The differences between the ITV in Spain and the rest of Europe

At the European Union level, it is Directive 2014/45/EU that regulates the periodic checks of motor vehicles and trailers circulating on the continent, with the aim of ensuring that they comply with minimum safety standards , as well as the number of polluting emissions.

This European regulation establishes the minimum requirements that technical inspections must meet , such as the time intervals that must elapse according to the type and age of the vehicle, the points or elements to be checked, and the criteria for passing the inspection.

What is the ITV like in the rest of Europe?

First of all, it's worth noting that the Spanish system is one of the most highly regarded by European authorities . For example, in Germany, it's known as TÜV. The first inspection is carried out three years after registration and every two years thereafter. Furthermore, they are very strict with CO₂ emissions testing .

In Italy and Belgium, the first MOT is performed four years after the vehicle leaves the dealership; thereafter, in Italy, it's performed every two years . France, on the other hand, has one of the most similar MOTs to Spain, although the difference is that it requires a MOT every two years once the car has been in service for more than four years.

Finally, Portugal requires an annual inspection when a vehicle turns eight years old , while in Spain it's at ten. However, when it comes to motorcycle MOTs , there are many differences between EU Member States.

The motorcycle inspection (ITV), a pending issue in Europe

In Spain, motorcycle accident rates have been a source of concern to the DGT (Directorate of Traffic) for years. However, the MOT regulations in Europe are different for this type of vehicle.

For example, according to AECA-ITV, the motorcycle inspection (MOT) was only mandatory in Spain, Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Lithuania until 2022. Although the new European regulations for 2022 require all countries to require motorcycles to pass the MOT periodically, it has not yet come into force in France .

What do the different ITV results imply?

Once the inspection is approved, the vehicle can continue driving without problems. At the station, they issue two mandatory documents that must always be kept in the car: the inspection report and the V-19 sticker , which is placed on the inside of the upper right corner of the windshield.

On the other hand, if the result is negative , the vehicle will be immobilized and cannot be driven under any circumstances. It may also be taken to a workshop, using only a tow truck , for repairs within a maximum of two months to re-pass the vehicle inspection and verify that the defect has been corrected.

Finally, when the vehicle is unfavorable , the deadline for repairing these defects is also two months. However, the difference with the previous one is that under this situation , the vehicle is allowed to travel to the workshop and return to the MOT to verify the correction of the defects.