Spain’s DGT has set stricter ITV inspection intervals for older camper vans and motorhomes. Vehicles over 10 years now face more frequent checks. The update also clarifies parking and service area rules.
Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has introduced a significant update to the technical inspection schedule for motorhomes and camper vans, tightening requirements for older vehicles. Under the new instruction, camper vans that are more than 10 years old must now undergo an ITV inspection every six months, while those up to 10 years old will continue with annual checks. For motorhomes, the frequency is set at every two years for vehicles older than four years, but switches to annual inspections once they surpass the 10-year mark.
This adjustment, published by the DGT, directly affects thousands of owners across Spain who rely on these vehicles for travel and accommodation. The move aims to align inspection intervals with vehicle age and type, reflecting a more nuanced approach than previous regulations. The updated instruction also confirms that motorhomes are permitted to stop and park under the same conditions as other vehicles, but local municipalities retain the authority to limit parking times or prohibit camping in urban areas and adjacent spaces. This follows a Supreme Court interpretation from March 2018, which clarified the extent of municipal powers regarding parking and camping restrictions for caravans and similar vehicles.
Alongside inspection changes, the DGT has addressed the regulation of designated service areas for motorhomes, now recognized as a form of tourist accommodation. Recent legal updates from regions such as Navarra, Extremadura, and the Community of Madrid have been incorporated, requiring these areas to provide essential services and clear signage. The new S-128 sign, marking caravan waste disposal points, has been added to the official Catalogue of Vertical Traffic Signs to improve clarity for drivers.
The DGT emphasizes that these changes were necessary to incorporate recent legal developments and to ensure consistency with criteria set by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism regarding vehicle inspections. The update is part of a broader trend in Spain to modernize transport regulations and improve road safety, particularly as the popularity of motorhome travel continues to grow. For context, the country has seen a steady increase in the number of registered camper vans and motorhomes over the past decade, with many owners seeking greater flexibility for domestic tourism. The new rules are expected to impact travel planning and maintenance routines for vehicle owners, especially those with older models.
While the focus is on technical inspections and parking rules, the DGT’s move reflects a wider effort to adapt Spain’s transport policies to changing travel habits. In a related development, the world of motorsport has also seen regulatory shifts, as highlighted when the Brno circuit returned to the MotoGP calendar after a four-year break, prompting teams and riders to adjust to new conditions and penalties. More on this can be found in the article about the Brno circuit’s MotoGP comeback and its impact on the standings.
For Spanish residents and travelers, these regulatory updates underline the importance of staying informed about evolving vehicle requirements and local rules. As the landscape for motorhome and camper van use becomes more regulated, compliance with inspection schedules and awareness of parking restrictions will be crucial for avoiding fines and ensuring safe travel across the country.
