A Cuban citizen was apprehended in Galicia, Spain, for driving without the proper license. The individual explained that at the time of his detention, he did not have the original document, as it had been previously confiscated by the Local Police.
Determined to prove his innocence, the Cuban appeared before the Ourense courts, rejecting a plea deal that would have required him to admit guilt. La Región reported that the man was stopped on December 1, 2023, by the Civil Guard on the A-52 highway, driving a vehicle without having obtained the necessary official permit.
The accused stated in Penal Court 1 that he possessed a Cuban driver's license. However, the document is only valid for driving in Spain during the first six months of his stay in the country. The Cuban declared that he had arrived in Spain between July and August of that year, thus falling within the permitted timeframe. He explained that he could not present the license to the officers at the time of detention because it had been taken days earlier for verification of its authenticity.
The Civil Guard officers consulted the Local Police about the status of the accused's permit upon his detention. Initially, they were told that the document was not in their possession, but days later, its confiscation was confirmed.
Given this confusion and the authenticity of the Cuban driver's license, the defense attorney requested an acquittal for his client. In Spain, driving without a license is one of the most severe infractions, punishable by fines up to €6,000 and prison sentences of up to six months.
The protagonist of this story narrowly escaped serious consequences, as the Cuban saying goes, "by the skin of his teeth."
FAQs on Driving Without a License in Spain
Here are some frequently asked questions about the legal implications of driving without a license in Spain and related issues.
What are the penalties for driving without a license in Spain?
Penalties include fines up to €6,000 and prison sentences of up to six months.
Is a Cuban driver's license valid in Spain?
A Cuban driver's license is valid in Spain for the first six months of the holder's stay in the country.
What should I do if my license is confiscated by the police?
You should cooperate with the authorities and seek legal counsel to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.