These tricks will NOT help you pass the ITV

Spain has one of the oldest car fleets in the European Union, with an average age of 14 years. This situation is reflected in the difficulties many drivers face when trying to pass the Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV). For this reason, they try to fix the faults of their vehicle by making homemade repairs that are “not very useful” and cost very little. However, these methods pose a risk to road safety and do not guarantee that vehicles are in proper condition.

Although some of these “patch-ups” may seem effective, carrying them out is strongly discouraged, not only because they attempt to deceive ITV stations, but also to avoid all the road safety risks involved.

These ‘botched jobs’ will not help you pass the ITV

1. One of the most common tricks consists of using clamps and insulating tape to cover holes in the bodywork, such as sharp or cutting edges. However, according to the ITV Inspection Procedures Manual, this constitutes a serious defect, since vehicles must be free of sharp objects on their exterior; any element that could cause a cut in any way is grounds for rejection by the ITV.
2. As for interior elements, some drivers try to fix problems such as a broken seatbelt or a damaged rear-view mirror with improvised methods, such as knots, staples or insulating tape. Although they may seem like temporary solutions, these practices can have serious consequences for road safety, since both seatbelts and mirrors are elements that are thoroughly checked during the ITV, as they play a key role in our safety.
3. Another aspect to bear in mind is the sticker that certifies the validity of the ITV. Not displaying it can lead to a fine of approximately €100, while displaying multiple stickers that limit visibility can result in a €200 fine. In addition, any tampering with the sticker is considered a crime of document forgery, with fines ranging from €6,000 to €12,000, as well as prison sentences of 3 to 6 months.
4. One of the most critical problems in the ITV is the one related to polluting emissions. A high percentage of vehicles fail this test due to tampering with exhaust systems. Some drivers use devices to deceive the oxygen and fluid sensors that reduce gas emissions. These temporary solutions hide the poor condition of the vehicle, but they help neither its performance nor us; on the contrary, they do the opposite.
5. There is also an old trick for covering up faults related to the emergency lights, the most common of which are those related to the airbag or emissions. Many drivers think that putting a piece of black insulating tape over the light prevents it from being seen at the ITV, thus avoiding having to repair the fault causing the problem. When an airbag is deployed, it must be replaced with a new one, which can cost more than 500 euros; the least repaired are seat airbags, but this means an immediate ITV rejection.

Given this situation, regular maintenance is recommended for vehicles, including exhaust systems, and any attempt at tampering or homemade trick to pass the ITV is discouraged. Road safety must always be a priority, and drivers must be aware that these methods can put their lives and the lives of others on the road at risk.

Possible ITV fines

It is important to emphasise that driving with an expired ITV can result in a fine of 200 € (100 € with early payment). However, if a vehicle that has been rejected at the ITV is driven, the penalty rises to 500 euros, with no possibility of reduction for early payment. Here we show you some of the fines that come with not keeping the ITV up to date.

• Expired ITV: The fine for driving or parking a vehicle without a valid ITV is 200 euros.
• Driving with an unfavourable ITV: If a vehicle is found to have serious defects during operation, that only allow it to reach a workshop, the penalty imposed is 200 euros. The vehicle owner is obliged to repair it and submit it to a new inspection within a maximum period of two months.
• Driving with a negative ITV: In case of driving with very serious defects, the penalty is 500 euros. In this situation, the vehicle can only be removed from the ITV by tow truck. The maximum deadline for the second inspection is two months.
• Not carrying the proof: It is mandatory to display the sticker on the windscreen, as it is proof that the vehicle has passed the technical inspection. The fine for this minor offence can reach 100 euros.