Embargo

What is an Embargo on a vehicle?

An embargo is a maker or indicator of debt on an asset, in this case a vehicle, it can be put in place by the by a court, Spanish Social Security system, Tax Agency SUMA, Town hall, Traffic authorities and other official agencies. The result of an unresolved embargo could result in the seizure of the vehicle in question.

Let’s say for example that we have one or more traffic fines pending payment, the town hall or DGT Traffic department will try to charge the pending amount from our bank account. In the event of insufficient funds or impossibility of charging the pending amount, an embargo annotation on the vehicle is very probable or almost certain.

What does an embargo mean for you, THE OWNER, what can you still do with the vehicle?

• You can still drive it legally, in Spain or abroad.
• Police won’t stop you for this reason as it’s completely legal to drive a car with embargo.
• You can still insure the vehicle.
• You can still pass ITV tests.
• You can still sell or transfer the vehicle.

(BUT: The DGT Traffic department and owner must inform the new buyer of the embargo on the vehicle, being necessary to sign a document according to which the new owner is aware of the embargo.)

• Wow can I remove this embargo? We recommend contacting a local “Gestoría” office that can handle this for you, in some cases it’s as simple as finding out and paying unpaid fines and in other cases it can be much more complicated.
• As an extra point of information; An embargo usually expires after 4 years but can be extended without any notice.

What does an embargo mean for you, THE BUYER, can you buy a car with embargo?

• Yes, you can buy a car with embargo but unless you are a company or an entity that has experience and is fully aware of the situation IT’S HIGHLY UNRECOMMENDED TO BUY A CAR WITH AN EMBARGO OR PRECINTO, the worst consequences could still be the seizure the vehicle in question by the authorities, in the event of wanting to go ahead with the purchase the DGT Traffic department and owner must inform you of the embargo on the vehicle, being necessary to sign a document according to which you the owner are aware of the embargo, the sale of a vehicle without the owner informing the buyer of the embargo is illegal and punishable.

If you want to find out if a vehicle has an embargo or seizure, ENTER YOU REG and request a COMPLETE official DGT traffic department REPORT below.

Precinto

What is a “Precinto” (Precinct / Seizure) of a vehicle?

The function of the Precinto (Seizure) of a vehicle is to prevent its legitimate owner from accessing or using the asset.

The vast majority of seizures are administrative and issued by Spanish local councils for a prolonged non-payment of the IVTM tax. In this case, we will be able to find out this information with a COMPLETE official DGT traffic department REPORT.

In some cases, the Seizure can be of judicial type, judicial precinct or seizure is one ordered by a court such as in the case of an investigation.