State of alarm, coronavirus and the car: everything you need to know

We answer five questions you have probably asked yourself since the state of alarm was declared in Spain.

Since Saturday 14 March, the Government has declared a state of alarm in response to the terrible coronavirus situation. The pandemic is real and this extreme situation has led to us being confined to our homes. As a result, countless activities in all sectors have come to a standstill. The Royal Decree sets out a series of measures that make it impossible for us to go out onto the street except in exceptional circumstances. This leads us to ask ourselves several questions, and here we answer them.

Which car manufacturers have stopped production?

One of the most direct consequences of COVID-19 has been the halt in production by most manufacturers in the automotive world. In Spain, more and more companies are announcing a pause in activity at their factories. Renault, Nissan, VW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz… and countless others.

But not only in Spain, also in Europe. On the old continent, the most premium and prestigious brands have also announced that their workers will not attend production plants. Brands such as Rolls-Royce or Ferrari have been the latest to join. This is a hard blow to the Spanish economy, since the automotive industry is undoubtedly one of the most important in our country.

In what situations can I take the car out?

Although the movement of people on the streets has been restricted, there are several situations in which we may go out onto the street with our car. But they are few and very specific. We may go out in the following cases:

1. To buy food and essential pharmaceutical products.
2. To attend healthcare centres.
3. To travel to our place of work.
4. To return home after any of the situations mentioned above.
5. To care for elderly people.
6. To go to banks to withdraw money or to insurance companies.
7. Due to force majeure or a situation of need.
8. Any other activity of a similar nature, unless accompanying elderly or disabled people.

What fines can I be given if I break the protocol?

Failing to comply with the quarantine rules set out in the Royal Decree will be punished with fines and even possible prison sentences. The Decree provides for four different offences: a crime against public health, a crime against public protection, civil and criminal code. Using the car during the confinement period is covered by the Citizen Security Law.

The fines for using the car will be between €600 and €30,000 depending on the seriousness, disobedience and resistance of the offence. If you have a justified reason falling within the 8 points above, there is nothing to worry about.

Can I take the car for its MOT (ITV)?

The answer is no. But there is no problem, because since MOT appointments have been suspended, the administrative deadlines governing the expiry of the inspection and the consequent penalties are also suspended. To avoid these fines, it is compulsory to carry with us the proof of the appointment we had within the period in which the MOT was suspended.

Once the state of alarm ends, possibly within two weeks to a month, the order of the suspended appointments will be maintained automatically, without each driver needing to book or request the appointment again.

Is there a problem if I don’t move my car for a month?

If we do not use the car for the entire duration of the state of alarm, it is possible that it will be left stationary for a month. It is advisable to go down to the street to start the car even if we don’t move it so that, at the very least, the battery is kept alive and does not go flat by the time we want to use it again.

We also advise that if you go out to buy something or carry out any legal task covered by the permitted cases mentioned above. Because leaving the car stationary for a month can cause very aggressive tyre wear as well as battery discharge.