What Are The Differences Between Unfavourable And Negative ITV In Spain?

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. The ITV forms part of Spain’s national roadworthiness framework, regulated by the Ministry of Industry and enforced by the DGT.

Understanding a Negative ITV: Severe Fault

What a negative ITV means

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. Under Spanish Traffic Law, circulating with a negative ITV is considered a serious breach of road safety regulations.

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

What an unfavourable ITV means

An unfavourable ITV is issued when the technician detects 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. This grace period exists to keep traffic flowing while still ensuring the vehicle is brought back to safe operating standards.

Reinspection

What happens during the second inspection

After the repairs are completed, 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

Fines and legal implications

Driving a vehicle with a negative ITV can result in fines of up to 500 euros. There is no option for early-payment reduction from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), as this is classed as a severe infraction under Spanish Traffic Law.

In contrast, an unfavourable ITV incurs a fine of 200 euros if you are caught driving the vehicle without justifiable reasons, such as travelling to a workshop for repairs or returning to the ITV for reevaluation of the corrective measures undertaken.

For more guidance on Spain’s driving laws, see 10 Spanish Traffic Laws You May Not Be Aware Of.

Conclusion

Summary of ITV responsibilities

Passing the ITV is essential for legal and safe driving in Spain. A negative ITV results in immediate immobilisation, while an unfavourable ITV allows limited circulation for repairs before returning for reinspection. Understanding these distinctions helps vehicle owners avoid penalties, maintain road safety, and comply with Spanish regulations.

Learn more about the full process in our complete ITV test guide.

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