MOT vehicle test in France

In France, the MOT test is called contrôle technique. Here is everything you need to know about MOT vehicle test in France : frequency, which vehicles, how, how much…

MOT test in France in a nutshell

In France, every car older than 4 years must go through a MOT test. It is a biennal inspection that is carried on by private authorized centers. The price is not regulated. Therefore every center is free to set its own rate. You will pay around €70, sometimes less if you book via specialized websites. It can be on appointment or not.

Specific rules apply to lorries and commercial transportation vehicles. French vintage cars holding the classification “collection” enjoy some privileges:

• Any vintage car with « collection » on the registration certificate (more than 30 years): MOT every 5 years instead of 2
• Vintage cars manufactured before 1960: no mandatory MOT

Bikes and mopeds MOT

Since April 15, 2024, there is a mandatory MOT test for motorbikes, quads, etc.

• For those vehicle, a test must be performed every 3 years (VS 2 years for cars)
• The first bike MOT must be performed when the vehicle is about to reach 5 years of age (VS 4 for cars)
• If the vehicle has a collection registration certificate, the frequency is 5 years. Such vehicles made before 1960 are exempted (same rules as those for cars)

Please not that this new MOT concerns any light vehicle that is registered and has a license plate (scooters, electric bicycles, etc.).

Validity of MOT vehicle test in France

When the test is positive, it is valid for 2 years for cars, 3 years for L type vehicles (motorbikes, etc.). Once a vehicle goes through a French MOT, 4 outcomes are possible:

• No remark: all is well
• Minor defect(s): the MOT is valid, it is advised to fix those defects, but not it’s not mandatory
• Major defect(s): those issues must be solved within 2 months. Before the deadline, the car has to go through a second check (contre-visite) during which the controller will ensure that those major defects have been fixed
• Critical defect(s): the vehicle poses an immediate threat to the driver and the surrounding vehicles, therefore it must be fixed ASAP. When an MOT is issued with a critical defect, the owner is allowed to drive until midnight. In other words, you must drive straight away your car to your garage for repairs. Once fixed, the garage will provide to the owner a special document that authorizes him to drive to an MOT center to perform another check

Selling or buying a car and MOT test

For selling a used car in France, local laws require the seller to provide an MOT in certain circumstances.

When the seller must provide an MOT?

An MOT vehicle test in France (6-month-old max) is compulsory when the second-hand car or bike sold has been registered more than 4 years ago and it is sold to a private individual. If a garage or dealer buys your vehicle, an MOT is not mandatory (which does not mean the dealer will not ask for it, it’s up to him). When buying a car in France, demand a recent MOT check to the seller.

Exemptions

Please note that a recent law of 2017 exempts vintage vehicles registered before 1960 from technical inspections. However, this exemption only applies to cars with a “collection” car registration certificate. Old vehicles from before 1960 with a standard registration certificate do not benefit from this exemption.

Why the MOT test cannot be older than 6 months?

You cannot provide an MOT test older than 6 months. It offers a bit of security to the buyer regarding the state if the car he is about to purchase. Since the periodicity of this check is set at 2 years, you may therefore have to visit an approved center before the MOT expires if you want to sell your car. If a second check has been scheduled (in case of major defect), the MOT must have occurred less than 2 months before the transaction is finalized.

And in case of donation?

In case of a donation of your vehicle, the obligations concerning the technical control are exactly the same as in the context of a sale.

French MOT price

In France, the MOT price is not regulated by law. Inspection centers are private companies that are authorized. They are free to charge whatever they want. Competition and free markets therefore fix the price of MOT in France.

What is the price of an MOT for a car in France? In average, the cost of a French MOT is around €70. The price of the technical inspection can range from €40 to €90. Prices vary per department. Paris area is the most expensive, while centres in rural areas tend to charge less due to costs structure.

There are 2 ways to find a cheap MOT in France:

• Use a price comparison website, e.g. this one
• Book your technical inspection instead of just showing up. Off peak, prices are cheaper
• Travel a bit to find a cheaper technical center

FAQ MOT vehicle test in France