The ITV sticker has been on the front windows of cars in Spain for 30 years because it is mandatory to wear them and in 2024 it will also be mandatory, at least for now. This is what the Spanish Association of Collaborating Entities of the Administration in the AECA-ITV Technical Vehicle Inspection wanted to remember. In a statement they assure that the General Directorate of Traffic does not allow the removal of this famous yellow, green or red badge this year and failure to wear it represents a serious infraction with its corresponding fine.
They do so in response to the doubts of vehicle owners regarding the supposed intention for them to become digital in order to speed up the distinction of cars. From the association that represents practically all ITV stations in Spain, they explain that the regulation on the ITV sticker is contained in the General Vehicle Regulations, approved by Royal Decree 2822/1998, of December 23 (Annex XI signs on vehicles) and clarifies that “a modification of this regulation should be made through a standard of the same legal rank, that is, Royal Decree, or higher rank, which to date is not happening.”
What is the MOT sticker for?
AECA-ITV also remembers that the ITV sticker is not a simple adhesive. It has been part of the front windows of vehicles in Spain for 30 years and for years it has been the only sticker allowed on vehicles, until environmental labels arrived.
The famous stickers that many are reluctant to apply help the agents identify at a glance whether or not the vehicle has a valid MOT. “It has the same relevance as the rest of the vehicle’s documents,” they point out.
In addition to the month and year in which the inspection expires, the ITV sticker includes other information, such as: the number of the ITV station that carried out the inspection and the identification of the autonomous community in which it is located.
Where is the MOT sticker placed?
The “Periodic Technical Vehicle Inspection Badge” is given to the driver once the MOT has been successfully passed. Subsequently, the driver must place it in a visible place. In the case of those vehicles that have a windshield, the sticker must be in the upper right corner of the windshield on the inside, to restore the least possible visibility to the driver. In the case of motorcycles, it should be placed somewhere that is easily seen.
What does the green yellow or red color on the sticker mean?
The color of the sticker indicates the year in which the MOT of said vehicle expires. The calendar is set in a specific order: first yellow, then red, and finally green.
Each color is assigned to a specific year. For example: yellow stickers correspond to those MOTs that expire in 2023, 2026, 2029 and so on. The red ones are those that have expired in 2021 and will expire in 2024, 2027, 2030… and the green ones in 2022, 2025, 2028, 2031.
What is the fine for not wearing the MOT sticker?
Not having the ITV sticker on the vehicle is considered a minor infraction, for which the driver may be fined 100 euros.
Main elements that are looked at when passing the ITV
Vehicle identification: the make, model, license plate number and license plate of the vehicle must match those indicated in its documentation. Exterior conditioning, bodywork and chassis: in this section, among many other things, it is verified that the vehicles do not present oxidation and/or corrosion defects in elements that affect the safety systems or sharp edges that could cause injuries to pedestrians. . , the condition of the doors and their mechanisms guarantees their opening and closing. Visibility: it is checked that the windows and windshield do not present breaks or modifications that affect the driver’s field of vision and that they are appropriately approved. The windshield wipers and washers are checked to ensure that they work correctly and that the number of rear-view mirrors is as necessary, in addition to their condition and their fixings. Interior conditioning: vehicles must not have edges or protrusions inside the passenger compartment, also checking that there are no obstacles that limit the driver’s field of vision. It is checked that the seats are adequate, are perfectly anchored to the body and have the regulatory seat belts (special attention to their operation, fixing systems and anchors). If child restraint systems are used, they must be appropriate. In addition, the operation of the anti-icing and anti-fog, the existence of the anti-theft device and the speedometer are checked. Lighting and signaling: the orientation of the low and high beam lights is checked. It is checked that the lighting and signaling devices are approved and that they have the regulatory number of lights. Polluting emissions: it is verified that the polluting emissions levels of the vehicles are lower than the limits established according to their manufacturing date and the type of fuel used. Also noise.Braking devices: it is verified that the braking efficiency of the brake system is greater than the minimum necessary depending on the type of vehicle, that the wheels of the same axle brake with the least possible imbalance between them.Steering: Check the condition and operation, as well as any possible play, of the elements of the steering mechanism (steering wheel, column, steering box, ball joints, etc.) of the vehicle. Axles, wheels, tires and suspension: the general condition is checked . of the axles and wheels. The different suspension components are also checked in relation to their fixings, damage, leaks or protections. Engine and transmission: the condition of the engine is checked, with special attention to oil leaks and the condition of its anchors; The general condition and fixing of the battery, as well as the fuel tank, pipes and possible losses in the power system. The condition of the exhaust system is checked, paying attention to possible breaks, deformations and fixings, as well as that of the transmission and its possible losses or breakages.
