The group of tow-truck companies informed the DGT of the problems they were having in fitting this sign to their vehicles, with the deadline of 22 December fast approaching.
The Red de Empresas de Auxilio en Carretera (REAC) recently approached the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) asking it to provide a solution to the problem of implementing the V-24 sign on tow trucks, regulated in Royal Decree 1030/22, which amended Royal Decree 159/21 of 16 March. This was the Royal Decree regulating assistance services on public roads, which also referred to the State Register of Assistance on Public Roads (REAV), a prerequisite for fitting the plate. The deadline for complying with the measure had been set for the coming 22 December.
Under the Central Traffic Headquarters, the REAV Register is suffering from a series of operational shortcomings. In fact, it has not been updated since May this year, so many roadside assistance vehicles have not been properly registered.
At this stage it is difficult for vehicles to have the plates before 22 December. And they could be fined 500 euros for it.
What should tow-truck companies do at the ITV?
The DGT has responded to this request from REAC. It did so yesterday by issuing Instruction Mov 2023/22 “Registration in the State Register of Assistance on Public Roads (REAV) and use of the V-24 Sign Public road assistance service vehicle”. It establishes that the “old” V-24 sign may continue to be used, given that it is impossible to register ex officio in the REAV Register an undetermined number of assistance vehicles (which could be hundreds or thousands, in REAC's view) for reasons beyond the control of their owners.
The DGT has urged traffic officers not to issue any penalty notices to roadside assistance vehicles (with service 05) that do not have the V-24 sign “Public road assistance service vehicle”, in accordance with the model established by the 2022 Royal Decree. The “old” V-24 sign may be used for now; this is a sign included in Annex XI “Signs on vehicles” of the General Vehicle Regulations, approved by Royal Decree 2822/1998 of 23 December.
As regards the ITV inspection of roadside assistance vehicles, if they are not entered in the REAV Register or do not have the new plate fitted, REAC recommends informing the ITV staff about this Instruction issued by the DGT, in the case of the REAV Register (it is advisable to carry a copy of the instruction for this purpose). Likewise, if the plate has been ordered, proof of the order can be provided.