One in three cars fail Spain's ITV inspection

One in three vehicles fails the ITV: data reveals neglect of Spain's car fleet

Almost one-third of cars required to pass the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV), Spain's mandatory vehicle safety test, do not comply. Published on June 23, 2026, this record-high figure coincides with an increasingly aged fleet, where the average vehicle age exceeds 14 years. Fines for driving without a valid ITV now surpass 600,000 per year, accounting for more than 10% of all traffic abusa. The data is stubborn, but the causes are complex.

The cost of keeping a new car: who can afford €30,000?

Economic arguments dominate: the average price of new cars approaches €30,000, while recent regulations require used vehicles to have costly systems (AdBlue, DPF, EGR, oil-bathed timing belts) that increase maintenance. In contrast, a diesel car from 2000—like a Polo 1.9—can run for decades with basic repairs. Rising taxes and general inflation squeeze household budgets, leading families to extend the life of older cars even if it means skipping the ITV. For many, the calculation is simple: with fees around €30 annually (or €60 every six months for vans), the ITV represents a cost they prefer to avoid, especially for rarely used vehicles.

Selective enforcement: some checked, others ignored?

Perceptions of unequal law enforcement fuel debate. While the Guardia Civil checks drivers' ITV status with tablets at roundabouts, dozens of vehicles—some vans or trucks—in nearby shantytowns remain apparently unchecked. Some argue certain groups systematically evade inspections due to administrative or economic circumstances. However, experts note that ITV obligations attach to the vehicle, not the person, and acknowledge that authorities lack resources to monitor marginalized areas effectively. License plate cameras, efficient for fining missing environmental labels in Low Emission Zones (ZBE), appear blind to expired ITVs.

Insurance and compensation: who pays in case of accident?

Coverage concerns persist. Driving without a valid ITV does not automatically void mandatory insurance for victims: insurers must compensate third parties, though they may later seek recovery from the policyholder. If the vehicle lacks insurance entirely, the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (Spain's insurance compensation consortium) steps in, offering lower payouts after delays. This legal complexity creates uncertainty: accidents involving uninsured or ITV-lapsed cars can leave victims with minimal compensation after months of waiting.

Reform proposals: less bureaucracy, more mileage-based checks

Faced with the current model's failure, alternatives emerge. The most common proposal is mileage-based ITV, tying inspections to actual usage rather than age. Another option is eliminating mandatory inspections, similar to the US system where owners handle maintenance. Flexibility through accredited workshops is also suggested. However, these ideas face resistance from the Asociación Española de Entidades Colaboradoras de la ITV, which defends its revenue and concession system.

The outlook is worrying: nearly 30% of vehicles operate without technical guarantees, and the trend is rising. While the government focuses on camera-enforced ZBE fines, the real road safety gap remains unaddressed. Unless the economy improves or the system is redesigned, the car fleet will continue aging, and ITV compliance will likely become a privilege for those who can afford it.