Next roadworthy check deadline for motorcycles in France approaches
The timing of the contrôle technique depends on when your vehicle was first registered
The next deadline for a motorbike CT is December 31, for vehicles registered before January 1, 2017, whose anniversary date is after April 15
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Some motorbikes and scooters in France are due their contrôle technique (CT), with the next group of bikes requiring a check before December 31, 2024.
Since April 15, 2024, owners of all category L vehicles have been required to take their vehicles for a regular CT roadworthiness check. The deadline for this check depends on when your vehicle was first registered.
The first deadline was August this year for vehicles registered before January 1, 2017, with an anniversary date of first being put into circulation before April 15.
Read also: Obligatory roadworthy tests begin for motorbikes in France
Read also: What are France's contrôle technique rules for motorbikes?
The next deadline is December 31 for vehicles registered before January 1, 2017, whose anniversary date for first going into circulation is after April 15.
The first CT must be carried out no later than four months after the anniversary date of registration. For example, for a vehicle registered in 2015 and put into circulation on June 20, 2015, the deadline would be four months later, on October 20, 2024.
However, to make it easier for this group, December 31 has been set as a hard deadline for everyone.
Just as for cars, CTs are undertaken by dedicated independent centres.
When are the next deadlines?
After December 31 the next two deadlines are:
2025: Vehicle registered between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019
2026: Vehicle registered between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021
After that, if your vehicle was registered after January 1, 2022, its first CT must be carried out within four and a half to five years.
Read also: How will new contrôle technique tests work for motorbikes in France?
Risk of fines
If you do not meet the deadline, you could be fined up to €750, although the first fine is more likely to be €135, states the Service-public.fr website (and €90 if paid in the first three days). No licence points are removed.
If your vehicle is checked by the police or gendarmerie and found without an updated CT, they can also seize it, and demand that you get a CT within a week. If your vehicle does not have a valid CT and you claim on insurance, your insurer may not provide cover.
How long does the CT last and how much does it cost?
This CT is valid for three years. The typical price range varies from €49 to €88, states Actu.fr.
It comes after France debated for a number of years over whether to introduce a CT for motorbikes, and for several months motorbike riders faced contradictory information over whether a CT would be needed.
European Union regulations require it, but the measure was contested in France with many motorbike rider associations saying that it was not needed and would not improve the safety of motorbikes.
