How to Say "in force" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “in force” is “vigente” — B1 level.
Examples
Mi pasaporte todavía está vigente por dos años más.
My passport is still valid for two more years.
Debemos seguir la normativa vigente para evitar multas.
We must follow the current regulations to avoid fines.
Esa vieja tradición sigue vigente en muchos pueblos rurales.
That old tradition is still in use in many rural towns.
One Form for All
This word ends in 'e,' which means it stays exactly the same whether you are talking about a masculine thing (un contrato) or a feminine thing (una ley).
Use with 'Estar'
We usually use this word with 'estar' because being valid or current is often seen as a status that could change in the future.
The 'Vigenta' Error
Mistake: “La ley vigenta.”
Correction: La ley vigente. Remember that adjectives ending in 'e' don't change to 'a' for feminine words.
Confusing 'Vigente' with 'Legal'
Mistake: “Saying 'vigente' when you just mean something is allowed.”
Correction: Use 'vigente' specifically to say something is *currently* active or hasn't expired yet.
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