Drivers in Spain warned: Cars over 14 years old could trigger €200 fine if this document is missing

Thousands of drivers in Spain could face a €200 fine if their car is over 14 years old and does not have a valid ITV certificate, a rule that many expats overlook until it is too late.

Authorities and road safety groups are warning motorists to double-check their vehicle paperwork as enforcement increases. With the average car age in Spain now around 14.5 years, millions of vehicles fall into the category requiring stricter inspections, meaning more drivers risk penalties if their documentation is not up to date.

Why it matters for expats in Spain

Spanish traffic authorities have renewed warnings about the importance of the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) — the mandatory roadworthiness test similar to the UK MOT.

Drivers caught using a vehicle without a valid ITV certificate can be fined €200, even if the lapse was unintentional.

For expats living in Spain, this rule is particularly important because the inspection schedule differs from other countries and can catch newcomers off guard.

With police checks increasing and many vehicles now older than 10–14 years, the risk of fines has grown significantly.

What has changed?

The key issue is not a brand-new law but stricter enforcement and growing concern about ageing vehicles on Spanish roads.

Cars in Spain follow a specific ITV schedule:

• 0–4 years old: No inspection required

• 4–10 years old: ITV every two years

• More than 10 years old: ITV required every year

As vehicles age past the 14-year mark, they fall firmly into the annual inspection category.

If the ITV expires and the car is driven on public roads, the driver can face a €200 fine, and the penalty can reach €500 in more serious cases.

What this means locally in Spain

Spain has one of the oldest vehicle fleets in Europe, with the average car now around 14.5 years old.

This means a huge proportion of drivers must now complete annual ITV checks, especially in regions with large expat populations such as Mallorca, the Costa del Sol, and Alicante.

Authorities say the inspections are critical for road safety. Data shows that a notable percentage of older vehicles involved in accidents were driving without a valid ITV certificate, highlighting the risks of skipping inspections.

For expats who imported vehicles or bought second-hand cars in Spain, missing an ITV renewal date is one of the most common causes of fines.

What you should do now

If you drive in Spain, especially with an older car, take these steps:

1. Check your ITV expiry date on the sticker displayed on your windscreen.

2. Book an ITV appointment early – you can renew up to 30 days before the deadline without changing the next expiry date.

3. Keep your documents in the car, including the ITV card and registration certificate.

4. Avoid driving if your ITV has expired, as insurance may also become invalid in an accident.

Booking in advance is especially important in busy regions where ITV stations can have long waiting lists.

The ITV system is Spain’s equivalent of the MOT in the UK or TÜV in Germany, designed to ensure vehicles meet safety and emissions standards.

During the inspection, technicians check key elements including brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, and emissions levels to ensure the vehicle is safe for the road.

Failing the inspection means the vehicle must be repaired and re-tested before it can legally circulate.

Common questions

Can you drive with an expired ITV?
No. Driving without a valid ITV is illegal and can result in a €200 fine.

Does the rule apply to electric cars?
Yes. Electric vehicles must also pass ITV checks, although emissions testing is skipped.

What if the car is parked and not being used?
Some court rulings suggest parked vehicles may not always be fined for expired ITV, but driving the vehicle without a valid inspection remains illegal.

What happens next?

Spanish traffic authorities are expected to continue increasing roadside checks and digital enforcement, particularly as the country’s vehicle fleet continues to age.

For drivers – especially expats unfamiliar with the system – the safest approach is simple: keep your ITV certificate valid and renew it before the deadline to avoid fines and potential insurance issues.