Spain cracksdown on old cars to check ITV

EXPATS AND TOURISM TRAVELERS DRIVING IN SPAIN ARE BEING ADVISED TO CHECK THEIR VEHICLES AND PAPERWORK CAREFULLY AS AUTHORITIES SET UP ITV INSPECTIONS AMIDST CONCERNS ABOUT THE AGEING CAR FLEET OF SPAIN.

In Spain, the enforcement of vehicle safety laws is now more strict, especially for older vehicles. 

Authorities warn owners of older vehicles to double check their documents and arrange inspections as soon as possible, or risk a costly fine. 

Drivers found without up-to-date paperwork relative to ITV inspections face a €200 fine, which carries no points deduction but presents a significant financial penalty. 

According to Direccion General de Trafico’s (DGT) traffic authority the average age of cars in Spain is 14.5 and rising. 

In addition to high mileage, and in some cases poor maintenance of these older cars, there are growing concerns over road safety. 

All vehicles must undergo the ITV (Vehicle Technical Inspection), which ensures that they are roadworthy, and meet emission standards. 

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Passenger cars must undergo their first inspection four years after registration, then every two years until they reach ten years old, after which annual checks are required. 

The DGT and Guardia Civil are focusing on cars over 14 years old, verifying that ITV certificates are valid. 

Failing rates increase sharply with vehicle age – while only 7 per cent of cars aged 4-5 years fail their first ITV, the figure jumps to over 20 per cent for cars aged 20 years or older. 

This means one in four veteran vehicles do not pass the first time. 

High mileage also compounds safety risks, with older cars often exceeding 220,000km, putting critical components like brakes, tyres, and steering under strain.

Keeping up with ITV not only avoids fines but can prevent accidents linked to mechanical failures. 

In Andalucia, ITV services are managed by VEIASA, with all notifications now sent by email or SMS to make it easier for drivers to update their contact details online. 

The DGT also provides a handy map tool with all the ITV stations in the area, which you can access here.

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