Spain’s ITV crackdown catches drivers unaware

Spain’s traffic authorities have introduced one of their toughest road safety measures in years – and it’s catching drivers off guard. A renewal ITV appointment will no longer be enough to drive legally. You cannot drive if your ITV is expired even a single day.

The Directorate-General for TrafficDGT() confirmed the changes in a government statement. Inspectors will now inspect each car to ensure that it has an up-to date and valid inspection. For motorists who tend to leave things to the last minute, this is a major shift – and the sanctions are considerably harsher than before.

The ITV zero-tolerance policy is now in effect

Up until now, drivers often relied on an unofficial “grace” period. As long as you were able to secure a booking, officers looked the other direction. This leeway is now gone.

DGT is clear: No ITV and no driving. No excuses for long wait lists or delays.

The new rule forms part of a larger effort to ensure:

• All vehicles meet safety standards
• Environmental requirements for emissions are respected
• Older or poorly maintained vehicles are no longer overlooked

The measure is a response to the need for a more stringent oversight, according to traffic authorities. Spain continues reporting a high percentage of vehicles failing their ITVs at first attempt. A significant number of accidents on the road involve cars that have not had their inspections done in a timely manner.

What happens if your ITV expires?

Drivers who ignore this new rule will face some of Spain’s most severe penalties. The financial hit alone is enough to make most think twice – but that’s only part of the story.

The DGT has updated its enforcement to include:

This is a standard penalty for driving if your ITV has expired. This is the standard penalty for driving with an expired ITV.

• Your license will be revoked if you receive three points

A new and particularly painful addition: driving with an expired ITV now costs motorists three driver’s licence points – a sanction that will hit especially hard for those who rely on their car for work.

• Up to €500 in serious cases

If your ITV expired more than 12 months ago, the fine rises to €500, reflecting the DGT’s view that long-term non-compliance puts other road users at real risk.

• Insurance after an accident

The most alarming of all consequences is that insurers will refuse to pay for damages if you don’t have a valid ITV. The same applies to third-party claims. This could leave drivers liable for thousands of euro.

• Immobilisation possible of the vehicle

Officers can now immobilise vehicles on the spot when they find out that the vehicle is not fit to be on the roads due to an expired inspection or a failed inspection.

For many drivers, this means a sudden tow-away, followed by storage fees and the cost of a new ITV appointment – an expensive mistake.

What are the most common reasons for cars failing the ITV?

DGT has launched a new campaign to combat a problem that persists: a large number of vehicles in Spain fail the vehicle inspection.

Data from the industry shows that 1 in 5 cars fail to pass ITV at first attempt. This is usually due to faults that were easily detectable by a quick home check.

ITV failure is primarily due to:

• Lighting and signaling defects: burned-out bulbs; misaligned or faulty headlights.
• Tyres in poor condition: worn tread, uneven wear or visible damage.
• Brake system failure: worn brake pads and discs, or irregular brake behaviour.
• Emissions are excessive: an issue that is common for older diesel cars.
• Problems with suspension and steering: worn shock absorbers or loose components.
• Problems with visibility or identification: broken or damaged mirrors, illegible plates or damaged windscreens.

Because of the tougher controls now in place, many mechanics recommend doing a quick “pre-ITV check” in your driveway or car park — a short inspection that could spare drivers an unexpected failure.

What drivers need to do now

Now that the grace period is over, it’s time to plan and anticipate. Drivers are encouraged:

• Check your ITV expiry dates
• Booking appointments well in advance is recommended
• Make sure that your vehicle is in good shape before you head to the test centre

The DGT insists that the ultimate goal is road safety – not revenue. In practice, Spain’s new policy is a cultural shift. The days of taking a risk on an ITV that was long overdue are over.