Spain clarifies vehicle inspection (ITV) regulations

Authorities in Spain have clarified regulations regarding the Mandatory Technical Inspection (ITV) to dispel misinformation circulating on social media. Contrary to rumors suggesting that passenger cars over 10 years old must undergo inspections every six months, the Official State Gazette (BOE) confirms that private passenger vehicles continue to follow an annual schedule once they exceed a decade of age.

The confusion stems from a misinterpretation of rules applying to goods vehicles. While light trucks and heavy vehicles may require semestral inspections, passenger cars remain exempt from this frequency. Under current regulations, passenger vehicles are exempt for the first four years, undergo biennial inspections between ages four and ten, and transition to annual inspections thereafter.

Additionally, the Madrid Municipal Police noted that there are no grace periods for expired inspections. Drivers must complete the process immediately upon expiration. However, drivers may complete the inspection up to 30 days before their scheduled due date without altering their subsequent inspection cycle.