ITV Spain is cracking down in 2026, on these six car defects that you may have overlooked.

Many drivers in Spain prepare their vehicles for the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) inspection with plenty of confidence, yet certain surprising defects continue to cause failures year after year. As 2026 begins, stricter checks on safety and emissions remain in focus, according to data from the Asociación Española de Entidades Colaboradoras de la Administración en la Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (AECA-ITV). In 2026, technicians will pay more attention to small problems that drivers often miss during the mandatory vehicle inspection.

Preparation is key to avoiding unfavourable outcomes, repeated visits and possible fines. Drivers should inspect key areas before booking an appointment or check their trusted local garage has dotted all the ‘I’s and all the ‘T’s – many don’t. The guidelines are based on the idea that prevention is key to improving road safety and reducing environmental impact.

Faulty lighting systems and signalling

ITV inspections reveal that burned-out bulbs are among the most common causes of serious defects. Inspectors will look for problems with rear position lights, brake and fog lights, license plate illumination, indicators and other lights. Before heading to the ITV station, drivers rarely check all functions. Lights that are not working properly can compromise visibility and signalling. This puts other road users at risk. AECA-ITV reports This category is a persistent issue across all vehicle types. Since the motor industry began introducing lightbulbs the driver can’t change, there have been an increase in vehicles that are missing their lights, and the police seem to be paying less attention.

Headlights misaligned

Many owners of headlights that are not adjusted properly can cause glare to oncoming traffic. This is something we’ve all experienced when other drivers come around the bend at night. Some owners have poor headlights that blind oncoming traffic or fail to properly illuminate the road. neglect beam alignment After bulb changes or minor impacts. The technicians will accurately measure the direction of the headlights during testing. The ITV will fail if the settings are incorrect. Proper adjustments ensure compliance with the most recent standards.

Windscreen damage

The small cracks and chips on the windscreen are not noticed until they become larger. ITV inspection. Damage to the driver’s vision field is a reason for immediate rejection as it affects visibility and structural integrity. Minor impacts are often dismissed by owners as harmless. Before re-inspection, it is essential to replace or repair the damaged part. In 2026, visibility remains a key safety requirement.

Excessive exhaust emission

ITV is all about smoky exhausts, with more and more low emission zones appearing around the country. High emissions plague older diesel and petrol vehiclesIt is important to have recently driven long distances in order to clean the system. Technicians perform opacity and gas tests to reveal poor performance. Drivers often ignore warning signals like rough idling. Modern rules demand lower pollutant levels to protect air quality. Many vehicles can pass this test by performing pre-test highway runs.

Rear-view mirrors that are damaged or missing

In daily use, cracked, loose or missing exterior mirrors may go unnoticed. This test ensures that the mirrors are mounted securely and have a clear reflection. Faulty or damaged mirrors can lead to poor outcomes and reduce awareness. The owner should inspect both the exterior and interior mirrors for cracks or adjustments.

Damage to or leakage of the exhaust system

Under the vehicle, small holes, such as those caused by driving on a bumpy road, rust or exhaust leaks, are often hidden. These problems can increase noise, emission, and fire risk. The technicians inspect the system in its entirety from the inspection centre trench. The driver may not notice any major changes but still delay repairs. Exhausts that are in good condition and secure ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Spending time and money to prepare thoroughly is a good idea. Official resources provide detailed information for drivers. Visit the AECA-ITV website For the latest information on defects and advice. Station lists and general information are provided by the Directorate-General for Traffic. ITV information It is important to check that your vehicle meets the requirements of ITV inspections. This should be done before the scheduled date.