In Catalonia and across Spain, pink temporary number plates are set to appear on roads from 2026. They will not replace the standard white plates with black characters, but will be used to identify vehicles from other European countries that are circulating with temporary registration, according to the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT).
Spain will keep its current number plate system, but will need to adapt to vehicles already using the pink format in other EU states. France, for example, has used pink temporary plates since early 2026 to replace provisional plates.
These plates are designed to mark vehicles that have not yet completed their definitive registration. That makes it easier for authorities to identify them quickly and check whether they are legally allowed to circulate while their paperwork is being completed.
The DGT says it will be able to recognise vehicles with temporary registration immediately, which is important for checking their legal status and whether they meet the requirements for driving in Spanish territory. DGT
The plates apply to vehicles in several situations, including new vehicles waiting for definitive registration, imported cars or vehicles in the process of being registered, vehicles intended for export, and cars undergoing tests or trials. Their arrival is expected to be gradual through 2026, rather than in a single rollout.
For more Catalonia-wide traffic and transport updates, see our news coverage.