Can I drive without a roadworthiness test (car, motorbike)?
No. The roadworthiness test (contrôle technique) is mandatory. For a car, the first test must be done in the 6 months before the vehicle turns 4, then every 2 years. For powered two-wheelers (motorbikes, scooters, even 50 cc), three-wheelers and quad bikes, the test is mandatory since 15 April 2024, every 3 years. To sell a used vehicle, you need a test under 6 months old. Driving with an expired (or missing) test is an offence and the vehicle can be immobilised.
📋 The rules
- Car: 1st test before 4 years, then every 2 years
- Powered two-wheelers: test mandatory since 15 April 2024, every 3 years
- Concerned: motorbikes, scooters (even 50 cc), 3-wheelers, quads
- Used sale: test under 6 months old required
- Re-test if major failures within a set deadline
🔓 Exceptions
- Classic vehicles: lighter frequency (5 years)
- Some farm machinery and specific vehicles: own regime
- A pass is valid until its expiry date, even after resale
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving without a valid roadworthiness test is a 4th-class offence: a fixed €135 fine (reduced to €90, raised to €375, up to €750 on a repeat). Officers can immobilise the vehicle and hold the registration document until it's sorted. In a crash, an out-of-date test can complicate the insurer's cover.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Car roadworthiness test →
- Service-Public.fr · Two-wheeler roadworthiness test →
- Road safety · The roadworthiness test →
❓ Frequently asked
When is a car's first roadworthiness test?
In the 6 months before the 4th anniversary of first registration, then every 2 years. A pass stays valid until its expiry, including after a resale.
Is the motorbike test mandatory?
Yes, since 15 April 2024 for all powered two-, three-wheelers and quads, including 50 cc scooters. The frequency is 3 years. A phased calendar staggered the first tests by registration year.
What's the fine without a test?
€135 (4th-class offence), reduced to €90 and raised to €375, up to €750 on a repeat. The vehicle can also be immobilised and the registration document held until sorted.
Do I need a test to sell my car?
Yes, a roadworthiness test under 6 months old is mandatory to sell a used vehicle to an individual. Without it, the sale can't be registered. This now also applies to two-wheelers.
What's a re-test?
If the test reveals major failures, you must repair then take a re-test within a set deadline (usually 2 months). For a critical failure, the vehicle can only be driven until the end of the day.
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