Motorbike contrôle technique tests in France boycotted by most riders

As many as 80% of motorbike riders in France have boycotted the new controversial requirement to have a contrôle technique (CT) roadworthiness test on their bike, claims a lobby group.

The Fédération Française des Motards en Colère (FFMC) made the claim after calling for a nationwide boycott of the measure. The CT2RM (the CT for two-wheelers) was made mandatory in April this year.

Yet, the measure has been highly contested in recent years, with the government changing its mind on the rules several times, and appearing to contradict a European directive, which requires the test, at times. Similarly, the FFMC has mounted several protests against the rule.

Read more: What are France's contrôle technique rules for motorbikes?
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Low testing figure

Now, despite the CT being a mandatory requirement for bike owners, figures show a low level of motorcyclist participation. Fewer than 500,000 motorbikes (of the 2.3 million vehicles concerned) have had a CT in the past seven months.

In a statement on its website, the FFMC has said it is pleased with this low figure, and that the aim of the boycott is “to affect the profitability of CT centres”.

“They have already invested (a little), especially in fitting out areas and ‘training’ their staff’. However, they are operating on a provisional approval that expires next year. If the majority of motorcyclists continue not to comply with this obligation, the profitability of the centres will be greatly reduced. 

“These centres will find it difficult to make a return on their investment if the vehicles concerned do not pass the test. These figures show a massive lack of interest in, and rejection of, these regulations.” 

It said that the low number shows that there is widespread resistance to the measure, beyond the FFMC alone.

Call for CT repeal

The association has long argued that the CT is not helpful when it comes to the maintenance of motorbikes, will not improve their safety, and is too restrictive. It now hopes that this widespread boycott will send a strong message to authorities, in a bid to encourage them to review their plans, and propose an alternative to the motorbike CT.

“We are calling for measures that are more proportionate and tailored to the real needs of motorcyclists,” the FFMC continued in its statement. It is demanding the total repeal of the two-wheeler CT. It is also against the introduction of what it calls “even stricter” rules in 2025, which it says will require test centres to invest in more new equipment, and train mechanics further. 

The FFMC hopes that its continued boycott will put extra pressure on the test centres and cause them “uncertain profitability” if the requirement for a CT2RM continues.

The group has also highlighted what it sees as a similar situation dating back to 1980, when motorcycle owners boycotted the then-requirement for a motorbike [insurance] sticker in similar numbers. This requirement was later repealed.