Technical inspection - The latest news
For several years, the introduction of a technical inspection for two-wheelers has been at the heart of debates in France. Initially planned to begin in January 2022, the implementation date was ultimately postponed to April 15, 2024.
Who is concerned ?
The technical inspection is aimed at vehicles classified in category L.
When will your vehicle be checked?
If your vehicle was registered before 2017, it will be checked from 2024.
For registration between 2017 and 2019, the check will take place in 2025.
If your two-wheeler was registered between 2020 and 2021, the inspection is scheduled for 2026.
For vehicles registered from 2022, the check must take place within 6 months preceding the 5th anniversary of their first entry into circulation.
Frequency of checks
The first check is scheduled 5 years after the vehicle was first put into circulation. Thereafter, an inspection must be carried out every 3 years.
Regarding the sale of your two-wheeler
If you plan to sell your vehicle, you will need to make sure you have a valid technical inspection report. This document cannot be more than 6 months old at the time of transfer.
Elements examined during the technical inspection:
The approach is security oriented:
- Identification: Checking vehicle identification numbers.
- Tires: check for wear.
- Direction
- Visibility
- Lighting
- Structure and bodywork
- Braking: Visual assessment of discs, pads and drums as well as the quality of the brake fluid. Actual braking effectiveness will not be measured.
- Exhaust
Points to note:
The noise level will only be controlled from 2025.
Who will control our motorcycles?
Approved centers, already in place for cars, will extend their services to motorcycles and two-wheelers. However, to ensure these controls, two prerequisites are necessary: specific training of personnel and the acquisition of suitable equipment. The period between the publication of the decree and the entry into force of the technical inspection is intended to allow these adjustments. This includes the training of controllers, the approval of tools and software, and their integration into the centers.
What are the impacts for insurance?
Taking out civil liability coverage is an obligation for all motorcyclists. Even if your vehicle has not passed the technical inspection, if you are the victim of an accident, you will be compensated, just like other road users.
However, motorcycle insurance also offers optional guarantees, such as theft, fire or accidental damage. These guarantees are subject to the specific conditions of each insurer. If you are responsible for an accident and your motorcycle has not been checked, these guarantees may not apply. Failure to comply with technical inspections can therefore have significant financial consequences, beyond possible fines.