MADRID – It’s usually not something to look forward to, the technical inspection of your car (MOT). In Spain, you undergo this inevitable procedure at an ITV (Inspección Técnico de Vehículos) inspection station. However, there are ways you can handle the inspection easily and quickly.
The fine for driving or parking a vehicle without a valid ITV is €200. Furthermore, it is mandatory for all four-year-old vehicles. However, making this inspection easier is within reach, according to El Motor, the car section of El País, even if you don’t have an appointment. The following tricks will help you get through the ITV check as quickly as possible.
Also read: Nearly 9 million vehicles are being driven in Spain without a valid ITV
What is the best time to have the MOT inspection done?
Knowing when it is quiet at the inspection stations helps to speed up the MOT inspection. There are three main periods in this regard:
- Early in the morning: when the inspection station opens, the activity is not yet hectic and getting a free spot for the first available appointments is easier.
- Early afternoon: at the time when most Spaniards have lunch, the work rhythm is usually quieter. So approximately between 3.00 pm and 5.30 pm in the afternoon.
- At the end of the day: usually, the inspection stations leave a margin between the last appointments and closing time to accommodate any delays. However, this option is the least recommended, because if there is a lot of delay, they may not be able to help vehicles without an appointment.
Make an appointment
To avoid long queues and waiting times at the doors of the official ITV centres, it is advisable to make an appointment in advance to carry out this mechanical security check. Since the corona pandemic, this practice has become commonplace, making the process faster and more efficient for motorists. Nevertheless, you may still have to wait at certain times, even though you have made an appointment.
What do you need for an ITV appointment?
When requesting an ITV appointment by phone or online, you must have the following information ready:
- Type of vehicle (car, motorcycle, truck…)
- Vehicle registration number
- Engine type: Gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric,…
- Type of service: Mandatory inspection or other
- Station where you want to have the ITV
- Date and time of the appointment
- Your credit card if you want to pay in advance
- Required documentation
Once you have access to an official ITV centre you will need to provide the following vehicle documentation:
- Technical inspection card
- Circulation permit
- Technical inspection report (if relevant due to vehicle type)
Since 2008 it is no longer required to present the valid receipt of compulsory insurance in the ITV. Public authorities have access to the FIVA database where all insured vehicles are registered.
The next step is to contact the nearest ITV testing station. You can find this by typing your province and ITV in Google, for example.
The ultimate trick to getting through the MOT inspection quickly
In addition to the point of quietest times, there is another trick. Find the inspection station on Google Maps. Below the location map is the time of day when the most and fewest customers are present, as well as the average time they spend there. With this information, you can better plan the inspection of your vehicle so that it is as efficient as possible.
Avoid the weekend
Normally, Saturday inspection stations have more vehicle crowds, as this is the day off for most motorists. It is therefore advisable to have the inspection take place from Monday to Friday to avoid long waiting times.
Choose an inspection station on the outskirts of the city
When going through the MOT inspection as quickly as possible, the location of the chosen inspection station also plays a role. Inspection stations located in a city tend to be busier, as are those located near office zones. To make this process go more smoothly, it is advisable, if possible, to choose an inspection station on the outskirts of the city.
With these tricks, motorists can go through the MOT inspection faster and thus save time. Knowing the best times, making an appointment, checking Google Maps for crowd information, avoiding the weekend, and choosing an inspection station on the outskirts of the city are all strategies that can contribute to an efficient inspection experience.
Remember that compliance with MOT obligations is essential to ensure road safety and avoid possible fines.
Also read: Large price differences between Spanish regions for car inspection in Spain
