Spain’s DGT has overhauled technical inspection rules for motorhomes and camper vans, introducing different ITV schedules based on vehicle type and age. Owners of older camper vans will now face more frequent checks, with significant implications for travel and compliance.
From 2026, Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) will enforce new technical inspection (ITV) schedules for motorhomes and camper vans, marking a significant shift for thousands of vehicle owners. The updated regulation, known as Instrucción PROT 2026/04, introduces stricter and more differentiated inspection intervals depending on the vehicle’s technical classification and age.
Under the new rules, the frequency of ITV inspections will no longer be determined solely by a vehicle’s age or appearance, but by its official category as listed on the ITV card. Motorhomes classified as category M will see their inspection schedule change as follows: exempt for the first four years, biennial checks from years four to ten, and annual inspections once the vehicle is over ten years old. In contrast, camper vans and converted vans—officially categorized as category N—will face a more demanding regime: annual inspections up to ten years, and then biannual (every six months) checks once they pass the decade mark.
This distinction is crucial for owners of older camper vans, many of whom have converted standard vans for travel and leisure. While a ten-year-old motorhome will only need to pass the ITV once a year, a similarly aged camper van in category N must now undergo two inspections annually. The DGT emphasizes that the determining factor is not how the vehicle is used or its external features, but its technical classification on the ITV documentation.
Key Differences by Vehicle Category
The regulation draws a clear line between motorhomes (category M) and camper vans or ‘furgones vivienda’ (category N). This technical distinction, visible on the ITV card, directly impacts the inspection calendar and, by extension, the cost and planning required for owners. For many, especially those with older or self-converted vehicles, the new rules may prompt a review of their vehicle’s classification or even influence future purchasing decisions.
Implications for Owners of Older Campers
The most notable change is the biannual inspection requirement for category N camper vans over ten years old. This group, which includes many popular converted vans, will now need to schedule ITV checks twice a year to remain road legal. Motorhomes of the same age, provided they are classified as category M, will continue with annual inspections. The DGT’s update aligns with criteria set by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism and replaces the previous 2023 instruction.
According to the Real Decreto 920/2017, vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicles undergo technical inspections at the intervals and under the conditions set by law. The new DGT instruction reinforces this obligation and clarifies the inspection calendar for the growing community of camper and motorhome users in Spain.
Parking, Camping, and the New S-128 Sign
Beyond inspection schedules, the DGT has also clarified rules around parking and camping. Motorhomes are generally allowed to park and stop under the same conditions as other vehicles, provided they respect local signage and regulations. However, municipalities retain the right to limit parking times or prohibit camping outside designated areas, in line with Supreme Court interpretations of local ordinances.
Another notable update is the introduction of the S-128 sign, marking official “Punto de vaciado de caravanas y autocaravanas”—dedicated points for emptying wastewater from caravans and motorhomes. This new sign, included in the 2025 update to Spain’s official road sign catalogue, aims to make travel more convenient and environmentally responsible for the growing number of caravan users.
Context: Growth of Caravaning in Spain
The DGT’s move comes as Spain experiences a surge in caravan and motorhome ownership. Official figures indicate that the number of registered motorhomes has nearly tripled since 2015, rising from just over 48,000 to almost 137,000 units. This rapid growth has prompted authorities to adapt regulations to ensure safety, compliance, and environmental standards keep pace with changing travel habits.
For owners and enthusiasts, the new ITV schedules mean more planning and potentially higher costs, especially for those with older camper vans. As the sector continues to expand, staying informed about technical classifications and inspection requirements will be essential for legal and hassle-free travel across Spain.
