Which Vehicles In Spain Do Not Have To Pass The ITV Test?

In this updated 2025 guide, we look at which vehicles are temporarily or permanently exempt from Spain’s ITV rules, how long you can legally wait before taking your first test, and what the consequences are if you skip it.

What Is the ITV Test and Who Needs It?

The ITV is a mandatory technical inspection that vehicles must pass at regular intervals. It covers emissions, brakes, lights, tyres, steering, and other safety systems. Failing to have a valid ITV can result in fines starting at €200, and as of 2025, Spain has increased its use of roadside and smart camera technology to catch offenders in real-time.

Read our full guide to the ITV test in Spain here.

According to AECA-ITV, nearly 1 million vehicles on Spanish roads are circulating without a valid certificate at any given time. ITV compliance is estimated to prevent over 15,000 accidents and nearly 150 deaths each year.

Vehicles That Are Exempt From the ITV Test (Initially)

Some vehicles don’t need to pass the ITV—at least for the first few years after registration. Below are the official exemption periods from first registration:

• Mopeds: Exempt for 3 years
• Motorcycles and quads: Exempt for 4 years
• Passenger cars: Exempt for 4 years
• Motorhomes: Exempt for 4 years
• Light commercial vehicles (under 3,500 kg): Exempt for 2 years
• Caravans with MMA > 750 kg: Exempt for 6 years
• Agricultural vehicles: Exempt for 8 years
• Special vehicles (construction, services) under 25 km/h: Exempt for 4 years

After these periods, the ITV becomes mandatory on a recurring basis. For example, most cars are inspected every two years after the initial 4-year grace period, and then annually once they are over 10 years old.

Are There Vehicles Permanently Exempt from ITV?

Yes, a very small number of vehicles are permanently exempt, such as certain types of vintage or historic vehicles (vehículos históricos) that are officially registered and certified. However, these must meet strict classification requirements and often undergo a separate technical process for approval.

Electric Vehicles: Do They Need ITV?

Yes, electric vehicles are not exempt from the ITV. They follow the same testing schedule as traditional vehicles, although the emissions test is obviously skipped. Safety checks such as brakes, lights, tyres, and suspension still apply.

What Happens If You Skip or Miss Your ITV?

Driving without a valid ITV certificate is a traffic offence. You could face fines starting at €200, and your insurance company may reject claims in the event of an accident. The DGT’s smart cameras are capable of automatically detecting expired ITV and insurance status.

Even if you're not driving, keeping a vehicle on public roads without an ITV could be a grey area. A 2022 Madrid ruling overturned a fine for a parked car with an expired ITV, noting that the vehicle was not "in circulation." But this is not settled law, and enforcement may vary depending on location.

Read about the Madrid ruling here.

Deregistering Your Vehicle

If you no longer plan to use your vehicle, you can deregister it with the DGT. Once off the road, you are no longer obligated to hold a valid ITV, pay road tax, or maintain insurance. However, if you later re-register the vehicle, it must pass an ITV before going back on the road.

Foreign-Plated Vehicles

Foreign vehicles being driven in Spain must be roadworthy and carry valid technical inspections from their home country. However, once a vehicle becomes resident in Spain (e.g. through re-registration or import), it becomes subject to Spanish ITV rules regardless of its origin.

Tips for Staying Compliant

• Set a calendar reminder for your first ITV deadline based on registration date
• Book your appointment early—especially before holidays
• Bring ID, vehicle registration, and insurance documents to your appointment
• Check tyre condition, lights, and wipers beforehand to avoid simple fails

Looking for car insurance with accident protection?
Stay safe on the road with a plan that includes full coverage for traffic accidents—whether you pass your ITV or not. The Sanitas Top Quantum plan includes traffic accident protection and extensive private health cover across Spain. Related Articles

• All About The Car ITV Test In Spain (2025 Guide)
• How To Deregister A Vehicle In Spain
• How To Change Your Address With Spain’s DGT Traffic Authority
• Car Insurance Receipts: The DGT's Stance On Mandatory Documentation
• The Two New ITV Tests Your Car Will Have To Pass From July

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Many standard plans don’t include coverage for injuries from road accidents — but the Sanitas Top Quantum plan does. It’s a smart choice for drivers in Spain who want private healthcare access and peace of mind on the road.