The contrôle technique is a compulsory test for roadworthiness (similar to the UK MOT) for all vehicles of more than 4 years of age. This includes passenger cars and transport vehicles with a gross weight which does not exceed 3,5 tons. The roadworthiness test is optional for motorcycles. 

Exemptions: A collectable car, véhicule de collection is a car older than 25 years. A collectable car may be exempt from a contrôle technique if a specific application is made and it is declared on the Carte Grise. 

NOTE: there are limitations resulting from registration as a "collectable car". Further information available (in French) from the Fédération française des véhicules d'époque (FFVE)

Taking the Test

The first contrôle technique (CT) of a new vehicle should be done within the 6 month period before the car becomes a 4 year old.

A CT pass is valid for two years (in the case of private cars). You must take the car for the next test before the two year period expires. The test centre will stick a label on the windscreen which indicates the month and year that next control is due.
Commercial Vehicles must be tested for emission pollutants every year.

The test generally takes no more than an hour and must be done at a recognised technical centre. Once completed, the test centre will put the CT certificate with a letter into the carte grise:

• A if the car has passed and no further inspection is needed 
• S if the car must be retested within two months.

If the vehicle passes the test, the centre will give you a document and a stamp for the windscreen that marks, among other things, the date the next test is due.

If the vehicle fails the test you will have two months to repair the problems before the vehicle becomes un-roadworthy. Once you have fixed the problems, the centre will test for that only. If you do not return within two months, you will have to pay for the full test again. 

You will be fined if your vehicle is not roadworthy - the police can check this easily by looking at the stamp attached inside the windscreen.

Note: It is illegal to fit rear seats to a vehicle de societé (company car - delivery type) unless the work is done by a registered garage and with all new parts and you are supplied authorised receipts from a main dealership.

Frequent reasons for failure:

• worn tyre tread
• lights not all working
• emissions too high
• shock absorbers faulty/worn
• faulty/worn brakes
• wheel alignment faulty
• some aspects of damaged bodywork, for example if a door cannot open
• some aspects that could impair safely, including the condition of the mirrors, windscreen and wipers

Payment is made to the centre. Prices may vary from centre to centre.

Sale of a used car

A used car must be sold with a valid CT no more than six months old. You (the seller) must carry out a vehicle inspection and give the valid CT certificate to the buyer as they need this document to register the carte grise (car registration documents) in their name. See: Carte Grise

Further Information

• From the French Government website: Contrôle technique des véhicules (in French)

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