ITV frequency table
| Category | Age | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| L1e: two-wheeled mopeds (maximum 45 km/h, up to 50 cm³ or 4 kW) art. 6.1 | Up to 3 years | Exempt |
| Over 3 years | Every 2 years | |
| Other L vehicles: motorbikes, three-wheelers and quadricycles art. 6.1 | Up to 4 years | Exempt |
| Over 4 years | Every 2 years | |
| M1: cars (up to 8 seats plus the driver) art. 6.1 | Up to 4 years | Exempt |
| Over 4 and up to 10 years | Every 2 years | |
| Over 10 years | Every year | |
| M2, M3: buses (more than 8 seats plus the driver) art. 6.1 | Up to 5 years | Every year |
| Over 5 years | Every 6 months | |
| N1: vans and goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass art. 6.1 | Up to 2 years | Exempt |
| From 2 to 6 years | Every 2 years | |
| Over 6 and up to 10 years | Every year | |
| Over 10 years | Every 6 months | |
| N2, N3: goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes; O2 trailers (except towed caravans), O3 and O4 trailers art. 6.1 | Up to 10 years | Every year |
| Over 10 years | Every 6 months | |
| O2: towed caravans art. 6.1 | Up to 6 years | Exempt |
| Over 6 years | Every 2 years | |
| Agricultural tractors faster than 40 km/h art. 6.1 | Up to 4 years | Exempt |
| From 4 to 16 years | Every 2 years | |
| Over 16 years | Every year | |
| Other agricultural tractors, self-propelled machines (except single-axle), special trailers, towed machines and tractor transporters (tractocarros) art. 6.1 | Up to 8 years | Exempt |
| From 8 to 16 years | Every 2 years | |
| Over 16 years | Every year | |
| Special works and services vehicles (design speed of at least 25 km/h) art. 6.1 | Up to 4 years | Exempt |
| From 4 to 10 years | Every 2 years | |
| Over 10 years | Every year | |
| Mobile transformer stations and circus or fair vehicles art. 6.1 | Up to 4 years | Exempt |
| From 4 to 6 years | Every 2 years | |
| Over 6 years | Every year |
Mixed-use vehicles follow the frequency of their N category. art. 6.3.
Quads follow the other L vehicles timetable. art. 6.4.
Driving-school cars, taxis, ambulances and school transport
Historic vehicles
- Historic motorbikes
- Every 4 years at any age, subject to the exemption below. art. 6.2.
- Other historic categories
- Under 30 years: the category frequency. From 30 to under 40: every 2 years. From 40 to under 45: every 3 years. From 45: every 4 years, subject to the exemption below. art. 6.2.
- Historic exemptions
- Historic vehicles over 60 years old and historic mopeds are exempt; a voluntary inspection is possible. art. 6.2.
How age is counted and when it expires
Age is counted from the first registration or entry into service recorded in the DGT Vehicle Register. That date may appear on the vehicle registration certificate. art. 6.1.
The interval is added to the date of the pass. If you pass within the 30 calendar days before the previous inspection expires, the interval is added to that previous expiry date. This rule does not apply to the first inspection: it requires a previous inspection. art. 6.5.
Example: a car aged between 4 and 10 years has an ITV valid until 15/03/2027 and passes its next inspection on 01/03/2027. This is within the preceding 30 days, so the new validity runs until 15/03/2029. Passing on 01/02/2027, outside that window, would instead make it valid until 01/02/2029. art. 6.5.
Results: pass, fail or dangerous
No faults or only minor faults give a pass. Any major fault means a fail, unless there is a dangerous fault: any dangerous fault gives a negative result (negativa). arts. 9 y 11.
- Pass (favorable): Minor faults (DL) or no faults
- Minor faults must be repaired within 2 months; no re-inspection is required. arts. 9 y 11.
- Fail (desfavorable): Major faults (DG)
- You may only drive to the workshop and back to an ITV station, within 2 months of the first inspection. arts. 9 y 11.
- Dangerous result (negativa): Dangerous faults (DMG)
- You must not drive: the vehicle must be moved by other means and re-inspected within 2 months. arts. 9 y 11.
Outside the deadline, a full new inspection is required. arts. 9 y 11.
You may choose any ITV station, including for the re-inspection. art. 11.8.
When an early inspection can be required
An early inspection can be required after an accident with important damage to steering, suspension, transmission, brakes or chassis anchor points; after modifications to safety or environmental systems; on well-founded suspicion; or following a change of use requiring a stricter frequency. art. 6.7.
If an officer finds that the ITV has not been done, the keeper has 10 days to present the vehicle. Otherwise, the Traffic Office starts deregistration on its own initiative (baja de oficio). art. 6.9.
A vehicle that passes receives the V-19 sticker, except historic vehicles; officers check validity in the DGT Vehicle Register or using the report or ITV card. art. 12.
More guides and questions
Frequently asked questions
- When does a new car need its first ITV?
- A private M1 car needs its first ITV at 4 years from first registration or entry into service, then every 2 years and, from 10 years, every year (art. 6.1).
- How often does a motorbike need the ITV?
- A motorbike needs its first ITV at 4 years and then every 2 years (art. 6.1).
- How often does a van over 10 years old need the ITV?
- An N1 van up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass and over 10 years old needs the ITV every 6 months (art. 6.1).
- Can I pass the ITV early without losing time?
- The interval is added to the date of the pass. If you pass within the 30 calendar days before the previous inspection expires, the interval is added to that previous expiry date. This rule does not apply to the first inspection: it requires a previous inspection. (art. 6.5).
- What happens if my car fails the ITV?
- You may only drive to the workshop and back to an ITV station, within 2 months of the first inspection. Outside the deadline, a full new inspection is required. (arts. 9 y 11).
- Do I need an ITV after a major modification?
- Yes: modifications to safety or environmental systems can require an early ITV (art. 6.7).