Report a problem

What is the problem?

Could not attach a screenshot — send without it

Filters

Portable batteries in campers: how to avoid ITV issues in Spain

07.07.2026 09:42 2 min 4 sources РУС
Talent24h SPA + 3 more
Portable batteries in campers: how to avoid ITV issues in Spain
© Josep Maria Poblet

In Brief

Spain's new DGT PROT 2026/04 regulation tightens electrical requirements for campers over 10 years old. Portable power stations not permanently fixed are treated as cargo and need no certification, boosting their sales.

Spain's DGT PROT 2026/04 instruction has come into force, tightening requirements for electrical installations in N1 category campers older than 10 years. Fixed installations without certification are considered a serious defect during the ITV (technical inspection). The fine for non-compliance can reach 200 euros.

According to the update, portable power stations can be used without certification if they are not permanently attached and not connected to the stationary electrical system. Such devices are classified as cargo, not as part of the vehicle, provided they can be easily removed. However, bolting them down or connecting them to built-in sockets turns them into a modification requiring technical documentation. Owners must securely fasten the battery with straps to avoid fines and risks while driving.

This has led to a surge in sales of portable batteries, which are not considered a reform if not fixed permanently and not connected to the standard wiring.

Aggregated by OpenVan.camp from the public sources listed below, with AI-assisted translation and summary. We always link to the original source. Machine translation may differ from the original -- check the source for important details. Images and content remain the property of their respective owners. Copyright information

Story sources

Portable battery in a camper: when it doesn't need certification

07.07.2026 Talent24h SPA Original source

Portable battery helps avoid MOT failure for campers over 10 years old

06.07.2026 Motor16 SPA Original source

Portable batteries in camper vans: a way to avoid MOT headaches in Spain

03.07.2026 El Periódico SPA Original source

New ITV for campers boosts portable battery sales

02.07.2026 Modernet Digital — Notícies de Tarragona i Catalunya amb sar... SPA Original source

ES Spain — fuel prices

Updated: 22.08.2026

Sin plomo 95

$2.05 /l

€1.75 · £1.50/l

118 of 142

pricier than 82% of countries

Sin plomo 98

$2.26 /l

€1.93 · £1.65/l

78 of 94

pricier than 82% of countries

Gasóleo A

$2.21 /l

€1.89 · £1.62/l

119 of 142

pricier than 83% of countries

Gasóleo Premium

$2.35 /l

€2.02 · £1.73/l

22 of 40

pricier than 53% of countries

GLP

$1.30 /l

€1.11 · £0.95/l

48 of 54

pricier than 87% of countries

GNC

$1.92 /l

€1.64 · £1.41/l

10 of 14

pricier than 64% of countries

Cheapest on the map

Popular route

Distance

Fuel cost

~

Est. time

~

Quiz: test yourself
Guess the vanlife lingo — 3 quick questions
1 / 3
Q1 What does payload mean on a motorhome?

Best regions in the coming days

Canary Islands +21°·50 km/h
91
Community of Madrid +23°·45 km/h
89
Castile–La Mancha +25°·45 km/h
88
Asturias +23°·30 km/h
87
Castile and León +24°·44 km/h
87
Avoid now
Balearic Islands +30°·28 km/h
49
Melilla +27°·26 km/h
60

You May Be Interested

All News
ES Spain 6

Spain Tightens ITV Rules for Campers: New Inspection Schedule

Spain's DGT issued directive PROT 2026/04, clarifying ITV frequency for motorhomes, caravans, and campers. Campers over 10 years now require mandatory inspection; fine for missing it is 200 euros.

News from Spain

All News

Retired Couple from Mallorca Shares Reality of Living in a Motorhome: Freedom and Savings vs. Cramped Quarters

A retired couple from Mallorca has been living in a motorhome of about 10 square meters for five years. They save around 1,400 euros per month, cap fuel spending at 700 euros, and rely on solar panels for energy independence. However, the lack of space, the need for constant joint decisions, and technical breakdowns create tension in their relationship. The couple notes that Mallorca's humid climate was difficult for one of them, and the drier air during travels improved their well-being.

Spanish man shares costs of living in a camper van

Jesús, creator of the Viaja en tribu project, shared his experience of living in a six-meter camper van. His monthly expenses range from 300 to 500 euros, half the cost of maintaining an apartment. He noted that after selling his flat, his costs decreased, and life on wheels helped him overcome anxiety and depression. Jesús also warned about rising camper prices: his Fiat Ducato model increased from 50,000 to 80,000 euros.

Install OpenVan.camp

Get quick access and offline reading.

Install on iOS

  1. 1 Tap Share in Safari.
  2. 2 Choose "Add to Home Screen".
  3. 3 Confirm by tapping Add.

Already installed

The app is already installed on this device.

Install from browser menu

Use your browser menu to install or add to home screen.

→ Glossary