In a major shake-up for car owners, Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri announced the end of the exclusive contract for the mandatory vehicle safety inspection (VTV). Starting today, any certified mechanic shop or dealership can apply to offer the service, promising more appointments and competitive prices.

A Historic Change for Drivers in Argentina’s Capital

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 10:38 AM, Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri used his official X account to announce the end of the long-standing monopoly on the Verificación Técnica Vehicular (VTV) — the mandatory vehicle safety and emissions inspection required for all cars in Argentina. The decision, long demanded by motorists, opens the market to competition.

What is the VTV?

The VTV is a periodic technical inspection that checks a vehicle’s brakes, lights, tires, suspension, and exhaust emissions, ensuring they meet minimum safety and environmental standards. In Buenos Aires City, the service was previously contracted to a single company, resulting in notoriously long queues, limited appointment slots, and fixed prices — a constant source of frustration for drivers.

What Changes Today?

With the monopoly dissolved, any registered mechanic workshop or car dealership can now apply to the city government to become an authorized VTV inspection center. This move is expected to increase the number of available locations and times, foster price competition, and ultimately improve service quality for the city’s approximately 1.5 million registered vehicles.

While the announcement was met with widespread approval on social media — many drivers celebrated the prospect of shorter waits and better rates — the challenge now lies in implementation. The city must ensure that all new inspection centers meet strict technical standards and that certified mechanics are properly trained. The government has not yet detailed the exact criteria for authorization, but stated that the registration process is now open.

For those unfamiliar with Argentine bureaucracy, this reform mirrors similar moves in other provinces and represents a significant step toward modernization and deregulation in the country’s largest city. Jorge Macri, a key figure in the PRO party and cousin of former President Mauricio Macri, has made administrative simplification a central pillar of his administration.

Quick Facts

  • Date of announcement: August 20, 2026
  • Current status: Registration for workshops and dealerships is open
  • Objective: More appointment availability and competitive pricing
  • Regulator: Buenos Aires City Government (GCBA)