40% of Spanish cars are on the road without a valid ITV

Easter holidays begin, and with them many people decide to go on holiday outside their usual city, which leads to a massive movement of vehicles and, in turn, an increase in road accidents.

According to the Directorate-General for Traffic, last year it recorded 15.8 million trips over the Easter period, so this year a similar figure is expected. There is still a second phase of travel that will begin on 5 April, when a larger number of trips is expected.

According to a report by AEMA-ITV, around 40% of Spanish vehicles either fail their ITV test late or do not have a valid one. Recently a new law came into force requiring a thorough check of the polluting emissions of vehicles. It is estimated that around 51% of the cars that go to the ITV are rejected for this reason.

In 2022, 27 people died and 96 were injured during this holiday period, and 69 people died in Madrid over the course of the year in road accidents. The Association of Vehicle Technical Inspection Entities of the Community of Madrid wants to raise public awareness of the importance of keeping the vehicle in optimal condition and the ITV valid during these periods of high road traffic, so as to help keep everyone safe.

As Jorge Soriano, president of AEMA-ITV, put it: “Going to the ITV inspection not only serves to avoid a fine for not displaying a valid sticker; its real purpose is to ensure the vehicle operates correctly, in order to improve safety on the roads both for those travelling in that vehicle and for everyone else on the road.”

Checking tyre pressure and tread, the operation of the cooling system, the fluid levels and the condition of the brakes, as well as the state of the battery, are some of the recommendations that AEMA-ITV, in collaboration with the DGT, makes so that you can drive with peace of mind. A vehicle in good condition not only reduces the risk of accidents, but also improves fuel efficiency and reduces pollutant emissions.

Age of vehicles

According to the DGT report “Main figures on road accidents in Spain“, there is a very close relationship between the age of the vehicle involved in the accident and the condition of its ITV.

With each passing year, the percentage of passenger cars involved in an accident increases significantly, rising to 7% when the car is between 5 and 9 years old and to 15% when it exceeds 15 years. However, in the case of vans and lorries up to 3,500 kg, the percentages are 10% at 5 to 9 years and 25% once they pass 15 years. ITV inspections uncover hidden problems that we may not see with the naked eye and that could prevent a road accident.

Always carry your documents in the vehicle

It is important to bear in mind that when travelling by car during Easter you must carry certain documents to avoid penalties and fines. These documents are the circulation permit, the vehicle registration document (technical data sheet) and the compulsory insurance. The first two are usually found in the glovebox of the vehicle, but for the compulsory insurance it is not necessary to have the physical payment receipt. Instead, it is advisable to carry a printed document confirming that the insurance is in force and paid up to date. It is essential to have these documents before setting off to avoid any kind of inconvenience. In addition, it is important to check the validity of the insurance and make sure it is active so you can drive with peace of mind and safety on the road.