ITV in stock cars: practical guide for dealers

The ITV (Technical Vehicle Inspection) is one of the most critical tasks in the daily operations of a used car dealership. From the moment you receive a vehicle until it is sold, keeping control over its legal status is essential to avoid penalties, delays in delivery, and loss of sales opportunities. In this article, we review what the regulations say and share practical recommendations to manage your stock efficiently and without risks.

Is it mandatory to have the ITV up to date for cars in stock?

What the current regulations say (Spain)

According to current legislation in Spain, every registered vehicle that is on public roads or in a condition to circulate must have a valid ITV. There is no general exception for dealers, which implies:

• If the vehicle is parked on the street or in areas open to traffic, it must have ITV and insurance.

• If it is in a private closed area, such as a garage, lot, or indoor exhibition, it is not required to have a valid ITV, although this limits its operational use.

Furthermore, cars with an expired ITV cannot be used for tests, transfers, or deliveries, except with special authorization to go to an ITV station.

Common cases in dealerships

• Vehicles that arrive after a pickup or trade with an expired ITV.

• Cars pending reconditioning, unable to circulate.

• Stock that has been on display for some time and whose ITV is about to expire or has expired.

• Imported vehicles, which require passing a national ITV to be registered.

In all these cases, having a clear internal protocol avoids surprises or unnecessary delays.

Can a car with an expired ITV be sold?

Differences between selling to a professional and to a private individual

• Sale to another professional in the sector: it is legal to sell a car with an expired ITV to a dealer or dealership. These types of transactions are excluded from the DGT's restrictions regarding the transfer of ownership.

• Sale to a private individual: the transfer cannot be completed with Traffic if the ITV is expired. The system does not allow the change of ownership unless it is indicated that the car is intended for "temporary withdrawal for transfer", which complicates the process and delays the sale.

Recommendations to avoid problems

• Check the ITV status when receiving each car at the dealership.

• If a car is nearing the expiration of its ITV, schedule the appointment in advance.

• For urgent sales, do not wait until the deal is closed to pass the inspection.

• Clearly inform the customer and provide in writing the status of the vehicle at the time of delivery.

When is it advisable to pass the ITV on a car in stock?

Strategies based on days in stock

• Less than 30 days in stock: if the car has a valid ITV, no action is required. If it is expired but a quick sale is expected, it can be postponed, but it is advisable to schedule the appointment.

• Between 30 and 90 days: in this range, it is advisable to check the expiration. If there are less than 2 months left, it is better to anticipate and pass the ITV to avoid losing a potential sale.

• More than 90 days: if the vehicle still does not have an ITV or it has expired, passing it becomes essential to keep it operational and ready for delivery.

Special cases: import, temporary withdrawal, previous inspections

• Import: a car brought from abroad cannot be registered without having passed the corresponding ITV in Spain. Additionally, it must present appropriate technical documentation (COC or reduced sheet).

• Temporary withdrawal: to reactivate a car that has been withdrawn, it is mandatory for the ITV to be valid. This applies to vehicles awaiting repair, sale, or document regularization.

• Doubtful history or repaired faults: passing the ITV before putting it up for sale can increase customer confidence and facilitate a sale at a better price. Especially useful for vehicles with repaired damages or a long workshop history.

Practical tips for managing the ITV in the dealership

Digital record and tracking

One of the best practices is to maintain a digitalized record of all ITV dates for the stock. This can be done with:

• A CRM for dealerships.

• A shared Excel file among the sales and administration team.

• Document management applications with automated alerts.

This allows for anticipation, planning appointments, and avoiding lapses that could block a sale or generate a penalty.

Agreements with nearby ITV stations

Many dealerships establish collaborative agreements with local ITV stations. This allows for:

• Priority access or with preferred appointments.

• Reduced rates for fleets or businesses.

• Possibility to coordinate inspections in batches, optimizing time and resources.

Having direct contact with a trusted station also facilitates follow-up in case of unfavorable inspections or minor defects that require remedy.

Saving time and trips

• Group several vehicles by area or by expiration date.

• Use transporters or specialized external services for transfers.

• Prepare the car with an internal review before the ITV (lights, tires, brakes), avoiding rejections due to minor faults.

What happens if a car without ITV is parked or on display?

Possible fines and how to avoid them

A car without a valid ITV can receive fines even if it is not circulating, as long as it is on public roads:

• Expired ITV: fine of up to 200 €.

• No insurance: fine of up to 1,500 € if it also lacks minimum coverage.

The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all cars without ITV are in closed areas, with no public access.

Insurance and civil liability

Even if a car is parked, it can cause damage (for example, if it catches fire or damages another vehicle). If it has no ITV or insurance, the dealership may be held liable, and the insurance will not cover the damages. Therefore, it is essential that any car exposed to the public complies with legal requirements.

At Dealcar, we help you manage the ITV and more

At Dealcar, we know that time is money in a dealership. That’s why we offer solutions to:

• Control the ITV status of all your vehicles.

• Organize the inspection schedule proactively.

• Manage documentation, renewals, and expirations.

• Avoid delays in delivery due to administrative errors.

Our team is prepared to handle the entire process, so you can focus on what’s important: selling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I deliver a car with an expired ITV if the customer accepts it?

No. Even if there is a verbal agreement, the DGT will not allow the transfer of the car to a private individual without a valid ITV.

Does an expired ITV affect the value of the car?

Yes, especially if it is detected at the time of closing the sale. The buyer may ask for a discount or withdraw. Passing the ITV can increase confidence and justify the price.

Can a car without ITV be transferred and then passed?

Only if a "temporary withdrawal for transfer" is done, which is not recommended for sales to individuals due to its complexity and limitations.

Is there a specific ITV for used cars in dealerships?

No. The ITV is the same for all vehicles according to their type, age, and technical characteristics. However, dealerships can prepare the vehicle in advance to ensure it passes without issues.