ITV Vehicle Roadworthiness in Spain

The ITV (Inspección Téchnica de Vehículos) is the roadworthiness test of a motor vehicle in Spain. It is the equivalent of an MOT in the UK. 
ITV tests are compulsory and may only be undertaken by an authorised garage. They are there to ensure that the vehicle is not a hazard on the road. It is compulsory for a vehicle in use to be roadworthy. 
All cars over four years of age must be inspected and tested every two years until the age of 10. A car over 10 years of age must be tested annually. 
Motorcycles are tested after five years, after which the test is due every two years.
If a vehicle has been involved in a serious accident, it should undergo an ITV test after repair to establish whether the repair has been carried out correctly.
Taking the ITV Test

• To find your closest authorised testing centre see the website of the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) 

Vehicles are tested to ensure the following things are in proper working order:

• tyre tread
• lights
• emissions 
• shock absorbers 
• brakes
• wheel alignment 

Cars will also be checked for the condition of the bodywork and mirrors, windscreen and wipers. For example if a door cannot open it may be considered a safety violation.
Failing the Test
If a vehicle fails the test, you receive a blue paper listing the faults. You have 15 days to have the repairs done and re-enter the vehicle for a second examination. 
Passing the Test
You will receive an ITV card which details the results of each test undertaken, and a certificate as proof of roadworthiness. The certificate must be displayed in the top right hand corner of the windscreen. It shows the month and year when the test is next due. 
Not displaying the ITV certificate or driving without a valid ITV can incur severe fines.
Foreign Vehicles
Vehicle roadworthiness is not transferable across the EU countries. If you import a car into Spain, it must pass the ITV test before it can be registered in Spain; likewise, the ITV of an exported Spanish registered car will not be valid in another country.

Accidents

Road Accidents 
The procedure in the event of a road traffic accident in Spain (accidente de trafico) will depend on the severity of the accident, whether there are injuries and if it is necessary for the police to be involved.

What to do at the scene of the accident

• Stop immediately
• Put on the reflective jacket before leaving the car, especially in bad weather or at night
• If the vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and place a warning triangle 30m from the scene to warn oncoming traffic
• Do not move the vehicles until the police arrive, if they are blocking the traffic then try to mark the scene and, if possible, take photographs
• All drivers involved must exchange details; registration number, name, address and insurance company
• Take the license plate number of all the vehicles and witnesses involved (this could be vital if the case goes to court)
• Never sign any paperwork unless certain you understand and agree with it
• If damage is caused and the owner is not there to report it (a crash with a parked car or into someone's property) it must be reported to the local police station so that they can make contact

If there have been injuries or fatalities call for the police and ambulance: Police Guardia Civil 112 from a mobile or landline (calls are free) or use one of the SOS telephones, located on motorways and main roads. The vehicles must not be moved until the police have arrived. 
In accordance with basic first aid rules keep the injured person warm and do not move a casualty unless they are in danger of further injury.
If the police attend the scene of an accident they will make an accident report. They may make charges of driving offences. If you suspect the other driver has been drinking or taking drugs then inform the police. 
Note: The legal limit for drink driving (DUI/DWI) in Spain is 0.5g/l and 0.3g/l for a driver who has held a licence less than two years and 015g/l for lorry and bus drivers. 

• Further information from the DGT: (in Spanish)

If there are no injuries and only minor damage caused there is no need to call the police.

The accident report
In the event of a minor accident with no injuries the parties involved must exchange details and make a declaration of events. This will form the accident report submitted to the insurance companies. If the parties involved do not agree on a version of events do not sign any documentation.

Included in the accident report are the following details: 

• Date and place of the accident (full address)
• Vehicle information: make, model numbers and vehicle registration numbers
• Drivers' information: full names, addresses, driving licence details (number, category, date and place of issue) 
• Details of insurance companies and policies of all drivers
• Witnesses: names and addresses 
• Injuries (yes/no)
• Vehicle damage (yes/no)
• An illustration and explanation of the accident including details of damage caused

What to do immediately after

• Notify the insurance company of the incident as soon as possible (when taking out insurance find out how soon after an incident the company needs notification. It could be from two to seven days)
• If there are injuries make sure that the insurance company is informed and provide a medical certificate

Note: You have up to two months to bring charges against the other parties involved although a court case can be a lengthy process that can take years to get a settlement.

Main Menu