Roadworthy CT tests expected to change for car owners in France in January 2025
Potential frauds over pollution emissions are being targeted, reports car magazine Auto Plus
Failure to undergo a CT can invalidate your insurance, and risks a fine of up to €750
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France’s contrôle technique (CT) roadworthiness tests are expected to be reinforced in January 2025 with the introduction of new checks to detect manipulation of gas emissions, reports leading car magazine Auto Plus.
The CT is mandatory for all privately-owned cars, including hybrid and electric vehicles (some classic cars do not need one). It is required at least every two years for all vehicles that are at least four years old, and must be performed at an official garage registered as a centre de contrôle technique agréé.
Failure to undergo a CT can invalidate your insurance and result in a fine of up to €750.
The CT currently includes 133 mechanical checks, both inside and outside the vehicle.
Read more: Explainer: The rules of France’s contrôle technique car checks
New tests are regularly added to the CT, and while the changes for 2025 have yet to be officially announced, car magazine Auto Plus reports that more sophisticated anti-pollution checks will be introduced in January in order to combat fraud, which can involve manipulation of particulate filters or catalytic converters.
To perform these new tests, testing centres will be equipped with more sophisticated diagnostic equipment capable of identifying damage to engines and anti-pollution systems.
At present, the average CT costs €78, however Auto Plus reports that the addition of these new tests could see this rise.
Read more: Drivers can compare local contrôle technique fees at new official French website
The magazine adds that further changes include an expansion of the malus écologique tax, which is payable on the first registration of certain polluting vehicles.
This tax varies according to the vehicle's CO2 emissions, with 2024 penalties ranging from €50 for vehicles emitting 118g/km to €60,000 for those emitting 195g/km.
The minimum threshold could be changed to 113g/km and the maximum penalty to €70,000 in 2025, claims Auto Plus.
Another widely reported change - also as yet not confirmed officially - holds that the CT will be reinforced with more safety measures to ensure vehicles with serious defects in their brakes, suspension or seat belts are systematically failed.
