ITV
How to get your motorbike through the ITV in Spain
By the workshop · 2 min read · October 5, 2026
If you've moved to Sitges or the Garraf from abroad, the ITV is Spain's roadworthiness test, the equivalent of the MOT, with its own dates and paperwork. This guide starts from zero: when it's due, where you go, what they check and what to do if you don't pass first time.
When it's due
A new motorbike has its first ITV four years after registration, then every two years. Mopeds start at three years. The deadline is on the sticker on the mudguard and on the ficha técnica (the technical sheet). Riding with an expired ITV is a fineable offence, and your insurer can make trouble after an accident.
Where to go and how to book
In Catalonia the ITV is done by licensed test centres; the nearest one to the Garraf is in Vilanova i la Geltrú. You book a slot on the centre's website and pay there. Each centre sets its own fee: check their site before you go.
What to bring
The permiso de circulación (registration document) and the ficha técnica. Your insurance is usually checked in the database rather than on paper, but bring proof anyway. Any non-original parts, exhaust, lights or handlebars, must be type-approved and, where required, recorded on the ficha técnica.
What they check
Identification and frame number, lights and indicators, horn, mirrors, brakes on the roller, steering and suspension, tyres, exhaust and noise, emissions, and that nothing leaks or is loose. Most failures are lights, tyres, brakes and non-approved exhausts.
Favourable, unfavourable or negative
Favourable: you get the sticker and you're done until next time. Unfavourable: you can ride to get it fixed and you have two months to return to the same centre so they can check the repair. Negative: a serious defect, and the bike may only be moved to be repaired. Before going back, let us check what they flagged.
How we do it at the workshop
Our pre-ITV check looks at exactly what the test centre looks at: lights, brakes, tyres, exhaust, emissions and noise. You go to the test with no surprises and pay the fee once. Book online for free; the site works in English.
What you ask us
Can I take the ITV with foreign plates?
No: the Spanish ITV is for vehicles registered in Spain. If you live here, a bike on foreign plates has to be registered in Spain, which involves a type-approval inspection.
What if I've missed the date?
You can still take the test, but riding with an expired ITV is fineable. Book the earliest slot and avoid using the bike until then.
Do I need an appointment for the pre-ITV check?
Yes, and booking is free. Bring your ITV date and the bike exactly as you'll present it.
We do it
Would you rather not get your hands dirty?
We get it ready for you at the workshop. Book a slot and pick a real time.
