Vehicle inspection certificate and technical data sheet for a van: how to read it, what each code means and why it is key in any modification

If you've ever considered converting your van into a camper, you'll have discovered that that crumpled piece of paper in the glove compartment—the vehicle registration document—is much more important than it seems. Every code, every number, and every abbreviation tells a story about your vehicle: its weight, how many seats it's legally authorized to carry, the type of body it has, and, above all, how far you can go with a modification without running into problems. Let's read it together, without any empty technical jargon.

What is a van's ITV card and what is it for?

La van MOT card It's the official document that details the vehicle's technical and administrative specifications. It's issued by the manufacturer or the relevant authority after any modifications, and updated by the vehicle inspection station (ITV) when there are approved changes. It's your van's "technical ID card" and, along with the vehicle registration document, proves that what's under the chassis complies with the law.

Differences between the paper ITV card and the new electronic ITV card (eITV)

For some years now, the classic paper format has coexisted with the electronic ITV card The eITV (electronic vehicle inspection) is accessible through the DGT's (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) website. The eITV doesn't expire, doesn't get lost in the glove compartment, and is automatically updated whenever a modification is registered. The paper certificate remains valid, but any recent changes are now available in digital format.

General structure of a van's technical specifications

La van technical specifications It is divided into sections: vehicle identification, technical characteristics (weight, dimensions, engine), bodywork and category, and finally the modifications section. Know How to read the ITV card It involves first identifying those blocks.

Identification fields: registration number, chassis number, make, type, and variant

Here you'll find the vehicle identification number (VIN), registration number, make, type, variant, and version. The last three are key: they define exactly what factory configuration your van has, which is critical when a garage needs to order parts for a Volkswagen Transporter or a Mercedes-Benz Vito.

Approval password: what it means and where to find it

The homologation password (type codes) e104/78*…*) confirms that the vehicle complies with the European regulations under which it was approved. It's the first reference an engineer looks at when you're going to homologate camper van ITVbecause it sets the regulatory framework applicable to your reform.

Vehicle categories: N1, M1, SA and how they affect your van

The categories are one of the vehicle data sheet codes more important:

• N1Goods transport vehicle up to 3.500 kg. This is typical of an industrial van.
• M1: tourism with up to 9 seats (including driver). This is the category that almost every camper van aspires to.
• SAHousing (motorhome). Requires approved fixed kitchen, bed, table and storage.

Body codes: BB, BC, SA and others that may interest you

• BB: van.
• BC: tractor-trailer (does not apply to camper).
• SA: motorhome.
• SB: armored.
• SG: special vehicle.

Upgrading from BB to SA is the dream of many campers, and it involves a significant renovation with a technical project.

MMA, tare weight and payload: the three numbers that change your renovation

Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM), tare weight, and payload are the holy trinity. The difference between MAM and tare weight is what you can legally carry: furniture, water, an auxiliary battery, luggage, and passengers. A Peugeot Boxer L3H2 can have an MAM of 3.500 kg and a tare weight of 2.100 kg, leaving 1.400 kg of clearance. It sounds like a lot until you start adding it up.

Approved seating capacity, dimensions and other key fields

The number of seats (including the driver) determines how many seatbelts you can install. The dimensions (length, width, height, wheelbase, track) affect the usable interior space. A Renault Trafic L2H1 offers a very different volume than a Fiat Ducato Maxi.

Registered modifications and modification code: the section that the ITV checks

On the back of the registration document, the modifications are listed with their corresponding codes (from 1 to 50 according to the Ministry of Industry's Modifications Manual). A complete camper conversion usually includes several codes: 10 (interior), 50 (change of use), among others. Without this registration, your camper van conversion homologation It does not legally exist.

Practical examples with models marketed in Spain

Volkswagen Transporter — from €38.500

The king of the mid-range segment, a common base for premium campers.

Ford Transit Custom — from €32.900

Completely renewed, with highly sought-after Nugget versions for campers.

Mercedes-Benz Vito — from €41.200

Premium finishes and robust mechanics, the foundation of the Marco Polo.

Renault Trafic — from €30.400

One of the most campervan-friendly options in Spain, with a good quality/price ratio.

Peugeot Boxer — from €33.800

Large van for family campers with full bathroom.

Fiat Ducato — from €34.500

The chassis on which a large part of Europe's motorhomes are built.

Comparative summary table

Typical mistakes when interpreting the technical data sheet

Confusing tare weight with curb weight, ignoring approved seating capacity when installing a bench seat/bed, or assuming that a cosmetic change doesn't require registration. All these oversights result in a failed vehicle inspection.

How knowing how to read the vehicle inspection certificate helps you before converting your vehicle into a campervan

Discover the fields technical specifications van It allows you to plan the conversion knowing how much weight you have left over, whether your body can accommodate side windows, how many seats you can keep, and what homologation you need. It saves you money and headaches.

FAQ

Can I drive without the paper ITV card if I have the eITV?
Yes. The eITV is fully legally valid in Spain and replaces the paper one for all purposes.

What happens if I convert my campervan without updating the vehicle registration document?
The vehicle inspection will fail, and in case of a check, you risk penalties and even the immobilization of the vehicle.

Can an N1 van be converted to M1 or SA?
Yes, through an approved renovation with a technical project. Becoming a SA (Savings and Accommodation) requires meeting housing requirements (kitchen, bed, table, fixed storage).

Where can I see the actual payload of my van?
Subtract the tare weight from the maximum authorized mass (MMA) on the vehicle registration document. That difference is what you can legally carry, including furniture and passengers.