What Changes in the ITV are Contemplated by the New Historic Vehicles Regulation?

According to data from the Vehicle Registry of the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), in 2023, there were 47,000 vehicles registered as historic across the country. Of these, approximately 6,000 undergo technical inspection each year, reflecting a continuous effort to keep these vehicles in optimal condition and comply with current regulations.

Of the total historic vehicles that go to the ITV, 84% pass on the first attempt. The main defects detected are related to the braking system, accounting for 35% of failures. This is followed by lighting and signaling issues at 19%, and problems with axles, wheels, and suspension as the third cause of failure at the ITV, with 11% of all detected defects.

After the publication in the BOE of the new Historic Vehicles Regulation, which comes into force on October 1st, several new aspects affect how historic vehicles must pass the ITV, according to AECA-ITV.

The first of these particularities is related to the frequency of inspection, although the technical inspection procedure itself is the same as that required for other vehicles.

Another difference is related to the exemptions reflected in the ITV Card of historic vehicles. In this regard, they are exempt from tests on brake testers or play detectors, the presence of seat belts, and lighting devices.

The MPITV (Manual of Inspection Procedure for ITV Stations) allows the use of tires with a tread depth of less than 1.6 mm on historic vehicles. Additionally, it establishes that the use of spare parts will not be considered a modification; however, if any data on the ITV card (TITV) is altered, a new intervention by the cataloging authority will be necessary.

Furthermore, consideration must be given to new developments in ITV matters introduced by the new Royal Decree on Historic Vehicles. Specifically, regarding their ITV frequency: historic vehicles over 60 years old from their manufacture or first registration, as well as mopeds classified as historic regardless of their age, are exempt from passing ITV. However, owners can subject them to voluntary ITVs if they wish.

Additionally, requirements for obtaining historic vehicle classification have been modified. In both cases, the cataloging phase is eliminated.

For Group A historic vehicles - abbreviated procedure - (historic vehicles with an ordinary registration in Spain and a valid ITV), they are exempt from having to perform a prior ITV and no new ITV card is issued. In these cases, a responsible declaration from the owner that the vehicle is eligible for classification as historic, a valid ITV, and issuance by DGT of a circulation permit due to service change to historic suffices. Therefore, when the current ITV period expires for the vehicle, it must undergo an ITV. If favorable results are obtained, the ITV station will note on the ITV card the new inspection frequency based on its age.

As for Group B vehicles (other historic vehicles), prior technical inspection is required for issuing an ITV card among other aspects.

In any case, as recognized by the regulation itself: "Since road safety is an essential factor, besides requiring a valid ITV for 'abbreviated procedure' vehicles, it demands participation from technically qualified entities such as Historic Vehicle Technical Services through issuing corresponding technical reports and subsequent technical inspection at an ITV station."

Additionally, before October 1st, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism must modify MPITV to incorporate specifications from the new historic vehicle regulation.