Temporary withdrawal of a car from the DGT: guide for dealers
12 Sept 2025
The temporary suspension of a car before the DGT is a useful and strategic management for used car dealers. It allows the legal pause of the vehicle's administrative activity, saving costs while it is not in circulation. In this article, we explain everything you need to know if you manage a dealership and want to efficiently optimize your stock.
What is the temporary suspension of a car?
The temporary suspension is an administrative procedure that temporarily suspends the activity of a vehicle in the Registry of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). While it is suspended:
It cannot circulate on public roads or highways.
It is not required to have insurance or a valid ITV.
It does not generate circulation tax (IVTM).
It is especially useful when the vehicle:
Is not operational due to breakdown or reform.
Does not have immediate commercial outlets.
Is awaiting documentation or administrative regularization.
Temporary suspension for dealers: why do it?
For a dealership, temporarily suspending a car allows:
Save fixed costs while the vehicle is not in use or active display.
Avoid fines if a vehicle remains on public roads without insurance or ITV.
Reduce tax pressure during times of stock accumulation or seasonal pauses.
Gain flexibility in inventory management, being able to reactivate the car when there is a sales opportunity.
This tool is especially useful for dealers that work with rotating fleets, imported vehicles pending registration, or cars intended for export.
Requirements for temporarily suspending a car before the DGT
Required documentation
To process the temporary suspension, you need:
Original circulation permit of the vehicle.
Technical sheet (ITV Card).
Identification of the holder: DNI/NIF or CIF of the dealership.
Proof of payment of the traffic fee.
Document of legal representation if acting on behalf of the holder.
If the application is submitted online, it is necessary to have a digital certificate or Cl@ve.
Who can request it and how?
The application can be made by:
The holder of the vehicle.
An authorized representative, such as the dealership managing the stock.
Application methods:
In person at a Traffic Headquarters (with prior appointment).
Online, through the Electronic Headquarters of the DGT, which allows managing multiple vehicles without travel.
How much does it cost to temporarily suspend a vehicle?
In 2025, the general fee for the temporary suspension is 8.67 euros, according to the official scale of the DGT. This cost is per vehicle and is paid at the time of application.
Additionally, some municipalities may apply additional fees if the vehicle is on public roads, or if a proportional refund of the IVTM is requested.
If you turn to a manager or platform like Dealcar, you can delegate the entire process and receive personalized attention, with a cost adjusted according to the volume of management.
Deadlines and duration of the temporary suspension
How long can a car be under temporary suspension?
The temporary suspension has a maximum duration of 1 year from the processing date. This is a change from previous years, when it could be indefinite.
After that year:
The vehicle is automatically reactivated if an extension is not requested.
The reactivation implies that the vehicle is again subject to ITV, insurance, and IVTM, even if it is not in circulation.
Can it be extended?
Yes. The extension must be requested before the year expires from the initial date. If requested in time, the DGT allows the suspension to be extended at no additional cost.
It is advisable to note internal reminders in the dealership to avoid automatic reactivation, which can generate costs and administrative issues.
How to request the temporary suspension of a car (step by step)
In person at the Traffic Headquarters
Request an appointment at the DGT.
Present the original documentation.
Pay the fee at the moment or present a receipt.
Receive proof of temporary suspension, which must be kept as evidence.
Online (DGT electronic headquarters)
Access the Electronic Headquarters of the DGT.
Identify yourself with a digital certificate or Cl@ve.
Fill out the online form.
Attach the scanned documentation.
Pay the fee with a card or online banking.
Download proof of the completed management.
This method is ideal for dealers who manage large volumes, as it avoids travel and allows for a digital record of all processed suspensions.
Differences between temporary suspension and definitive suspension
Characteristic | Temporary Suspension | Definitive Suspension |
|---|---|---|
Duration | 1 year (extendable) | Permanent |
Possibility of reactivation | Yes | No (except for export) |
Cost | Low | May involve extra procedures |
Common use | Saving, stock, reforms | End of life, scrapping |
Generates IVTM | No | No |
Can circulate | No | No |
What happens with the circulation tax and insurance during temporary suspension?
Circulation tax (IVTM): is suspended from the date of the suspension. If the vehicle has already paid the tax for the current year, you can request a proportional refund at the corresponding municipality.
Insurance: while the car is suspended, it is not required to have valid insurance. However, if it remains parked on public roads, it must have minimum coverage, as it may pose a risk to third parties.
ITV: it is not necessary to pass the ITV while the car is suspended, but it must be up to date at the time of reactivation.
Is it advisable to do the temporary suspension from a dealership?
Definitely yes. If you manage a large stock or have vehicles without immediate rotation, the temporary suspension is a useful tool to:
Reduce administrative costs.
Avoid legal risks and fines.
Gain control over inventory.
Moreover, it keeps the documentation of vehicles that are pending sale, repair, export, or any medium-term management organized. Strategically, it improves the operational efficiency of the dealership and optimizes fiscal planning.
Do you want to forget about paperwork? At Dealcar we help you
At Dealcar, we accompany you in the comprehensive management of your stock, including the processing of temporary suspensions directly before the DGT. We are experts in solutions for used car dealerships, and we understand the timing and needs of the sector.
We take care of:
Process suspensions online or in person.
Control expiration dates and extensions.
Manage documentation and tax refunds.
Forget about queues, fees, and forms. We do it for you.
Contact us and optimize your dealership with 100% solutions designed for industry professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for the temporary suspension to become effective?
It usually activates on the same day if processed in person. At the electronic headquarters, the effect is immediate once the process is completed and the proof is downloaded.
Can I temporarily suspend a car if it has pending fines?
No. The DGT requires that the vehicle is administratively in order, so you must pay any pending fines before requesting the suspension.
Does the temporary suspension affect the resale value of the car?
No directly. However, it can generate distrust in the buyer if not properly explained. It is ideal to reactivate the vehicle prior to sale and have all documentation in order.
Can I reactivate the car whenever I want?
Yes. You can reactivate the vehicle at any time within the year of the suspension or after requesting an extension. The reactivation requires that the car meets the current requirements: ITV up to date and mandatory insurance.
