Spanish ITV: Your Essential Guide

Understanding the Spanish ITV Test

For any car owner in Spain, understanding and complying with the 'Inspección Técnica de Vehículos' (ITV) is crucial. This mandatory technical inspection is similar to the UK's MOT test and ensures that vehicles on Spanish roads are safe and meet environmental standards. Whether you've recently purchased a Spanish-registered car or are looking to get your existing vehicle compliant, this guide will walk you through the process, requirements, and potential pitfalls.

When Should a Car Be Re-enrolled on Spanish Plates?

A significant aspect of vehicle ownership in Spain, especially for those moving from abroad, is understanding re-registration. If a vehicle is in Spain for over six months, it is considered permanently imported. At this point, it must be re-enrolled on Spanish plates. Failure to do so can lead to legal issues, including invalidating insurance and potential fines. This process typically involves a thorough inspection and specific documentation, including proving the vehicle's compliance with Spanish standards.

Essential Documents for Your ITV Test

Before heading to an ITV testing station, ensure you have the following documents readily available:

• Ficha Técnica: This is the vehicle's technical data sheet. If it's your first ITV, you'll need the original document. For subsequent tests, you'll need the sheet from the last passed ITV.
• Permiso de Circulación: This is the vehicle's registration certificate.
• Identification: Your DNI, NIE, or Passport is required for identification.
• Last Car's Insurance Receipt: Proof of valid car insurance is mandatory.
• Payment Receipt: You'll need to pay the relevant fee for the test.

It's also important to be aware of your vehicle's 'type'. This is usually found on the green 'Inspección Técnica' card. Common types include 'Turismo' (car), 'Furgón' (van), and 'Mixto Adapta' or 'Vehículo Mixto Adaptable'. The latter often causes confusion as it can include 7-seater cars, which are classed as vans in Spain for ITV purposes.

ITV Test Costs in Spain

The cost of an ITV inspection varies significantly depending on the vehicle type and its engine fuel (petrol or diesel). Below are some indicative maximum costs in Euros. For the most up-to-date and precise figures, always check the official website (http://www.veiasa.es/itv/tarifas).

Finding an ITV Testing Station

Spain has a comprehensive network of ITV testing centres. In Andalusia alone, there are over 50 stations, and nationwide, the number runs into the hundreds. To locate the ITV station nearest to you, visit the official Veiasa website: http://www.veiasa.es/itv/red_de_estaciones.

Booking Your ITV Appointment

Gone are the days of early morning queues! You can now book your ITV inspection appointment online at http://www.itvcita.es or by phone, with the number available on the website. Booking an appointment significantly speeds up the process.

ITV Opening Times

Opening hours can vary slightly by region. Most ITV stations open early, often from around 06:45 am. Weekend and holiday period hours may be reduced. Always check the specific opening times for your local station via the Veiasa website (http://www.veiasa.es/itv/red_de_estaciones).

What Happens During the ITV Test?

The ITV inspection process is quite hands-on for the driver. Unlike the UK where you typically leave your car, in Spain, you'll be asked to participate. After submitting your documents and paying the fee, you'll receive paperwork to give to the technician. You'll then be directed to drive your vehicle through various testing points:

• Station 1: Checks lights, wipers, indicators, hazard lights, and seatbelts.
• Station 2: Focuses on wheel alignment.
• Station 3: Tests handbrakes and service brakes.
• Station 4: Inspects emissions and fluid levels.

After these checks, you'll be asked to leave your vehicle and return for your paperwork.

Passing the ITV Test

If your vehicle passes, you'll receive a test certificate and a small coloured sticker, known as a V-19 sticker. This sticker must be displayed on the right-hand side of your windscreen, indicating the month and year your next test is due. Failure to display this sticker can result in an on-the-spot fine, with a ten-day window to provide proof of a completed test.

Failing the ITV Test

Should your vehicle fail the inspection, you will receive your documentation back with a stamp indicating 'Disfavorable' (Unfavourable) and the reasons for failure. You have one month to return to a test centre with all issues rectified. If you can return on the same day or within 15 days, you may not be charged again or could receive a discount. Failing to rectify the issues within this period means you'll have to pay the full test fee again. Importantly, failure to address the issues and return means the Department of Traffic will be notified that your vehicle is not roadworthy.

Crucially, from October 2017, you can now use any ITV station for a re-test, not just the original one.

Driving with an Expired ITV

It is a common misconception that you have a grace period after your ITV expires. This is not true. You must not drive your vehicle on the road once its ITV has expired. If it has expired, you must arrange for the vehicle to be transported to the testing station via a tow truck (grúa). The expiry date is clearly marked on the back of your ITV card/certificate.

Taking Your ITV Early

You can take your vehicle for an ITV test up to one month before its current expiry date. Importantly, this does not affect your current expiry date. For example, if your ITV expires on December 31st, and you have a test on December 1st, passing the test will result in a new expiry date of December 31st the following year.

Tow Bars and the ITV

If your vehicle is fitted with a tow bar, it must be correctly documented. Tow bars fitted after the vehicle's manufacture must be installed by an approved garage and documented on the 'Ficha Técnica'. If a tow bar wasn't factory-fitted or fitted by an approved garage, it can cause your vehicle to fail the ITV. If you don't intend to use a tow bar, consider removing it before the test.

Foreign Vehicles and Spanish ITV

Foreign-registered vehicles can undergo an ITV test in Spain, but they will receive a 'Voluntary Certificate' rather than a sticker for the windscreen. However, this is not considered a valid ITV under Spanish law, as a technical inspection certificate is only legally valid in the country of registration. A vehicle without a valid ITV in its country of registration is illegal and may invalidate its insurance.

A foreign vehicle can only obtain a full, legal ITV in Spain once it has been correctly imported and re-registered onto Spanish plates. Driving a UK-registered vehicle in Spain requires adherence to UK regulations regarding MOT and insurance, but remember, if you are in Spain for over six months, re-registration is mandatory.

Key Changes to the ITV Test (from May 2018)

• ITV Renewal: You can now renew your ITV up to one month in advance, and the future renewal date will not change.
• Foreign ITV Acceptance: For imported vehicles, current valid ITVs/MOTs from the country of registration will now be accepted by Spanish authorities, provided the vehicle is roadworthy.
• Stricter Diesel Checks: Due to emissions scandals, testing stations now have equipment to connect to a vehicle's onboard computer to check emissions and detect tampering with emissions control systems.
• Crackdown on Non-Compliant Vehicles: Road traffic cameras can now check a central database for ITV compliance. Owners of vehicles without a valid ITV will receive an initial warning, followed by an automatic fine on subsequent checks.

Useful Spanish Vocabulary for Your ITV Test

Here are a few terms that might be helpful:

• Headlights: Los faros
• Rear lights: Luces traseras
• Brake lights: Luces de los frenos
• Fog Lights: Faros antiniebla
• Left: Izquierda
• Right: Derecha
• Hand Brake: Freno de mano
• Steering wheel: Volante
• Windscreen wipers: Limpia para brisas
• Indicators: Intermitente
• Hazard Lights: Cuatro intermitentes
• Reverse Lights: Marcha atrás

If your Spanish isn't fluent, consider using an expat-friendly garage that can handle the ITV test on your behalf for a small fee. This can alleviate stress and ensure all paperwork is handled correctly.

Ensuring your vehicle has a valid ITV is not just a legal requirement; it's a vital step in maintaining road safety for yourself and others. By understanding the process and preparing accordingly, you can navigate the Spanish ITV system with confidence.

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