New French contrôle technique test: 1 in 5 motorcyclists failed to attend

Close to one million motorcyclists in France took their vehicles for roadworthiness tests (contrôle technique, or CT) last year, new data from a motorist union claims. 

However, this only represents around 80% of the vehicles required to obtain a test under new rules, with one in five motorcyclists not bringing their vehicle in.

CT tests became mandatory for motorcycles and other three-wheelers from April 2024. 

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

Despite calls for motorcyclists to boycott the tests from biking federations – one group claimed up to 80% of motorcyclists were boycotting the tests – the new scheme was deemed a ‘success’ by Joël Sanseigne of motorist union Mobilians, which released the data this week. 

A staggered introduction of CT tests meant that only vehicles first registered prior to 2017 had to have a test last year. 

In 2025, vehicles registered between 2017 - 2019 will need to have a test, before newer vehicles in 2026.

In the case of a motorbike being sold, rules are the same as for cars – a CT test less than six months old must accompany the sale (unless the motorbike is exempt either by being too new or vintage).

Fewer faults than other vehicles 

The high attendance rate coincided with high pass rates for two-wheelers. 

Only 9.44% of motorbikes had to return for a second visit after the initial test, compared to 20% of cars (note that the figure for mopeds was higher at 15%). 

However, the faults found are often related to safety issues, such as smooth tyres or problems with brakes, said Karine Bonnet of the CT provider Dekra to La Dépêche. 

New additions to tests on way

Changes to the tests specifically for two-wheeled vehicles – and licence-free voiture sans permis, also now subject to CTs – are set to come into force. 

The noise levels of motorbikes and scooters will be checked from March 1, 2025, particularly to see if illegal exhausts have been installed. 

This will help combat noise pollution from the vehicles, an issue several Connexion readers have written to us about. 

Read more: Are there noise restrictions for motorbikes in French rural areas?

A new portion of the test for licence-free vehicles checking their top speed (limited to 45 km/h) will begin in March 2026. 

This was originally meant to come in sooner but a recent decree in the Journal Officiel delayed its implementation, as the equipment needed to check this is a significant expense for garages. 

A pooling scheme, where one piece of equipment may be shared between several garages, is being explored. 

Read more: Riding between lanes now legal for all motorcyclists in France – under certain conditions