DGT Increases Vehicle Inspections Ahead of May Long Weekend

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has stepped up vehicle inspections across the country, including the Canary Islands, to coincide with the increase in travel over the May long weekend. The agency aims to ensure all vehicles on the road meet safety standards, helping to reduce accidents and improve road safety.

Keeping up with the mandatory Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV) is essential for all drivers. How often you need an inspection depends on the age of your car, typically ranging from every year to every two years for vehicles under a decade old. Driving without the required inspection sticker can lead to fines and may cause your insurance company to deny coverage if you are involved in an accident.

Fines for missing an inspection are significant: driving with an expired ITV is considered a serious offense and carries a 200-euro penalty. If you continue to drive a vehicle that has already failed an inspection, the fine increases to 500 euros, and your car may be immobilized. According to 2022 DGT data, failing to keep up with these inspections remains one of the most common traffic violations in Spain.

Authorities advise drivers to book their inspection appointments well in advance. Please note that simply having an appointment does not allow you to drive a vehicle with an expired inspection; you are only permitted to drive to the inspection center for your scheduled test. To help you stay on track, the DGT offers digital tools, including its official app, where you can check your vehicle's exact inspection expiration date.