What a Spanish vehicle inspection is and why you need one

A revisión técnica (often called ITV — Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is Spain's mandatory vehicle safety and emissions inspection. Every car, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle must pass one before you can legally drive it on Spanish roads. The inspection checks whether your vehicle meets safety standards, produces acceptable emissions, and has no dangerous mechanical faults.

You cannot renew your vehicle registration without a current inspection certificate. If you drive without one, you face fines and your vehicle can be impounded. The inspection is not optional — it is a legal requirement that applies to all vehicle owners in Spain, whether you own the car outright or are financing it.

Key Takeaways

  • Spanish vehicles must pass an inspection every two years after the first four years of ownership; new cars get their first inspection at four years old.
  • The inspection covers brakes, lights, emissions, steering, suspension, and windscreen condition — not routine maintenance like oil changes.
  • You book an appointment at an ITV station (private or public) and bring your vehicle registration document and current insurance proof.
  • The inspection takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs between €40 and €70 depending on your vehicle type and region.
  • If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to fix the problems and return for a retest at a reduced fee.

When your vehicle needs an inspection

New vehicles registered in Spain do not need an inspection until they are four years old. After that first inspection, you must have one every two years. Once your vehicle reaches ten years old, inspections become annual — every 12 months instead of every 24.

Your inspection certificate is valid for two years (or one year if your vehicle is over ten years old). You will see the expiration date on your certificate. You can schedule your next inspection up to one month before it expires, but you cannot legally drive after the expiration date without a valid certificate, even if you have an appointment booked.

If you let your inspection expire, you must still pass a full inspection before you can register the vehicle again. There is no grace period — the moment your certificate expires, your vehicle is no longer legally roadworthy in Spain.

What the inspection actually checks

The inspection focuses on safety and emissions, not general maintenance. Inspectors test your brakes (including the handbrake), all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights), windscreen condition, wipers, mirrors, horn, and steering response. They also check your suspension, exhaust system, and whether your vehicle produces emissions within legal limits.

The inspection does not cover oil changes, filter replacements, tire tread depth, or battery condition — those are your responsibility as the owner. However, if your tires are so worn that they are unsafe, or if your battery is so dead that the lights do not work, you will fail because the lights or brakes will not function properly.

Inspectors also verify that your vehicle identification number (VIN) matches your registration documents, that your registration plates are clearly visible and not damaged, and that your vehicle has not been significantly modified in ways that affect safety.

How to book and prepare for your inspection

You can find ITV stations through the official website for your region (each autonomous community runs its own network) or by searching online for "ITV near me" plus your city name. Most regions allow you to book appointments online; some still require phone booking. You will need your vehicle registration number and a phone number to complete the booking.

Before your appointment, gather your vehicle registration document (the permiso de circulación) and proof of current insurance. Bring both documents with you — you cannot take the inspection without them. Make sure your vehicle is clean enough that inspectors can see the condition of lights, mirrors, and the windscreen clearly. You do not need to wash it, but remove any heavy dirt or stickers that might obscure safety features.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The inspection itself takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will be asked to move your vehicle into the inspection bay, and an inspector will walk around it, test the lights and brakes, check the steering and suspension, and run an emissions test. You can watch the process, but you cannot be inside the vehicle during the test.

What happens if you pass or fail

If you pass, you receive a certificate (the pegatina de ITV) that you must display on your windscreen, usually in the lower right corner. This sticker shows the month and year your next inspection is due. You also receive a paper certificate for your records. Your vehicle is now legally roadworthy for the next two years (or one year if over ten years old).

If you fail, the inspector gives you a detailed report listing every fault. Common failures include non-functioning lights, brake problems, excessive emissions, damaged windscreens, or worn wipers. You have 30 days from the inspection date to fix the problems and return for a retest. The retest costs less than the full inspection (usually €15 to €25) and covers only the items that failed.

If you do not return within 30 days, you must pay for a full inspection again. If you fix the problems and return within the 30-day window, the retest is straightforward — inspectors check only the faults listed on your original report.

Cost and regional differences

The inspection fee varies by region and vehicle type. A standard car inspection costs between €40 and €70. Motorcycles are cheaper (usually €25 to €40), and larger vehicles or commercial vehicles cost more. Some regions set fixed prices; others allow ITV stations to set their own rates within a range. Check your regional ITV authority's website for exact pricing in your area.

The retest fee is typically 40 to 50 percent of the full inspection cost. If you fail multiple times and exhaust your 30-day window, you must pay the full fee again for a new inspection.

A few regions offer mobile ITV units that travel to smaller towns, but most people use permanent ITV stations in cities and larger towns. Booking online usually saves time, but walk-ins are accepted if you are willing to wait.

What to do if you disagree with a failed inspection

If you believe the inspection result is wrong, you can request a second opinion. Most regions allow you to take your vehicle to a different ITV station for another inspection within a set timeframe (usually 15 days). You will pay the full inspection fee again, but if the second station passes your vehicle, you can use that certificate. If both stations agree you failed, you must fix the faults.

You cannot appeal the inspection result to a government office — the inspection is final once it is recorded. Your only recourse is a second inspection at a different station. Keep your original inspection report so you know exactly what failed and can have a mechanic address those specific issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the ITV station if my current inspection has expired?

No. Once your certificate expires, your vehicle is not legally roadworthy. You must arrange for a mechanic to come to you, or have the vehicle towed to the ITV station. Driving an expired vehicle is illegal and can result in fines and impounding.

What if I buy a used car that has never had an inspection in Spain?

If the car is over four years old and has no valid inspection certificate, you cannot legally drive it until you pass one. You must book an inspection when ready. The seller should have provided a valid certificate as part of the sale — if they did not, you may have grounds to dispute the purchase.

Do I need to pass an inspection to sell my car?

No, but the buyer will need a valid inspection certificate to register the vehicle in their name. Many sellers get an inspection done before selling to make the car more attractive and avoid disputes. If you sell without one, the buyer will have to get one before they can legally drive it.

What happens if I move to a different region in Spain?

Your inspection certificate is valid throughout Spain, regardless of which region issued it. You do not need a new inspection when you move. However, you must update your vehicle registration address with your new regional authority.

Can I get an inspection if my vehicle is not currently registered?

No. You must have a valid registration document to take an inspection. If your registration has lapsed, you must renew it first — but you cannot renew registration without a valid inspection. Contact your regional traffic authority (Dirección General de Tráfico) to understand your options if you are in this situation.