Vehicle inspection in Spain Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV)
In Spain, the technical inspection of vehicles, known as the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV), is a mandatory procedure to ensure road safety and compliance with environmental standards. The procedure, cost and organizations that carry out the inspection may vary depending on the autonomous community.
Frequency of passing the ITV vehicle inspection in Spain:
- New cars (up to 4 years old): exempt from technical inspection.
- Cars from 4 to 10 years old: The review is conducted every two years.
- Cars over 10 years old: The inspection must be carried out annually.
The procedure for passing the technical inspection:
- Appointment for inspection:
- You must book an inspection in advance, which can be done online through the official ITV station websites or by phone.
- Required documents:
- Technical inspection card (Tarjeta ITV).
- Vehicle Operation Permit (Permiso de Circulación).
- A valid insurance policy.
- Document proving the identity of the owner (for example, DNI or NIE).
- Review process:
- External examination: checking the condition of the body, mirrors, wipers and lighting.
- Internal review: checking the operation of seat belts, horn, speedometer and other devices.
- Technical review: assessment of the condition of the brake system, suspension, steering and exhaust system.
- Environmental control: measuring the level of emissions of CO₂ and other harmful substances.
- Review results:
- Positive result: a new ITV sticker is issued which should be placed on the windscreen.
- Negative result: The owner is provided with a list of faults that must be fixed within the specified time for re-inspection.
Inspection cost:
The cost of the ITV varies depending on the autonomous community and the type of vehicle. In general, prices range from 20 to 60 euros. For example, for petrol cars, the lowest prices are observed in Extremadura (around 18 euros) and the Balearic Islands (around 21 euros). For diesel cars, prices are also lowest in Extremadura (around 18 euros), while the highest are in Ceuta (around 63 euros) and the Basque Country (around 57 euros).
Organizations conducting technical inspections:
The technical inspection is carried out by ITV accredited stations, which can be either public or private, depending on the autonomous community. For example, in Catalonia most stations are private, while in other regions they can be public or mixed. It is recommended to contact official or authorized stations to undergo the inspection.
Tips for successful completion ITV:
- Preliminary check: Before the inspection, make sure that all vehicle systems are in good working order, especially the lighting, brakes, and tires.
- Car cleanliness: A clean vehicle makes a better impression and makes the inspectors' job easier.
- Timeliness: Do not postpone the technical inspection until the last moment to avoid late fees.
Following these recommendations will help you pass your vehicle inspection without any problems and ensure the safe operation of your vehicle on Spanish roads.