Spain’s road authorities have introduced one of their strictest safety measures in years, taking many drivers by surprise. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has ruled that driving with an expired ITV — the mandatory vehicle inspection — is now completely forbidden, even if a future appointment has already been booked. This represents a clear break from previous practice.
For years, drivers have relied on an unofficial grace period in which traffic officers tended to show leniency if proof of a scheduled inspection was provided. That discretion has now been removed. Under the new approach, any vehicle without a current, valid ITV certificate must remain off the road, with no allowances made for testing delays or long waiting lists.
The tougher stance is part of a broader effort to ensure vehicles meet required safety and environmental standards. Officials note that a significant proportion of cars fail their first inspection and that accident data points to a link between outdated inspections and road incidents. As a result, penalties have become far more severe, ranging from 200 euros fines and licence points to potential car immobilisation. Insurance complications may also arise if a motorist is involved in an accident without a valid ITV.
Inspection centres report that the most common failure points relate to lighting and indicator faults, tyre wear, braking issues, excessive emissions, and problems with suspension, steering, or basic visibility. Mechanics now strongly encourage drivers to carry out simple checks before attending their appointment to avoid unexpected failures and the resulting inability to legally drive.
With no grace period remaining, advance planning is essential. The DGT advises drivers to monitor their ITV expiry date, book inspections well ahead of time, and ensure their vehicles are properly maintained. While the authorities emphasise that safety, not revenue, is the driving force behind the change, the shift marks the definitive end of taking the risk of driving with an expired ITV certificate in Spain.