The new biannual MOT for vehicles over 10 years old is official

Have you seen that car that looks older than the GPS you carry? Well, it turns out that if it is over 10 years old, its MOT will have to be every six months. No, this is not a joke or a bar rumor.

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) and the Official State Gazette (BOE) have made it official after an interpretation from the Supreme Court. And you know what that means: more visits to the MOT and more paperwork for many drivers.

The new MOT regulation: what really changes?

But it’s not just any change. The update comes with an instruction that especially affects vehicles over 10 years old, including motorhomes and camper vans. This new regulation requires these vehicles to pass technical inspection every six months, a considerable leap compared to the previous system.

According to sources close to the DGT, this measure aims to improve road safety and ensure that old vehicles do not circulate with defects that could endanger everyone on the road. But, as always, some think it is more a move to raise money than to protect us.

The affected vehicles and frequency

Specifically, the semi-annual inspection applies to the following groups:

• Private vehicles over 10 years old.
• Motorhomes over 10 years old, moving from an annual to a semi-annual inspection.
• Camper vans, which also see their MOT frequency changed according to age.

For vehicles under 10 years old, the MOT will remain annual or biennial, depending on the category. That means if you have an old model, you better start preparing your wallet and calendar.

The Supreme Court ruling that changed it all

This entire regulatory revolution stems from a Supreme Court ruling on March 13, 2018 that allowed municipalities to establish specific parking and camping restrictions for motorhomes and similar vehicles. This, in practice, has influenced how technical inspections must be applied to ensure these vehicles comply with appropriate conditions.

This interpretation has been key for the DGT and the Ministry of Industry when shaping the new instruction now reflected in the BOE. And it seems it won’t be the last change we see in this regulation, especially if this trend of stricter control over old and special vehicles continues.

What does the new instruction say about motorhomes and camper vans?

Motorhomes and camper vans have always been somewhat the «soap opera» of the MOT, as they combine characteristics of passenger and cargo vehicles. Now, the DGT has clarified the situation with specific measures according to age.

MOT frequency according to age

• Motorhomes over 4 years: MOT every two years.
• Motorhomes over 10 years: annual MOT.
• Camper vans up to 10 years: annual MOT.
• Camper vans over 10 years: MOT every six months.

Moreover, the instruction establishes that these vehicle categories may perform parking and stopping maneuvers on equal terms with the rest, but without allowing camping in urban areas according to the Supreme Court’s ruling.

New signs and facilities for motorhomes

The Ministry of Industry and Tourism, together with Traffic, have also updated the rules on reception areas for motorhomes. Now these zones must offer specific services and be well signed, including the new S-128 sign indicating emptying points for these vehicles.

This regulation aims to provide motorhome users with a safer and more suitable space for their needs, thus preventing them from occupying unauthorized zones or generating conflicts with other drivers and neighbors.

Fines and penalties: what awaits you if you don’t comply?

The DGT does not play with safety or bureaucracy. If you don’t keep your MOT up to date under this new frequency, penalties can be much harsher. In fact, the fine can reach up to 1,000 euros, in addition to the loss of driving license points.

Traffic experts warn that, with the control reinforcement planned for 2025, many drivers will receive notifications at home if they are not up to date. It’s not a good time to leave the inspection for the last day or to think the car “will still hold up.”

The MOT visit, a stricter obligation

With these changes, the MOT goes from being an annual procedure to a more frequent and demanding visit for many vehicles. The reality is that, for old cars, this may imply an extra cost and hassle that not everyone is willing to accept with a smile.

Tips to avoid penalties

• Check the date of the last MOT and calculate when the next one will be under the new regulation.
• Schedule the appointment in advance to avoid endless queues at MOT stations.
• Ensure the vehicle is in condition to pass the inspection and avoid additional costs or fines.

The DGT insists these changes seek to improve safety for everyone, but the general feeling is that bureaucracy and pressure to comply are significantly increasing.

The reality is that the semi-annual MOT for vehicles over 10 years old is now official and will mark the routine of many drivers in the coming years. If you have an old car, better start preparing.