Lorraine Williamson
The cost of the mandatory Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV) in Spain varies significantly depending on the region. A report by the Spanish consumer organisation FACUA reveals that inspection fees for petrol and diesel vehicles can more than double between locations, highlighting stark regional disparities.
Having a valid ITV certificate is not just a legal obligation but also essential for road safety. The inspection ensures that your vehicle meets environmental standards and is mechanically safe to drive. Failing to maintain a valid ITV (MOT) can result in fines ranging from €200 to €500, depending on the circumstances.
Also read: MOT process for your Spanish vehicle
Additionally, driving without a valid ITV can have serious consequences for your car insurance. Most insurers will refuse to cover claims if your vehicle is found to lack a valid inspection at the time of an accident. This applies to both third-party liability and comprehensive coverage, leaving you financially responsible for damages. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses, especially in the event of a serious accident.
Regional disparities in ITV costs
In the Madrid Municipality, where ITV services are liberalised, inspection stations can set their own prices without regional oversight. Diesel vehicle owners here face the highest rates in Spain, at €66.02 per inspection. Meanwhile, petrol car inspections are most expensive in the Basque Country, costing €52.68.
The inspection process itself is uniform across Spain, carried out at independent stations, which may be publicly or privately operated. These stations are bound by national legislation, ensuring the same tests and requirements regardless of location.
Average ITV costs in 2024
Spain’s 17 autonomous communities set their own ITV rates, leading to significant price differences. The national average for a petrol car inspection is €39.29, marking a 10.5% rise from 2023. For diesel vehicles, the average cost is €47.12, up 9.3% from the previous year.
Key regional changes in pricing
- Extremadura: Prices have surged due to the removal of a 50% discount offered in 2023.
- Murcia: The closure of the region’s only public inspection station has left only private operators, driving prices up.
ITV costs by vehicle type
Petrol cars
- Cheapest: Mallorca offers the lowest rate at €17.01, set by the island government.
- Moderate: In Andalucia, costs for vehicles under 1,600 cc are €29.10.
- Highest: In Extremadura, public stations charge €29.25, while private stations can reach €42.48.
Diesel cars
- Cheapest: Extremadura (€29.25 at public stations) and Mallorca (€30.92).
- Highest: Madrid tops the list at €66.02, followed by Ceuta (€59.48) and Cantabria (€55.24).
Motorcycles
- Rates also vary widely, from €10.21 in Mallorca to €49.11 in Madrid Municipality.
Price changes from 2023
FACUA’s study found that two-thirds of ITV rates have increased compared to 2023. The steepest rise occurred in Extremadura, where prices soared by 128.6% after the discount ended. Murcia experienced a 33.4% hike, attributed to the shift to private operations.
Impact of liberalised markets
Madrid and Murcia exemplify the effects of liberalised ITV services. In these regions, prices are not regulated, and private operators set their own rates. Some companies offer discounts, such as reduced fees for online bookings or off-peak appointments, but these are not included in the FACUA report due to their variability.
- Madrid municipality: Average costs for petrol cars (€52.50) and diesel cars (€66.02) exceed the national average by 33.6% and 40.1%, respectively.
- Murcia: Costs for petrol cars have risen by 4.5% to €41.10, while diesel rates have increased marginally to €53.74.
Public vs Private ITV Operations
Regions with a mix of public and private ITV stations often show price disparities. Public stations typically avoid VAT, while private operators are required to include it. For example:
- Extremadura: Public stations are significantly cheaper than private ones.
- Mallorca: The island government has directly managed ITV services since 2020, resulting in lower prices.
In Valencia, ITV operations reverted to public management in 2022 after 25 years of private sector concessions.
It pays to check ITV costs
All vehicle owners in Spain must undergo regular ITV checks, but the costs vary greatly depending on location. Since the tests and standards are identical at every station, it pays to research prices and explore potential discounts. Keeping your ITV up to date not only ensures compliance with the law but also protects your insurance coverage and keeps you safe on the road.
Also read: More than 3 million vehicles are being driven in Spain without ITV