The ITV is the technical inspection that shows a vehicle meets minimum safety and emissions conditions (Spain’s equivalent of the MOT). When buying a used car, understanding when it is due helps you avoid surprises and unexpected costs.
How often the ITV is required
For cars, the first inspection is due 4 years after first registration. After that, it is every 2 years until the car is 10 years old, and from then on, every year. The obligation remains even if you hardly use the car. The exact date appears on the ITV card and can be checked on the DGT’s online service.
What to check before buying
- The expiry date of the last ITV and when the next one is due.
- That the last inspection report shows no serious defects.
- That the ITV is valid if you are going to use the car straight away.
Inspection history
Ask to see previous inspections. The reports list the minor and serious defects found and, in some cases, the kilometres at each date, which helps you check that the mileage is consistent.
What happens if the ITV has expired
You can process the ownership transfer with an expired ITV, but you will need to pass it to drive the car. Driving without a valid ITV can lead to a fine. If you buy a car with an expired ITV, ask who will pass it and at whose cost, and get it in writing.
If the ITV result is unfavourable
An unfavourable result means defects that must be repaired and the car re-inspected within a set period. If the defect is serious, the car cannot be driven until it is repaired. That is why it helps if the car reaches you with a freshly passed ITV or after a prior inspection.
How to prepare the car for the ITV
- Check the lights, indicators and wipers.
- Check the condition and pressure of the tyres.
- Check there are no leaks or warning lights on.
- Bring all of the vehicle’s documents.
The ITV is not a substitute for an inspection
Passing the ITV does not guarantee the car is in perfect condition: it is a minimum-standards inspection. Complete it with our 10-point checklist and, if you buy from a professional, with the corresponding warranty.
Looking for a used car in Mijas or Fuengirola?
At Autos Reina, at Camino Viejo de Coín, 28 (Mijas Costa), you will find second-hand cars with a 1-year warranty and the chance to test drive them with no obligation. Call us on 952 637 774 or get in touch. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00; Saturday 10:00–13:30.
