Technical Inspection: What Changes From 2025?
In France, vehicle inspections were introduced in 1992. Since then, they have continually evolved to keep up with technological advancements. New regulations will come into effect starting January 1, 2025. We offer you an overview of the new requirements that will affect your car starting next year.
Who is affected by the technical inspection?
Before discussing the developments in technical inspections starting from January 1, 2025, let's recall that this formality is mandatory every 2 years for cars and two-wheelers older than 4 years.
In French legislation, the terms of this inspection are governed by the Highway Code (in articles R323-1 to R323-26) and by the decree of June 18, 1991.
Why does the content of the technical inspection change regularly?
Since this inspection was made mandatory in France in 1992, its content has continually evolved to keep up with the technical innovations of the French automotive fleet.
The successive reforms of the technical inspection have allowed us to keep up with the changes in our vehicles, particularly in terms of pollution.
What will change in vehicle inspections in 2025?
Starting January 1, 2025, vehicle inspections in France will be strengthened. Our cars and two-wheelers will undergo thorough examinations using more advanced new diagnostic devices.
Specifically, the technical inspection will better detect illegal modifications to anti-pollution systems, whether it involves tampering with engines or catalytic converters. The primary goal of this reform is to identify and thwart technical fraud and manipulations such as the removal of particulate filters.
This change is the government's response to numerous cases of illegal modifications recorded in recent years. Vehicles that do not comply with greenhouse gas emission standards will now be removed from circulation.
Furthermore, this reform includes new measures regarding vehicle safety. Starting next year, the inspection of brakes, suspensions, and restraint systems like seat belts will be reinforced.
What are the consequences for drivers?
With this reform, motorists and motorcycle owners should expect an increase in the cost of technical inspections. Until now, French motorists spent an average of €79.52 to have their gasoline or diesel vehicle inspected, according to the latest annual barometer from the comparator simplauto.com.
The price increase from January 1, 2025, has not been confirmed yet, but it is very likely. Each time this inspection has become more stringent, drivers' car or motorcycle budgets have been burdened.
However, the new content of the inspection does not change the places where you can have your vehicle checked. As a reminder, the website of the Central Technical Body or UTAC lists all approved centers in France by vehicle type. If you need to have your vehicle inspected, you just need to enter your postal code on this site to get a list of approved garages near you.
Feel free to contact several centers and compare prices, as rates vary greatly from one center to another. To know the rates of different centers, you can also consult the platform "Prix des contrôles techniques" published by the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control. This free site can be accessed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone (see the link below).
