Lorraine Williamson
Every year, millions of drivers across Spain face the same appointment: the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos). Comparable to the UK’s MOT, this mandatory inspection decides whether a vehicle is safe and environmentally fit for the road.
Yet despite its importance, more than 2.5 million vehicles in Spain are currently out of date, according to figures reported by InSpain.news. These so-called “zombie cars” risk fines, accidents, and higher pollution levels—making the ITV far more than a bureaucratic formality.
Booking and arrival
Unlike in some other countries, ITV centres in Spain are dedicated exclusively to testing and do not carry out repairs. Drivers must book an appointment and present the car themselves or authorise a representative. On arrival, staff check essential documents: the vehicle registration certificate, ITV card, valid insurance (required in most regions), and personal ID such as a driving licence. Inspectors verify that the chassis number and licence plate match the paperwork before the physical checks begin.
Inside the inspection lane
The process is methodical and transparent. Drivers remain in the vehicle and follow instructions as the car moves through a series of test stations. Technicians scrutinise bodywork for dangerous rust or damage. They ensure doors, windows and seat belts work correctly, and test the horn, wipers and instrument panel. All exterior lights—headlamps, indicators, brake and fog lights—must function, and headlight alignment is carefully measured.
Emissions are a key focus. Special equipment analyses exhaust gases to ensure they fall within legal limits. Modern vehicles also undergo an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scan to detect hidden engine faults. Brakes are tested on a rolling bench for stopping power and balance, while tyres must show at least 1.6 mm tread without cracks or bulges. Suspension, steering, engine mounts, hoses and transmission receive a thorough visual check to spot leaks or wear.
Results and the ITV sticker
If the vehicle passes, drivers receive a report and the distinctive coloured ITV sticker (pegatina) to display on the windscreen, indicating the expiry month and year. Police and the DGT (Spain’s traffic authority) use this sticker to confirm compliance at a glance.
Failure brings three possible outcomes. A defecto leve notes a minor fault but still allows the car to circulate. A desfavorable result means serious defects: the driver has 60 days to repair and return, and the car may not be used until it passes. A negativa ruling is the most severe, prohibiting the car from being driven at all and usually requiring a tow to a garage.
Why compliance matters
Beyond avoiding fines, the ITV exists to reduce accidents and emissions. Spain’s road network is extensive, and climate targets demand stricter pollution controls. Skipping or delaying inspections puts drivers, passengers and other road users at risk and contributes to poor air quality—an issue that already challenges major cities.
Maximising your chances of passing
A few simple steps can prevent rejection. Check all lights, keep tyres inflated and within legal tread limits, and warm up the engine beforehand to stabilise emissions. Many drivers schedule a pre-ITV check with a trusted garage to catch problems early, an investment that often saves time and stress.
Safer roads, cleaner air
The ITV may feel like an annual nuisance, but it is a cornerstone of Spain’s road-safety strategy. With millions of cars still dodging inspection, staying compliant is not just about avoiding a fine—it is about protecting lives and the environment. A small sticker on the windscreen signals something much larger: that your vehicle is fit for the road and part of a collective effort to keep Spain’s highways safe and its skies cleaner.
Source: El Periodico