Spain tightens vehicle inspection rules for motorhomes and campers. Spain has changed the ITV inspection schedule for motorhomes and campers. Vehicles older than 10 years must now undergo a technical inspection every six months. The new rules have already come into force.
New technical inspection (ITV) requirements for motorhomes and converted vans have come into effect in Spain. According to the latest directive published by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), owners of such vehicles older than 10 years are now required to undergo a technical inspection every six months. This decision affects both classic motorhomes and vans converted for living purposes.
For motorhomes between 4 and 10 years old, the previous requirement remains in place—a technical inspection every two years. After reaching ten years, the inspection frequency increases to once a year. However, for vans officially registered as “furgon vivienda,” the rules are stricter: up to 10 years—inspection once a year, after that—every six months. These changes aim to improve road safety and align regulations with the guidelines of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism.
The DGT document also clarifies that motorhomes have the right to stop and park under the same conditions as other vehicles. However, municipalities may restrict parking times or prohibit camping on city streets and adjacent areas. This is based on the Supreme Court decision of March 13, 2018, which upheld the right of local authorities to impose such restrictions.
An important innovation also concerns infrastructure for motorhomes. The guidelines now specify requirements for motorhome parking zones, which are now officially recognized as a form of tourist accommodation. In particular, the new rules have already been incorporated into the regulations of Navarre, Extremadura, and Madrid. Such areas must be equipped with essential services and clearly marked. To this end, a new designation has appeared in the road sign catalog—S-128, indicating a motorhome waste disposal site.
According to RUSSPAIN, Spain is among the European countries with the most developed network of campsites and service areas for motorhomes. There are more than 1,000 dedicated sites across the country, and demand for motorhome travel continues to grow. The new rules could affect the rental and sales market for these vehicles, as well as the tourism appeal of certain regions. It is important to remember that failing to meet ITV deadlines may result in fines and restrictions on the use of the vehicle.
