The Spanish motorhome and campervan market is experiencing a real boom: in recent years, sales have tripled and the number of these vehicles has grown from 48,000 to almost 137,000 units. Against this backdrop, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has announced new rules for passing the ITV – the mandatory technical inspection, which will now become stricter for owners of older motorhomes and converted vans.
New deadlines for ITV
According to the published DGT guideline PROT 2026/04, motorhomes (category M) and campers based on vans (category N) now have different inspection schedules. Motorhomes under 4 years old remain exempt from ITV; between 4 and 10 years old, the inspection is required every two years, and after ten years – annually. However, for van-based campers, the rules are even stricter: up to 10 years old, an annual inspection is required, and after that – every six months. This means that owners of older campers will have to visit the ITV station twice a year, significantly increasing the maintenance burden and costs for such vehicles.
Reasons for tightening and market context
The sharp rise in the popularity of motorhomes and camper vans in Spain is linked not only to changing travel habits, but also to efforts by many families to cut housing and travel expenses. The DGT notes that the increase in such vehicles requires stricter monitoring of their technical condition, especially given the growing share of vehicles over 10 years old. The introduction of new ITV (vehicle inspection) deadlines is an attempt to reduce accident risks and improve road safety, considering the specifics of motorhome and camper van use, as these vehicles often cover long distances and operate in challenging conditions.
Parking, camping, and new fines
An important detail: the new rules do not affect parking and camping regulations. The DGT emphasizes that motorhomes and camper vans may park under the same conditions as other vehicles, provided standard traffic rules are followed. However, the distinction between parking and camping remains fundamental: if the owner extends the perimeter of the vehicle, sets out furniture or an awning, this is considered camping and requires special permission from the local authority. Violating these rules can result in fines of up to €5,000, especially when parking in national parks or discharging polluting liquids. To address the issue of wastewater disposal, the DGT has introduced a new road sign, S-128, marking designated points for emptying motorhome and camper van tanks.
Market and outlook
Tightening the ITV regulations for motorhomes and campers is not the only initiative by the DGT in recent years. As experience with the mandatory V16 beacon has shown, not all innovations immediately lead to the expected increase in safety: the results of the V16 introduction have raised concerns among experts and motorists. Nevertheless, the new technical inspection requirements reflect the overall trend toward stricter control of the technical condition of vehicles, especially in a segment that is rapidly growing and becoming increasingly widespread. For the Spanish market, this means not only additional costs for owners but also increased transparency and safety in one of the most dynamic areas of car tourism.
For reference: motorhomes and campers in Spain have traditionally been popular among families and travelers who prefer mobility and independence from hotels. Most new models are available both on the primary and secondary markets, and demand for converted vans remains consistently high. The new ITV rules may affect the market structure by increasing interest in newer and technically sound vehicles.
