Vehicle Technical Inspection in Spain

Spain by car? Of course! Spain is a great country to travel by car. Its road network is in good condition and there are areas that are difficult to reach if you don't have a car. But, having a car requires a number of things. One of them is to have it always ready to go out on the road. And for that, Vehicle Technical Inspection is essential. Are you ready?

We’re all familiar with the dreaded annual MOT for vehicles in the UK, and the panic that sets in beforehand when we’re not sure if the car we’ve been handed down by a relative or the second-hand wagon we’ve bought off a stranger will even pass the test. Guess what, folks? The bad news is that more or less the same is required in Spain. If you’re not clued up on the ins and outs of the Vehicle Technical Inspection (ITV), check out our post below.

What exactly does the Vehicle Technical Inspection entail?

The ITV is a preventive maintenance test required by law in which a vehicle is inspected periodically by a certified mechanic, who verifies compliance with the applicable safety regulations and emissions standards. The mechanic checks the registration plate and chassis number against the documentation you provide, before assessing the exterior condition of the vehicle: the bodywork, windshield, and so on. He or she then moves on to a crucial section of the test - safety. This involves assessing the brakes, lights, suspension, tyres and so forth. The final stage involves making sure that the vehicle does not exceed the levels of emissions set out in European Directives.

When am I required to undergo a Vehicle Technical Inspection in Spain?

This all depends on the type and age of the vehicle you own. By way of illustration, a standard car that is under four years old is exempt from undergoing the ITV test. This means that during this period, you do not need to worry about scheduling an inspection, as the car is still considered new and in good condition. However, once it reaches the four-year mark, the requirements change. When it is between four and ten years old, it must undergo the test every two years. This biannual inspection ensures that the vehicle remains in a safe and roadworthy condition, identifying any mechanical issues that may have developed over time.

Lastly, if it is over ten years old, unfortunately, the law stipulates that it must pass the test annually to prove its roadworthiness and, therefore, ensure the safety of you and others on the road. Older vehicles tend to experience more wear and tear, which is why authorities require more frequent inspections to minimize potential hazards.

This same structure, i.e., differentiating between age, also applies to other types of vehicles. Motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks follow similar guidelines but with specific differences in testing frequency. Further information on the frequency at which your vehicle must undergo the ITV in Spain can be found by consulting official sources or visiting an authorized ITV station near you.

Where do I have to take my vehicle for the inspection?

There are hundreds of certified testing centres across Spain, which are essentially mechanics/garages that have obtained the relevant accreditation. The autonomous regions in Spain have devolved powers insofar as the Vehicle Technical Inspection is concerned, so prices may vary. To find your nearest testing centre, visit the website for your regional government where a list of certified centres can be found. Or, if you prefer, you can check by province. 

How much does the ITV cost?

As mentioned in the previous section, the cost of the inspection varies from region to region and obviously depends on the type of vehicle you own. Each autonomous community in Spain sets its own pricing structure, meaning that the cost of the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) can differ significantly depending on where you take your vehicle for the test. Additionally, prices can fluctuate based on whether your vehicle runs on petrol, diesel, or is electric, as well as whether it is a motorcycle, car, or a larger commercial vehicle.

To get an idea of prices, consult the individual garage or ITV centre where you plan to take your vehicle. Many centres have online platforms where you can check their fees in advance and even book an appointment to avoid long waiting times. In some cases, discounts or promotions may be available, especially if you book in advance or use certain payment methods.

It's also important to remember that failing the ITV can lead to additional costs, as you will need to pay for a reinspection after addressing the necessary repairs. Keeping your vehicle in good condition beforehand can help minimize expenses and ensure a smooth, hassle-free process.

What documentation is required?

• ID: Passport/NIE/DNI
• Vehicle registration document
•  Technical data sheet from last ITV passed, if applicable
• Certification of obligatory insurance. Don’t forget that you must bring proof of payment of the vehicle insurance.
  

What are the different results of the test?

There are four possible outcomes of the technical inspection:
•    Favourable with no faults
•    Favourable with minor faults
•    Unfavourable
•    Fail

It is important to bear in mind that if your vehicle obtains an unfavourable or fail, driving will not be permitted. You will then have one month to return to the testing centre to repeat the test, having fixed all of the previously detected faults.

And this is where Caser Seguros comes in: if your vehicle passes the test, you will have to take out at least the compulsory insurance. But don't worry, at Caser we speak your language. Click here and discover the different car insurance plans available at Caser. In this link you will find all the necessary information such as coverage and rates, but if you need more information, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you. And if you want to know prices and be able to compare, here is the link to our price calculator, where you can get a quote in just one minute.

Spain is a great country to drive around. Full of charming villages, interesting corners and roads with sea views. So, our advice is to get your car ready to go and enjoy every kilometre.