Spain tightens ITV inspection rules for campervans and motorhomes

Spain's Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has issued Instruction PROT 2026/04, tightening inspection intervals for motorhomes and camper vans. Vans converted into living spaces and classified as category N must now pass the ITV (MOT) every six months once they exceed ten years of age. For category M motorhomes, the schedule remains unchanged: biennial inspections between four and ten years, then annual. The key factor is the homologation category on the vehicle's technical sheet, not its appearance.

Spain's DGT has updated the MOT (ITV) inspection periods for motorhomes and converted campervans. Motorhomes require inspection every two years between 4 and 10 years of age, then annually. Converted campervans require annual inspection up to 10 years, then every six months. This increases the number of visits and maintenance costs for owners.

Spain's new PROT 2026/04 regulation mandates mandatory roadworthiness tests (ITV) for N1 camper vans over ten years old. This has increased demand for portable power stations, which are legally considered cargo if not permanently installed. Fixed electrical installations require homologation, while portable units can be used freely as long as they remain independent and unanchored. However, bolting them to the vehicle or connecting them to built-in wiring turns them into a modification that must be certified.

The Association of Entities for the Technical Inspection of Vehicles of the Community of Madrid (AEMA-ITV) has clarified the inspection requirements for motorhomes, caravans and campers. In 2025, Madrid ranked third in new registrations of motorhomes and campers, with 690 units. For motorhomes (category M), the first inspection is due after 4 years, then every 2 years until 10 years old, then annually. For caravans with a maximum authorised mass over 750 kg, the first inspection is after 6 years, then every 2 years. For campers (category N1), the first inspection is after 2 years, then at 4 and 6 years, then annually until 10 years, then every 6 months.

AEMA-ITV has issued clarifications on technical inspection (ITV) requirements for different types of recreational vehicles. Motorhomes (category M) follow passenger car rules: first inspection at 4 years, then every 2 years until 10 years, then annually. Caravans (trailers) over 750 kg MMA require first inspection at 6 years, then biennially. Campervans (category N1 vans) need first inspection at 2 years, then at 4 and 6 years, annually until 10 years, then every 6 months. Documentation for conversions, including gas installations, is critical.

Spain has updated its technical inspection (ITV) rules, which apply differently to motorhomes (category M) and camper vans (category N). Motorhomes require their first ITV after 4 years from registration, then every 2 years, and annually after 10 years. Camper vans must pass ITV annually from registration, and every 6 months after 10 years, increasing costs and time commitments.