What Are The Differences Between Unfavourable And Negative ITV In Spain?
Expat Tips
Published: 01 September 2023 16:55 CET
Undergoing the ITV, or ‘Inspección Técnica de Vehículos’ (Technical Vehicle Inspection), often proves to be an unpredictable and anxiety-inducing experience for drivers in Spain. Many dread the prospect of their vehicle failing to pass the inspection. The fear is not unfounded, for it can become painfully apparent during this process that their vehicle is not fit for driving on the roads of Spain.
Successfully passing this inspection is an essential requirement for legally driving our vehicles. Failure to comply with this mandate may lead to legal consequences, with authorities imposing sanctions.
Understanding a Negative ITV: Severe Fault
A negative ITV occurs when the inspection identifies a severe fault that poses a significant risk to the safety of both vehicle occupants and other road users. In such cases, the vehicle is immediately immobilised and cannot be driven until the issue is resolved.
To address the problem, the vehicle must be transported to a workshop, typically by a tow truck. The owner has a maximum of two months to complete the necessary repairs and pass the ITV again to ensure the vehicle's safety and compliance with regulations.
Understanding an Unfavourable ITV: Serious or Minor Faults
An unfavourable ITV, on the other hand, is the result of the technician detecting either a serious fault or a collection of minor issues that collectively jeopardise safety. The vehicle does not need to be immobilised immediately in this case. Instead, the owner is granted a two-month window to address and repair the identified faults. Unlike a negative ITV, under an unfavourable ITV, the vehicle can be driven to the workshop for repairs and then returned to the ITV for reevaluation within the given timeframe.
Reinspection
After the repairs are done, the vehicle must be taken back to the ITV station for a reinspection to verify that the identified faults have been rectified. If the vehicle passes this reinspection, it can be returned to regular road use.
Penalties for Driving with a Negative or Unfavourable ITV
Driving a vehicle with a negative ITV can result in fines of up to 500 euros. Furthermore, there are no opportunities for reduced fines or discounts for prompt payment from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) in such cases, as this is considered a severe violation.
In contrast, an unfavourable ITV incurs a fine of 200 euros if you are caught driving the vehicle without justifiable reasons, such as en route to a workshop for repairs or returning to the ITV for a reevaluation of the corrective measures undertaken.
In conclusion, passing the ITV is a critical requirement for legally operating a vehicle on Spanish roads. Vehicle owners should ensure their vehicles meet safety standards to avoid fines and legal consequences associated with failing the ITV. The two-month grace period allows for necessary repairs, ensuring road safety and compliance with regulations.
Learn more about the ITV test in Spain.
