Two British expats, who relocated from the UK to Spain in 2019, have voiced their astonishment at some of the country’s unexpected regulations. Barry and Jacqueline, a married couple, have been living in Villamartin, situated in the municipality of Orihuela, in the province of Alicante, for six years, having uprooted their lives from Essex. Upon settling into their new home, they were taken aback to discover that washing or fixing vehicles in public spaces in many municipalities could lead to a substantial fine. While they’ve fortunately not been caught out by this rule, they feel it’s crucial for other expats and visitors to be informed. Jacqueline commented: “The car washing rule took my husband and I by surprise, we were thankfully warned about it before falling victim to a fine ourselves, but more people should know about it.” Shaun Matthews, who operates his YouTube Channel Expat in Mazarro虂n, confirmed that you can receive a “heavy fine” if caught out. Responding to followers who queried the rule last year, he stated: “I don’t know why, but yeah you can’t wash your car in the street. “If you get caught washing your car in the street, you can get a heavy fine.” When asked whether it was acceptable to wash cars on private property, he insisted this should be fine, though cautioned those doing so to be “weary” of water spilling onto the street. To sidestep this risk, he suggests drivers opting for a car wash facility instead, noting that some in his area charge as little as three euros. As per Article 4.2 of the Reglamento General de Circulacio虂n, it’s forbidden to “throw, deposit or abandon substances on public roads that can obstruct traffic, create danger, or damage infrastructure”. This reportedly includes water, soap, and dirt from washing cars, as stated by CarInsuranceSpain.Es. The site also indicates that fines can fluctuate based on the municipality, ranging from 鈧30 (approximately 拢25) in smaller towns, to a staggering 鈧3,000 (around 拢2,563) in major cities. This isn’t the only peculiar regulation that has left the couple gobsmacked after their move to Spain. Spain has laws and regulations concerning noise, which can vary by autonomous community or municipality. Common quiet hours are typically from 10pm to 8am on weekdays, and this is usually extended to 11pm or midnight on weekends and holidays. While these rules may seem reasonable, certain Spanish towns, including where the couple live, adhere to an ‘afternoon siesta time’, imposing a noise restriction around 2pm to 4pm. Sharing his encounter with this apparent rule, Barry shared: “It happens a lot over here. We were at a 89th birthday party in a pub, we were sitting outside on the terrace. It was about 6pm and the police turned up, checking the music licence for the pub. “The music was deemed too loud, so it went off at 6pm. If there is a bit of noise in the pub, they are straight round. No one argues with the police, there is no debate when they tell you to do something. They don’t like noise. “Our neighbour lived in Torrevieja and his wife was hoovering in the afternoon, and his Spanish neighbour banged on his door and told him to stop.” A common question every summer among drivers in Spain is whether or not it is against the law to drive a vehicle in flip flops. While driving in this type of footwear isn’t specifically illegal, it’s advised to wear shoes you can control a car in at all times. According to Spanish news site SUR, the Guardia Civil has stated: “It is not specifically forbidden to drive with flip flops, but you can be penalised for not being able to maintain freedom of movement to control the pedals well.” Barry suggests: “I would avoid driving in flip flops to avoid any hassle and fines.” Barry says smoking and vaping has been banned on some beaches, but not all. Jacqueline added: “The rules vary depending on the place, I have previously been told to move into a smoking area while vaping. There are some terraces and areas designated for smokers and vapers outside, but neither are allowed inside.” Spain is steadily clamping down on vaping and smoking in public places, including eateries’ terraces and beaches, under a fresh Government scheme. Those flouting the rules risk coughing up a 鈧200 (about 拢171) fine. Vaping indoors at public settings like bars or restaurants might slap you with heftier fines of up to 500 euros (approximately 拢420). Spain’s Health Ministry has highlighted these changes as part of a comprehensive three-year strategy applicable across its 17 autonomous communities. Be sure to keep an eye out for local signage indicating if a beach is a 鈥減laya sin humo鈥 (smoke-free zone). Typically, local councils will make it clear whether smoking or vaping is permitted on their beaches. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warns: “You cannot drink alcohol in the street in some areas of Spain. You can be given an on-the-spot fine. There are strict controls on drinking and sexual activity in public places, including on beaches.” Barry emphasised the importance of also being conscious of Spanish drink-driving laws, noting their significant difference from those in the UK. “It’s virtually nil mgs, they wanted it nil but then realised that people use alcohol for cooking, so it couldn’t be nil,” he explained. “Residency after five years can be extended to 10 years if you have behaved yourself,” Barry says. Spain has updated its residency requirements for UK citizens post-Brexit. As detailed on Gov.UK, from 6 July 2020, UK nationals residing in Spain, with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, must apply for the new Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE). This identification states that it has been issued to the holder under the terms of the agreement. All UK residents settled in Spain before the turn of the year, 1 January 2021, are entitled to this document. Europa.EU states that EU citizens gain automatic permanent resident status in another EU nation following legal residence for five consecutive years. Once eligible, you have the right to request permanent residency, cementing your entitlement to stay indefinitely without any conditions, though this is not mandatory unlike the registration certificate.