Royal Decree 920/2017 regulates the minimum regime for the technical inspection of vehicles, but the fees depend on the autonomous communities and can vary notably between a gasoline, diesel, or electric car, a motorcycle, or an industrial vehicle.
The ITV rises again in several communities
Passing the technical vehicle inspection can cost quite a bit more depending on where the driver lives. The ITV does not have a single price in Spain and the differences between communities remain very wide, especially between gasoline, diesel, and electric cars. In general terms, the inspection of a car ranges between about 40 and 60 euros in 2026, although there are regions and stations where the amount may be below or above that reference.
The trend that worries many drivers is the increase in the cost of inspection. Some industry information points to recent increases in communities such as Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia, with increases that can range between 8 and 10 euros in certain cases and vehicle types. In any case, it is advisable to always check the official tariff or the one published by the specific station before making an appointment, because the final price may vary by region, fuel, engine displacement, public or private management, and commercial discounts.
How much does it cost to pass the ITV in 2026
The ITV prices in 2026 reflect a very uneven map. According to updated comparisons, in Catalonia a catalyzed gasoline car is around 40.60 euros and a diesel one at 45.59 euros. In Andalusia, the rates for cars range approximately between 33.28 and 43.52 euros for gasoline and between 38.39 and 48.62 euros for diesel, depending on the type of vehicle. In the Valencian Community, diesels can exceed 56 euros, while in Cantabria, diesel cars are around 61.98 euros.
The RACE summarizes the situation well: the price depends on the autonomous community, the type of vehicle, the fuel, and the operating model. A gasoline car does not pay the same as a diesel one, nor a motorcycle than a van, nor a station located in a community with regulated rates than one in a liberalized market.
Why the ITV does not cost the same throughout Spain
The technical inspection of vehicles is regulated by Royal Decree 920/2017, which sets the minimum requirements for the technical inspection regime and the basic obligations of ITV stations. That is, the state regulation marks the technical and safety framework, but does not impose a single fee for the entire country.
There comes the competition of the autonomous communities. Each territory manages its rates and its service model. Some communities have regulated prices, others operate with private stations and more liberalized markets, and others combine different schemes. That is why the same car can pay different amounts depending on the community in which it undergoes inspection.
The difference between gasoline, diesel, and electric
Diesel cars usually pay more than gasoline cars because the inspection incorporates specific emission controls and, in general, greater technical demands. In the 2026 comparisons, the average cost of a diesel car appears above that of gasoline and electric.
Electric vehicles, for their part, do not always have a clearly lower rate, although in some communities their price approaches that of gasoline cars. In Catalonia, for example, the published rates place electric tourism at 39.55 euros, compared to 40.60 euros for catalyzed gasoline and 45.59 euros for diesel.
What the Royal Decree on Technical Vehicle Inspection Says
Royal Decree 920/2017 establishes that the ITV's purpose is to check the suitability for circulating on public roads of vehicles in conditions of safety and environmental respect. It also determines the minimum obligations that inspection stations must comply with.
The regulations have been updated with new technical requirements. The Ministry of Industry includes, among other references, Royal Decree 750/2022, which modifies aspects of Royal Decree 920/2017, and the resolution approving the revision of the ITV Stations Inspection Procedure Manual.
Why the ITV may become more expensive
The increase in price is explained by several factors: energy costs, tariff updates, investments in equipment, maintenance of inspection lines, and adaptation to new technical requirements. Stations must incorporate procedures and tools to control more and more vehicle elements, especially emissions, electronic systems, and safety equipment.
The sector also points out that tariffs had not fully absorbed some costs for years since the pandemic, although the specific situation changes in each autonomous community. In Madrid, furthermore, the liberalized market allows for significant price differences between stations, which forces the driver to compare before making an appointment.
How to save money on your ITV
The first way to save is to compare prices between stations in the same province, especially in liberalized communities like Madrid. In some cases, the difference between one station and another can be significant for the same type of vehicle.
The second is to go with the car checked. Lights, tires, windshield wipers, seatbelts, license plate, horn, fluid levels, and dashboard warning lights are common faults that can lead to an unfavorable inspection. Avoiding a second visit saves time, travel, and potential additional costs.
The third is to review the promotions. Some stations offer discounts for off-peak hours, online booking, or specific campaigns. They are not always very visible, but they can reduce the final price.
Fines for driving without the ITV up to date
Driving with an expired ITV can lead to sanctions. Furthermore, driving without the inspection in force can cause problems if an accident occurs or if the vehicle presents defects that compromise safety. Consumer comparisons recall that delaying the appointment, especially in territories with waiting lists, can end in a fine and problems with insurance.
The practical recommendation is not to wait until the last day. The ITV can be passed up to 30 days before the expiration date without losing the original expiration date for the next inspection.
All the keys for drivers
The technical inspection of vehicles does not have a single price in Spain. In 2026, passing the ITV may cost from just over 30 euros in some communities to more than 60 euros in certain cases, especially for diesel vehicles and territories with higher rates.
Royal Decree 920/2017 sets the technical framework, but the fees depend on the autonomous communities. Therefore, before making an appointment, it is advisable to check the price, type of vehicle, fuel, possible discounts, and availability of nearby stations. The ITV remains mandatory, but the final cost can vary greatly depending on where and how it is passed.