Transport

Vehicle roadworthiness test (ITV)

Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV)

Madrid versionOnly applies in Community of Madrid

In other cities: Barcelona · Valencia

What it is

The vehicle technical inspection (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, ITV) checks that vehicles on the road meet minimum technical safety and environmental standards. There are periodic inspections, compulsory for all types of vehicle at intervals set by Royal Decree according to their class, age and use, and non-periodic inspections for specific cases, such as modifications to the vehicle or duplicate ITV cards. In the Community of Madrid the ITV stations are run by several companies under administrative authorisation. The Community has a Suggestions and Complaints system: they can be submitted at any registry, by post or online.

Official wording
Son inspecciones a las que deben someterse todo tipo de vehículos con una periodicidad establecida por Real Decreto que varía en función de su clase, antigüedad y el uso al que se destinan.

Official sources

Where it applies
Community of Madrid

Official information

Official sources

When

Cars (M1): exempt up to 4 years; from 4 to 10 years, every two years; over 10 years, every year. Motorbikes (other L): exempt up to 4 years and then every two years. Mopeds: exempt up to 3 years and then every two years.

Official wording
Hasta 4 años: Exento. De más de 4 años: Bienal. De más de 10 años: Anual.

Official sources

Steps

  1. Step 1: Choose an ITV station

    In the Comunidad de Madrid the stations are run by several authorised companies. The Comunidad publishes the list with the address and phone of each station; appointments and prices are arranged with the station.

    Official wording
    La Comunidad de Madrid cuenta con una amplia red de centros de inspección que son gestionados por varias empresas en régimen de autorización administrativa.

    Official sources

  2. Step 2: Have the inspection

    The station issues an inspection report with the defects and result, and gives you a copy; traffic officers can ask for the latest inspection report.

    Official wording
    El informe de la última inspección efectuada al vehículo podrá ser requerido por los agentes encargados de la vigilancia del tráfico.

    Official sources

FAQ

What if it fails?

With serious defects, the car can only go to the garage and return to the ITV within two months. With very serious defects (negative) it cannot be driven and must be moved by other means. If you return late, a full inspection is done.

Official wording
Si el vehículo se presentase a la segunda inspección técnica fuera del plazo concedido para su reparación, deberá realizarse una inspección técnica completa del vehículo

Official sources

And minor defects?

They must be repaired within two months at most; no new inspection is required.

Official wording
Los defectos calificados como leves son defectos que deberán repararse en un plazo máximo de dos meses.

Official sources

Related procedures