Careful! These changes to your car will get you through the ITV (MOT)

We all like our cars to look striking and to have elements that enhance their image. Some of the elements we add to the bodywork can be fitted without any problems and do not require approval. For example, fitting trim covers on the wing mirrors or mounting a roof rack on the rails the manufacturer already fitted to the car requires no extra steps.

But there are changes, replacements and modifications that require the car to pass the ITV to obtain approval. This must be done even if the car’s ITV is still valid. Technicians must assess whether the modifications comply with current legislation and can be used on the vehicle without problems.

This is important, so it is necessary to know which elements can be fitted without obtaining approval and which ones must be approved. These are the changes that require a visit to the station and inspection by the technicians:

• Tyres: You must pass the ITV when non-equivalent tyres are fitted, that is, when the dimensional difference between the fitted tyre and the original exceeds the tolerance (3%) or the load or speed index is lower than the original.
• Bodywork: Replacing or fitting bodywork elements on the vehicle with different ones is considered a modification. For this reason, both the front bumper and the bonnet bear most of the responsibility for the vehicle’s correct behaviour in the event of an impact or a pedestrian collision, so any modification to these elements will require approval.
• Engine control unit: If the electronic control unit that manages the engine is modified, this is considered a modification because the vehicle’s performance changes and its polluting emissions are altered.
• Lighting: Modifying the lighting by replacing the factory technology is considered a modification. However, replacing complete side or rear lighting units that use halogen technology with LED units that are duly approved and located in the vehicle’s original position is not considered a modification.
• Towing hitch: Fitting this element is considered a modification and must therefore be legalised. However, if it is removed, it is not necessary to pass the inspection again.

The consequences of failing to undergo these inspections and authorisations are that the vehicle cannot pass the ITV. In addition, it carries a €500 penalty, and these unapproved elements are not covered by the insurance policy. So if you intend to make a modification that represents a significant change, you must visit the ITV and go through the corresponding procedures to obtain approval.