The Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV) is going through a stage of technical and regulatory changes that are generating increased interest among drivers and vehicle owners. The novelties affect different areas, from emissions and electronic systems to the situation of certain camperized vehicles and historic cars.
The updates do not respond to a single global reform approved recently, but rather to the progressive incorporation of new European technical and regulatory requirements. Part of these changes are already being applied in the ITV stations and others are part of regulations planned for the coming years.
Among the aspects that are generating the most attention are the future Euro 7 regulations, the new conditions for some campers and motorhomes, the changes affecting historic vehicles, and the increase in technological controls during inspections.
Changes in campers and motorhomes
One of the issues that is generating the most doubts is the one related to campers and camperized vehicles. The frequency of inspections depends on the specific classification of the vehicle and not all models are subjected to the same regime.
In some cases, especially in certain camperized vans over 10 years old, the ITV may be carried out every six months. This situation has generated confusion among owners of campers and motorhomes, as both types of vehicles do not necessarily have the same technical or administrative consideration.
The periodicity of the inspection depends on factors such as the vehicle category and its official classification.
More electronic and technological controls
Another of the relevant novelties is the increase in controls related to electronic systems and driving aids. ITV stations are incorporating revisions adapted to the technological evolution of the vehicle fleet.
Among the items submitted for review are:
- Emission systems.
- Lighting.
- Seat belts.
- ADAS driver assistance systems.
- eCall.
- Electronic diagnosis via OBD.
Euro 7 and future emissions requirements
The European Euro 7 regulation foresees a tightening of controls linked to pollutant emissions. The future requirements will particularly affect diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
Among the aspects contemplated in this regulation are controls related to particles from brakes and tires, in addition to new forms of emission supervision and certain technological components. The application of Euro 7 will be developed progressively within the European regulatory framework.
Changes for historic vehicles
There will also be modifications for historic vehicles. With the new regulation, some cars with historic registration and more than 60 years old are exempt from passing the ITV.
Additionally, the deadlines between inspections are extended for certain historical vehicles with less age. These changes affect only vehicles that meet the conditions established in the specific regulation for historical vehicles. The regulatory update thus modifies the situation of part of this segment of the automotive fleet.
Objective of unifying criteria
Another of the aspects that is being reinforced is the homogenization of criteria between ITV stations. Technical updates seek to reduce differences in inspections carried out at different points in the country. This process affects both revision procedures and technical criteria applied during inspections.
The novelties in the ITV occur thus in a context marked by the technological adaptation of vehicles, the incorporation of European regulations and the updating of control systems applied in periodic inspections.