Posts in category: Driving in Spain

In Spain, the periodic road worthiness inspection, is the ITV. (Inspeccion Tecnica de Vehiculos – Vehicle Technical Inspection).  Like the UK MoT test, it’s mandatory for all road going vehicles, and driving without a valid ITV can result in fines.

When Does The ITV have to be done?

The frequency of the ITV test depends on the age and type of vehicle.  New cars are first tested after 4 years and must be inspected every 2 years thereafter, until they reach 10 years of age. Any car over 10 years of age has to be tested annually.

Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes are first tested after 5 years, after which the test is due every 2 years. Caravans are first tested at 6 years, after which the test is due every 2 years.

If a vehicle has been involved in a serious accident, it also has to undergo an ITV assessment after being repaired, to confirm its road worthiness.

In Spain all vehicles are subject to regular safety checks through a road worthiness test, known as the ITV, Inspecciòn Tècnica de Vehiculos, – Vehicle Technical Inspection.

New cars are tested after 4 years, and are then required to be inspected every 2 years until the car is 10 years old.

New mopeds, quads, and motorcycles are tested after 5 years, and then every 2 years until they reach 10 years.

Any vehicle over 10 years is required to be inspected and tested every year.

All vehicles being imported to Spain are also subject to an initial special inspection before the vehicle can be registered in Spain.  This inspection has a few more checks, as along with roadworthiness, the technicians are checking that the vehicle conforms with standards.

Before undergoing the technical inspection of your vehicle, you should carry out some basic checks that can prevent the result from being unfavorable.  The list below covers the standard test and as well as the extended import inspection.