ITV Vehicle Roadworthiness in Spain

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ITV Vehicle Roadworthiness in Spain

The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is the roadworthiness test of a motor vehicle in Spain. It is the equivalent of an MOT in the UK. 

ITV tests are compulsory and may only be undertaken by an authorised garage. The test exists to ensure that the vehicle is not a hazard on the road. It is compulsory for a vehicle in use to be roadworthy. 

• All cars are first tested after four years and must be inspected and tested every two years thereafter until the age of 10
• A car over 10 years of age must be tested annually
• Motorcycles are first tested after four years, after which the test is due every two years

If a vehicle has been involved in a serious accident, it should undergo an ITV test after repair to establish whether the repair has been carried out correctly.

Taking the ITV Test

• Find an authorised testing centre on the website of the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico): Click here and then select a province

The vehicle's registration document (permiso de circulación) must be taken to the testing centre.

Vehicles are tested to ensure the following things are in proper working order:

• tyre tread
• lights
• emissions 
• shock absorbers 
• brakes
• wheel alignment 

Cars will also be checked for the condition of the bodywork and mirrors, windscreen and wipers. For example if a door cannot open it may be considered a safety violation.

Failing the Test

If a vehicle fails the test, the owner is issued a paper listing the faults. Repairs must be done within 15 days and then the vehicle should be re-entered for a second examination. 

Passing the Test

An ITV card details the results of each test undertaken, and a certificate is issued as proof of roadworthiness. The certificate must be displayed in the top right hand corner of the windscreen. It shows the month and year of the next test due. 

Not displaying the ITV certificate, or driving without a valid ITV can incur severe fines.

Foreign Vehicles

Vehicle roadworthiness is not transferable across the EU countries. A car imported into Spain must pass the Spanish ITV test before it can be registered in Spain; likewise, the ITV of an an exported Spanish registered car will not be valid in another country.

Further Information

• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on the Green Card System
• AngloINFO INFOmation page on Driving in Spain
• AngloINFO INFOmation page on Buying & Selling a Car in Spain
• AngloINFO INFOmation page on Accidents & Vehicle Insurance in Spain