When the vehicle registration certificate is retained

The vehicle registration certificate is the essential document that allows legal operation of your vehicle. In certain situations defined by law, authorities may retain this document, leaving you temporarily unable to drive. Understanding these situations can help you avoid unpleasant consequences and keep your vehicle in lawful driving condition.

Depending on the gravity of the offense, authorities may issue a substitute proof of circulation with or without the right to drive, meaning the vehicle cannot be used until the issues are remedied.

Major technical problems leading to retention of the registration certificate

Deficiencies in safety systems

Braking systems are among the most important safety components of the vehicle. The registration certificate is retained if the handbrake or foot brake system presents major deficiencies. This includes worn brake discs or pads below the minimum limit, leaks of brake fluid, or failures of the brake booster.

Vehicle steering is equally critical for safety. If the steering system exhibits excessive play, faults in the steering box, or problems with steering joints, the certificate will be retained immediately.

Problems with tires and their sizes

Tyres must meet the vehicle’s homologation specifications. The certificate is retained in the following situations:

• Dimensions different from the homologated ones
• Tread depth below 1.6 mm (legal minimum)
• Presence of cuts, tears or bulges
• Absence of winter tyres on roads covered with snow, ice or frost

Deficiencies in the lighting and signaling system

The lighting system must work perfectly for road safety. The certificate is retained for:

• Major or dangerous deficiencies in headlights, taillights or indicators
• The presence of non-homologated lighting devices
• Driving at night without functioning lights or signals

Environmental and emissions issues

Expiration or cancellation of PTI (Periodic Technical Inspection)

The PTI (Periodic Technical Inspection) expiration or cancellation is one of the main reasons for withholding the registration certificate. The vehicle must have a valid PTI to demonstrate compliance with safety and environmental standards.

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Pollutant emissions and noise

Vehicles that employ NOx beyond permitted limits or produce noise in motion or at idle beyond legal limits will have the certificate retained. These checks are performed with specialized equipment during road checks or at the PTI.

Administrative and documentation issues

Mandatory RCA insurance

Lack of mandatory RCA insurance leads not only to the retention of the registration certificate but also to the license plates. In this case:

• A certificate of non-circulation is issued
• The owner has 30 days to obtain the insurance
• If the insurance is not obtained within the term, the vehicle is deregistered

Discrepancies in documentation

The registration certificate may be retained if:

• The data in the registration certificate do not match the vehicle’s technical characteristics
• The owner has not updated the certificate as required by law
• The vehicle has not been deregistered when required

Unauthorised modifications and non-homologated accessories

Tint films and accessories that affect visibility

Vehicles with non-homologated films or accessories that impair visibility while driving will have the registration certificate retained. This also includes front or rear decals that diminish the effectiveness of lighting devices.

Non-compliant license plates

License plates must be compliant with legal standards. The certificate is retained if:

• The plates are not compliant
• Non-homologated lighting devices are applied
• One of the plates is missing

Vehicle condition

Visible damage and defects

Vehicles with unrepaired damage within 30 days after an accident or with missing body elements or severely damaged bodywork will have the registration certificate retained. This also includes vehicles with significant leaks of oil or fuel.

Specific mandatory equipment

For certain categories of vehicles there are mandatory equipment requirements. Driving school vehicles must have all the relevant equipment installed and functional.

Tow equipment

The towing hitch and coupling devices must be in good condition and compatible. Worn components or incompatibility that risks detachment of the trailer while moving lead to the retention of the registration certificate.

Consequences and solutions

Types of proofs issued

Depending on the severity of the problem, one of the following may be issued:

• Replacement proof with right to circulate - for minor issues that permit limited circulation
• Proof without right to circulate - for major safety deficiencies

Recovery of the registration certificate

To recover the certificate, you must:

1. Remedy all identified issues
2. Present documents certifying the repairs
3. In some cases, undergo the PTI again
4. Pay any fines

Prevention of registration certificate retention is achieved by keeping the vehicle in proper technical condition, complying with PTI and insurance deadlines, and avoiding unauthorized modifications.