Spain faces a significant road safety challenge, with over 2.5 million “zombie cars” and more than 3 million vehicles lacking a valid ITV (technical inspection).
These issues counteract the effectiveness of road safety measures and reflect systemic problems with vehicle compliance across the country.
Zombie cars and their risks
Zombie cars, vehicles temporarily deregistered but still in use, pose a dual threat. They not only lack valid road tax, insurance, and an ITV but also distort official statistics on Spain’s car fleet. In 2022, over 40,000 vehicles had been temporarily deregistered for more than five years but remained operational. Each month, an additional 11,000 vehicles enter this category, representing 8% of the fleet.
ITV non-compliance with over 3 million offenders
A June 2024 report by Informes Mecánicos revealed that 9.8% of vehicles under 25 years old lack a valid ITV. This translates to over 3 million vehicles, including:
- 6.3% of passenger cars.
- 23.3% of motorcycles.
- 15.8% of other vehicles.
Regions such as Melilla, the Balearic Islands, and Ceuta report the highest rates of ITV non-compliance, with 20.5%, 16.7%, and 16.4% of vehicles, respectively, failing to meet legal requirements. Madrid boasts the lowest rate, with only 7.1% of vehicles non-compliant.
Financial and legal consequences
Driving without a valid ITV can result in fines ranging from €200 to €500. For vehicles with a negative ITV, the fine increases to €500, with no opportunity for discounts for early payment. Additionally, vehicles caught without insurance face fines between €601 and €3,005, and authorities may immobilise them for up to three months.
The role of zombie cars in ITV non-compliance
Zombie cars exacerbate the ITV issue, as many remain uninspected despite being operational. Vehicles in garages or abandoned without deregistration also contribute to the problem, inflating the number of non-compliant vehicles. The overlap between these categories highlights systemic gaps in enforcement and public awareness.
DGT’s efforts to tackle the problem
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has intensified campaigns and roadside checks to address these issues. In 2023 alone, over 130,000 fines were issued for uninsured vehicles, which are often zombie cars. Over the past decade, such vehicles have been involved in 300,000 accidents, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Regional disparities and trends
The data from Informes Mecánicos shows significant regional variation in compliance. Coastal areas and island territories like Melilla and the Balearic Islands see higher rates of ITV and insurance violations. Meanwhile, central and northern regions like Madrid and Navarre demonstrate stronger adherence to regulations.
Addressing the broader challenge
The prevalence of zombie cars and ITV non-compliance reflects deeper issues in Spain’s vehicle management systems. Stricter enforcement, public education campaigns, and technological innovations—such as enhanced digital tracking for temporarily deregistered vehicles—are critical to tackling these problems.
Ensuring safer roads
Both zombie cars and ITV-deficient vehicles undermine road safety and contribute to avoidable accidents. Coordinated efforts between the DGT, regional authorities, and the public will be essential to address these overlapping challenges.