Do trailers and semi-trailers need a technical inspection certificate?

One of the most common questions when talking about trailers is whether trailers and semi-trailers must have a technical inspection certificate (the ITV certificate) and, if so, whether they are required to undergo periodic inspections. 

What is the technical inspection certificate?

The vehicle technical inspection certificate, commonly known as the ITV technical data sheet, is the document that certifies that a vehicle meets the technical requirements necessary to circulate on public roads in Spain. 

It includes various details such as:

• Vehicle identification (license plate, make).
• Classification and type.
• Weight and dimensions.
• Tyre size.
• Coupling system.

In addition, the certificate records the dates of inspections carried out and their validity. Since 2016, newly registered vehicles have an electronic ITV certificate (eITV), which replaces the traditional blue card (a printed sheet containing all the vehicle’s technical data and inspection stickers).

Do trailers and semi-trailers need an ITV certificate?

The short answer is yes. All trailers and semi-trailers must have a technical inspection. 

This is established by the General Vehicle Regulation, which considers trailers and semi-trailers to be vehicles for legal purposes, even though they do not have their own engine. Therefore, they form part of the mandatory documentation required to circulate. 

What does vary depending on the type of trailer is:

• Whether they must undergo ITV inspections independently.
• How often they must do so.

Classification of trailers according to their MAM

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) distinguishes trailers according to their maximum authorised mass (MAM), which determines their technical obligations. 

Light trailers (MAM ≤ 750 kg)

These are the most common in the motorcycle sector:

• They are not considered independent vehicles for ITV purposes.
• They do not undergo separate periodic ITV inspections, but they must have their own technical certificate.
• They use the towing vehicle’s registration plate (repeater plate).
• The coupling data must be recorded on the towing vehicle’s ITV certificate.
• They must be presented together with the towing vehicle when it undergoes ITV inspection.

When a light trailer is fitted for the first time, it is necessary to go to the ITV station so that it is recorded on the vehicle’s technical data sheet. This is a mandatory procedure in order to circulate legally. 

Heavy trailers (MAM > 750 kg)

• They are considered independent vehicles.
• They have their own ITV certificate and registration document.
• They have their own license plate.
• They are required to undergo periodic ITV inspections individually.

Inspection intervals are:

• From 2 to 6 years old: every 2 years.
• From 6 to 10 years old: annually.
• Over 10 years old: every 6 months. 

Mandatory documentation to circulate with a trailer

According to the Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation and Road Safety Act, the driver must carry: 

For light trailers:

• ITV certificate of the towing vehicle.
• Technical certificate of the trailer.
• Proof that the coupling is recorded on the vehicle’s ITV certificate.

For heavy trailers:

• Trailer registration document.
• Trailer ITV certificate.
• Mandatory insurance.
• Documentation of the towing vehicle.

In summary

• All trailers and semi-trailers must have an ITV technical inspection certificate.
• Light trailers do not undergo independent periodic ITV inspections, but they must be documented and type-approved.
• Heavy trailers do undergo separate ITV inspections and have their own documentation.
• Circulating without the correct documentation may result in fines and legal issues.

In any case, it is important that the trailer is type-approved and, where applicable, suitable for motorcycles, as is the case with the Littleway Team trailer, in order to comply with legal requirements.