Next roadworthiness test
A tank at €2.36 does not move the deadline. The first test is still at 4 years, then every 2 years. Why not to postpone the inspection
Vehicle details
French inspection rules
- First test before the 4th anniversary of registration
- Then every 2 years
- On sale: test < 6 months old
- A retest is possible if major defects are found
Enter the registration date to see your next inspection
French roadworthiness test — full 2026 guide
133
Inspection points
10
Main families
~45 min
Average duration
2 ans
Interval
What is the contrôle technique?
The contrôle technique (CT) is a mandatory exam under EU rules (directive 2014/45/EU) to check that your vehicle meets road-safety and environmental standards.
It is done in a centre approved by the French Ecology Ministry. The inspector checks the vehicle but does not repair it.
- First test: before the 4th anniversary of registration
- Renewal: every 2 years
- Sale: a test less than 6 months old is required
- Living abroad: still every 2 years if the car is registered in France
The 3 defect levels
Since the May 2018 reform, defects are classed in 3 categories:
-
Minor defect (DM)
Slight issue with no immediate safety impact. Test passed. Fix it when convenient. -
Major defect (MA)
Issue that risks safety or the environment. Test passed but a retest is mandatory within 2 months. -
Critical defect (CR)
Immediate danger. Test failed, vehicle immobilised — it must not be driven until repaired.
Point legend:
MA = Possible major defect → retest
CR = Possible critical defect → immediate fail
= Checked point
The 133 inspection points in 2026 — by family
Service brake efficiency CR
Brake imbalance between wheels on the same axle CR
Parking-brake efficiency MA
Parking-brake imbalance MA
Brake-pad condition MA
Brake-disc condition MA
Drum and shoe condition MA
Calipers and wheel cylinders
Brake hoses and pipes CR
Brake-fluid level and leaks MA
Brake servo / power assistance MA
Brake pedal: travel and firmness
ABS: warning light and operation MA
Brake force distributor
Brake corrector MA
Handbrake cable and linkage
Electronic braking system (ESP/EBD) MA
Electric parking brake MA
Protection and mounting of brake components
Steering-wheel play CR
Steering column: condition and mounting CR
Steering rack and gearbox CR
Steering ball joints CR
Track rods and steering linkage CR
Power steering: leaks, condition, operation MA
Geometry: camber and tracking MA
Rack gaiters MA
Steering wheel: condition and mounting CR
Electric power steering MA
Protection of steering components
Windscreen: cracks, chips, opacity CR
Side windows and rear window MA
Mirrors: presence and adjustment MA
Front wipers: condition and effectiveness MA
Rear wiper (if required)
Front washer: level and operation
Driver’s field of vision CR
Window tint (illegal film) MA
Rear-window demister
Dipped beam: operation CR
Dipped beam: aim MA
Main beam (full beam) MA
Front position lamps MA
Rear position lamps MA
Stop lamps CR
Reversing lamps MA
Front fog lamps
Rear fog lamps MA
Indicators front, rear and side MA
Hazard warning lights MA
Number-plate lamp MA
Lamp colour (compliance) MA
Rear reflectors MA
High-level stop lamp MA
Daytime running lights (if fitted) MA
Electric headlamp levelling MA
Headlamp washers (if Xenon fitted) MA
Horn MA
Front and rear number plates CR
Plate legibility and compliance CR
Emergency lighting / HV battery charge warning MA
Lamp-unit mounting MA
Visible wiring protected
Airbag warning light (MIL) MA
Engine-fault warning (OBD / MIL) MA
Tyre condition (wear, damage) CR
Tread depth (min. 1.6 mm) CR
Size and load/speed ratings CR
Mixed tyre types CR
Wheels: distortion, cracks CR
Wheel bolts and nuts CR
Wheel bearings: play and noise CR
Front suspension wishbones CR
Suspension bushes and ball joints MA
Front and rear shock absorbers MA
Springs (breakage, sag) CR
Anti-roll bar and drop links MA
Driveshafts and gaiters MA
Subframe and cradle mounting CR
Tyre-pressure warning (TPMS) MA
Chassis and sills: corrosion, cracks CR
Floorpan and wheel arches CR
Sills (through corrosion) CR
Outer bodywork: sharp edges MA
Door opening and closing MA
Door locks and hinges CR
Bonnet: closing and latch CR
Boot and tailgate: closing MA
Driver’s seat: mounting and adjustment CR
Seat belts: condition and retractors CR
Seat-belt anchorages CR
Pedal box: mounting and clearance CR
Mudguards MA
Front and rear bumpers MA
Boot fittings (injury risk)
Sunroof: correct closing MA
Horn: operation MA
Exterior mirrors: mandatory presence MA
Speedometer: legibility MA
Speed limiter / cruise control (if fitted)
Reversing alarm (if required)
Demisting: windscreen demister MA
Required emergency kit (warning triangle…)
Seat-belt not-fastened warning MA
Alcohol interlock (EAD) — if fitted CR
Idle CO emissions (petrol) CR
High-idle HC emissions (petrol) CR
Lambda (mixture) MA
Smoke opacity (diesel) CR
Full-load smoke limit (diesel)
Catalytic converter: presence and operation CR
Diesel particulate filter: presence CR
EGR system
Engine-oil leaks (ground pollution) MA
Exhaust line: leaks, security CR
Exhaust noise (silencer) MA
OBD diagnosis (engine / emissions faults) MA
Fuel leaks CR
Fuel tank and pipes CR
Propshaft and centre joint CR
Gearbox: leaks, mounting MA
Clutch (combustion vehicle) MA
Engine mounts CR
High-voltage battery (EV/hybrid): warning CR
HV cables and connectors (EV/hybrid) CR
Visible VIN / serial number CR
Manufacturer plate (mass, power) MA
Compliance of declared modifications
Certificate of conformity (COC) if requested
Towbar: condition, mounting, bolts CR
Towbar lights (if fitted) MA
Detachable towbar (locking)
Roof bars / box: secure mounting MA
Source: Order of 18 June 1991 as amended — latest updates: decree n°2017-1198 of 27 July 2017 (2018 reform) and amending orders 2024–2026. Emission thresholds and EV/hybrid-specific points have applied since the May 2018 reform, tightened on 1 January 2024.
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