Demand for MOT has increased
In Spain, many people face a common problem: not getting an appointment to pass the Vehicle Technical Inspection (ITV) on time. This inconvenience has caused some drivers to be fined by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) for not having their MOT up to date. In recent months, the demand to pass the MOT in Valencia has increased considerably. Some stations have reported a lack of staff, which reduces the number of appointments available, and until July it is impossible to get an appointment (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/).
The importance of MOT for vehicle safety
Despite this situation, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) emphasizes that the Technical Inspection of Vehicles is a mandatory service to guarantee the safety of vehicles in circulation. It is important to remember that the DGT can impose a fine on drivers who do not have an ITV in order. There are drivers who travel to other regions to pass the MOT, which means driving with an expired sticker and with fines of 200 euros (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/).
The OCU’s advice for fined drivers
The OCU has offered advice for those drivers who have been fined for not having their MOT up to date. They recommend that, if it can be shown that an attempt was made to get an appointment and it was not possible, an appeal should be lodged with the DGT. It is important to keep all evidence, such as emails and screenshots from the ITV website, that prove the attempt to book an appointment. If necessary, the OCU also offers assistance and guidance in the process of submitting the appeal (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/).
The consideration of the law in exceptional cases
The law states that all vehicles must pass the ITV within the established deadlines. However, the OCU argues that if a driver can demonstrate that he tried to fulfill this obligation and could not for reasons beyond his control, the fine should be reconsidered. Therefore, if you are one of the drivers who failed to get an MOT appointment and have been fined by the DGT, it is important to follow the advice of the OCU and submit an appeal with all the evidence that proves your attempt to comply with the regulations (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/).