When does your vehicle require a control technique?
A vehicle must be submitted for a controle technique within the six months preceeding its 4th birthday on the road.
After which, it is obligatory to have it renewed every 2 years.
For example: For a vehicle that has been in circulation since 1st July 1999, the controle must be carried out between 1st January and 30th June 2003.
Validity of the controle.
The control technique certificate for private and commercial vehicles is valid for 2 years.
However, since 1st January 1999, commercial vehiciles are obliged to take an emissions -*test*-('") every year, at least 2 months before the end of the first year of the two year certificate.
Sale of a second-hand vehicle
In the case of selling a vehicle of over 4 years of age, a controle technique must be carried out and a seller must provide an official report for the purchaser.
This report should be less than 6 moths old or in the case of a car requiring another controle technique (having failed) it should be less than 2 months old.
Where are the -*test*-('")s carried out?
The control technique can be carried out by any approved centre.
Cost
The prices vary but are generally around 45 Euros.
Controle Technique Certificate
A certificate is issued after your control technique and a copy is kept by the vehicle owner.
This certificate contains the date of the contrôle, the identity of the vehicle owner, the mileage, any faults found with the vehicle, etc.
The inspector will affix a stamp to your carte grise carrying the following symbol:
The letter A if the faults found do not merit a return visit
The letter S if the vehicle must be returned after faults have been corrected.
Contrôle Results
If the vehicle passes the -*test*-('"), a sticker is placed inside the windscreen and a receipt is conserved by the owner. This sticker indicates the month and the year that the next contrôle is due.
If the vehicle fails the -*test*-('"), the repairs must be carried out and the vehicle returned to the -*test*-('") centre within two months of the initial visit. The re--*test*-('") only covers the failed parts from the first -*test*-('").
The obligatory parts checked in the contrôle are as follows:
The brake system
The tyres
The position of the headlamps
The emissions
The suspension and the axel
The steering and the wheels
Certains elements of the body work (water leaks, door openings, etc)
Certains security equipment (rear-view mirrors, horn, etc).
Persistant faults
If the car fails the re--*test*-('") a new visit is effected within the same timescale (2 months).
If the -*test*-('") is not completed with the timescale, the owner is obliged to book a new and complete contrôle.
Penalties
If the vehicle is not presented with in the stated time, the owner of the vehicle will be fined 135 Euros.
The carte grise may be retained by the authorities until the controle is carried out, normally within one week.
The vehicle may be impounded.
The préfecture cannot under any circumstances issue a new carte grise to the owner of a vehicle that has not passed its contrôle.
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