Spain's Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has issued instruction PROT 2026/04, tightening the frequency of technical inspections (ITV) for living vehicles. Under the new rules, vans converted into living spaces and registered in category N must undergo ITV every six months after reaching ten years of age. For motorhomes in category M, the frequency remains unchanged: inspection every two years until ten years, then annually. The decisive factor is the category stated in the technical passport, not the vehicle's appearance.
According to sources, motorhomes undergo ITV every two years between ages 4 and 10, then annually. Converted vans are inspected annually until 10 years, then every six months. This increases the number of visits to inspection stations and costs for owners.
The entry into force of instruction PROT 2026/04 has boosted sales of portable power stations, which do not require modifications to the vehicle's structure. Under the law, such devices are considered transported cargo if not permanently fixed and not connected to the standard electrical system. However, fixing them to the floor, furniture, or connecting them to the built-in wiring is considered a conversion requiring mandatory certification.