raising the fine to 500 euros and removing 4 points from the licence.

Documents to always keep in the car

There are several documents that must always be kept in the car, as they prove ownership of the vehicle, that it is permitted to be on the road, and that all necessary procedures are up to date. These are the documents that must be carried in the car by law:

• Driving licence
• Vehicle registration document
• Valid MOT (ITV), with the report of the last inspection.

The insurance policy and the receipt for the latest payment are no longer required for several years, nor is the road tax receipt, but it should be kept in mind that these are necessary items and must always be up to date.