The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has stepped up inspections on vehicles over 14 years old across Spain, focusing on verifying essential documents, particularly the validity of the ITV inspection certificate. The Guardia Civil routinely checks the glove compartments of ageing cars to ensure compliance. Drivers found without up-to-date ITV documentation face a 200-euro fine, a penalty that carries no points deduction but represents a significant financial sanction.
This renewed enforcement reflects growing concern over Spain’s ageing vehicle fleet. According to AECA-ITV data for 2025, the average age of passenger cars in Spain sits at 14.5 years, a figure rising steadily each year. Combined with high mileage and often inadequate maintenance, this trend raises safety challenges for all road users.
ITV checks target older vehicles
Inspections focus on confirming that older car owners keep their ITV certificates updated to guarantee roadworthiness. Failing this inspection results in administrative fines, and risks increase the older and more worn a vehicle is. While only 7% of cars aged 4 to 5 years fail their initial ITV test, this rises sharply to over 20% for vehicles aged 20 years or more, meaning one in four veteran cars does not pass first time.
Mileage compounds safety concerns
Beyond age, high mileage exacerbates wear on critical components such as brakes, tyres, and steering systems. Vehicles over two decades old often exceed 220,000 kilometres, a threshold associated with significant mechanical deterioration if maintenance is not rigorous. Road safety experts warn that insufficient upkeep on such vehicles directly increases the likelihood of accidents.
Accident data links expired ITV to higher risks
Statistics demonstrate a concerning pattern. Among cars involved in accidents on Spain’s interurban roads, 8% of those over 15 years were driving with expired ITV certificates. For vehicles older than 25 years, this figure rises to 12%, underlining a correlation between vehicle age, inspection neglect, and road incidents.
Advice for owners of older vehicles
Authorities urge owners of cars approaching or exceeding 14 years of age to double-check their documentation, especially the ITV certificate. Keeping inspections current avoids fines and plays a crucial role in road safety by identifying technical faults before they pose dangers. The Guardia Civil’s increasing controls mean drivers risk detection at routine checks, so compliance is essential. While the fine stands at 200 euros, the consequences of failing to maintain a roadworthy vehicle can be far more serious in the event of an accident.