We should all be aware that the ITV inspection (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is mandatory once a vehicle reaches a certain age, and must then be renewed periodically, and not doing so can result in a hefty fine, or worse, but a problem has arisen in some areas where ITV test centres are located in Low Emissions Zones (ZBE).
In some areas, such as Torrelavega and Santander, for example, the ITV centre is located in a ZBE, which would mean that certain vehicles are prohibited from entering, and therefore unable to visit the local centre to have the test carried out.
It is worth noting that you can attend any ITV centre across the country for the test, irrespective of where you live, but convenience often leads people to their closest centre.
Entering a ZBE without the corresponding sticker can lead to a 200 euro fine, and so for some of those whose vehicles are not suitable, it became a problem.
That is why the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has decided to regulate this matter and has updated instruction MOV 2023/20 to offer recommendations when “establishing moratoriums, exemptions and authorisations in vehicle access” to the ZBE.
The document details the types of vehicles to which municipal officials could apply the exceptions, expressly citing those that, “go to ITV stations that are located within the ZBE to pass the mandatory technical inspection (ITV) or to legalise reforms.”
The updating of this instruction has been promoted by the AECA-ITV station association, but it is important to keep in mind that it is only a recommendation, so councils are not obliged to follow it, so you still need to check before you proceed.
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