What you need to know about driving during the state of alarm

In the midst of the coronavirus crisis and the harsh restrictions brought on by this extreme situation, we explain everything you need to know about your car during the state of alarm.

For a week now we have been offering plenty of information on all matters related to our car and the state of alarm. We have told you about the procedures that can be carried out online, about the exceptional situations in which you may use the car, and we have also answered the most common questions you have probably asked yourselves about the state of alarm.

Today we bring together all that information and add a few more so that you can learn everything you need to know. The situation caused by COVID-19 is extreme. Experts recommend staying at home, and the Government has made it mandatory. But there are certain situations that remain unclear, either because citizens lack information or because journalists have explained them poorly. Here we clear them up.

Heavy financial penalties

The first thing I want to highlight is the heavy penalties we may face for breaking the rules. Some fines can even lead to prison sentences for disobeying authority with the use of violence. As far as the vehicle is concerned, we must be aware that driving outside the 8 possible situations contemplated in the Royal Decree will result in fines of between €600 and €30,000.

Do I need to carry a certificate?

When we go out in our car, we must be clear that the chances of the police stopping us are high. It is their duty to ask where we are heading in order to control the movement of citizens. Companies that are still operating have created certificates for their employees to deal with these situations.

In principle, there is no need to show it, nor is it strictly mandatory, but it is advisable to carry it with you just in case. For the remaining cases, such as going shopping, visiting an elderly person in our care, or buying petrol, no certificate is required since none exists as such. However, we must keep the receipts from supermarkets, pharmacies or petrol stations so we can justify them on our way home should we be stopped.

Can we travel two in the car?

Yes, but only if it is strictly necessary. We must not leave home, and if we do, it should be on our own. However, the regulations allow us to drive accompanied by someone if that person is an elderly person in our care, a person with a disability, or a minor who needs to be taken somewhere for the corresponding reason.

Only and exclusively on these specific occasions, and if we can avoid it, even better. Furthermore, the Government has recommended that, to maintain safe distance, the passenger travel in the right-hand rear seat. That is, diagonally opposite the driver, to keep as much separation as possible.

My driving licence has expired

The driving licence is an essential document that we must carry whenever we drive, and even when we don’t, since it also serves as an identity document. But if mine expired just before the state of alarm was declared or during this period, there is no need to worry.

Renewing a driving licence is usually an in-person procedure. Therefore, for everyone whose licence has expired since last week and throughout the whole month of quarantine, it will remain valid for 60 days once the state of alarm ends. In other words, when the lockdown is lifted, we will have a two-month period in which we can drive with an expired licence. However, it is advisable to renew it as soon as possible.

My MOT has also expired

There is no need to panic because, just as with the licence, you can drive with an expired MOT. At first the MOT centres were open to customers, but eventually they closed. Appointments booked by drivers will be postponed, so there are no problems.

When the state of alarm ends, MOT centres will call drivers in the order of their previously arranged appointments. So there is nothing to do but wait. If the police were to stop us, it is advisable to carry the proof of our appointment or the previous MOT documentation confirming that the deadline fell within the state of alarm period.

My car insurance is about to expire

The car insurance policy is the only thing that must not expire. Under no circumstances may you drive with expired insurance. Unlike the MOT or licence renewal, insurance can be arranged online. There are many insurance comparison sites to choose from, or the website of the insurer we already have. Once we choose the one we want, everything can be processed by telephone with an operator, so the state of alarm will not affect it. Remember, it must always be in force.

Can I fill up with petrol?

If we can use the car, we can fill up with petrol. The two are directly related. One advantage is that, since demand has been so low lately, the price of fuel is at one of the lowest points in recent years. It is worth taking advantage of this. In addition, during the lockdown period, when we will barely use the car, it is advisable to keep the tank above half full.

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Can I take it to be washed?

No. Washing the car is not an essential need, however much those who treat their cars like children may feel it is. Extreme precautions must be taken, and going to a petrol station to wash our car should be avoided. We could be fined for it. The lowest fine would be €600.