Attention to Drivers in Spain: These Vehicles Will Not Require ITV in 2025

It is often accompanied by some uncertainty when it comes time to undergo the ITV (Technical Vehicle Inspection), especially when the car in question is many years old and its owners fear it might not pass the check. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that every detail of the vehicle, from lights to brakes or tires, continues to meet safety, environmental, and traffic standards, no matter how much time passes.

The current Spanish regulations stipulate that the ITV must be conducted based on the age of the model. Thus, new vehicles do not need to undergo it until they are four years old; those between four and ten years must do so every two years; and those over ten years must do it annually.

What many do not know is that there are vehicles that, despite having been on the road for many years, will be exempted by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) and will not have to pass the ITV ever again from this year. These are the ones.

Thus, from this year, vehicles, whether cars or mopeds, that were registered before January 1, 1950, can enjoy this exemption. Although there are few left, the truth is that many Spanish households may preserve driving gems, and there are also collectors fond of vintage vehicles.

The change is due to the DGT wanting to give more importance to historic cars and have them considered as cultural heritage. Therefore, the intention is to increase the number of historic vehicles in the country. Generally, a vehicle over 30 years old, or with special interest or uniqueness, can apply for historic vehicle status to help protect its representative and symbolic character of a certain era of automotive production.

Historic vehicles, except those from before 1950, must continue to attend ITV inspection exams. Those less than 40 years old must do so every two years, while those between 40 and 45 years old, every three years. Those over 45 years old must also pass it, in this case, every four years.

It should be noted that all of them, when undergoing the ITV review, do not have to have all the mandatory elements or characteristics to circulate today if they were not equipped with these elements when manufactured. This is reminded by the DGT on its official portal.