EV grants, low-emission zones, winter tyres: seven French driving updates for October

Electric car leasing returns

France’s long-awaited ‘social leasing’ scheme for electric cars reopened on September 30. 

Applications are expected to fill quickly, as all slots were taken in 2024. 

Eligible households can lease certain EV models for three to five years, with subsidies of over €7,000 helping to reduce monthly costs to between €95 and €200 (up from €150 last year).

The programme is reserved for households with a revenu fiscal de référence of €16,300 per ‘part’ or less, adjusted for family size. 

Applicants must also meet conditions such as using the car for commuting at least 15km or professional purposes, and not having previously received the bonus écologique. 

This year, funding comes from certificats d'économie d'énergie, meaning it does not weigh on the state budget. Applications could be prepared in advance and filed via the official portal.

From October 1, buyers of EVs assembled in Europe with European-made batteries will also receive a €1,000 discount at purchase, in addition to the bonus écologique (up to €4,200). 

Modest-income households could therefore benefit from as much as €5,200 in total aid, however criticism has been made over the official list of eligible models for causing confusion and containing several errors.

France clarifies 2026 contrôle technique changes

The Transport Ministry has moved to correct confusion over upcoming contrôle technique (CT) rules. 

Reports suggested that from January 1, 2026, all vehicles with unresolved recalls would automatically fail their test.

In fact, the rule will apply only to cars fitted with defective Takata airbags, already subject to a global 'stop-drive' campaign. 

If confirmed by decree, these vehicles could be marked with either a major or critical defect during their CT, requiring repairs within two months or immediately, followed by a contre-visite.

Officials stressed this is not a general overhaul of the CT but a targeted measure to accelerate replacement of the airbags. 

Wider application to other recalls would need further decrees. 

For now, current rules remain in place: major defects must be fixed within two months, while critical faults allow driving only until midnight of the test day.

Peugeot 308s recalled

A recall has been launched for certain Peugeot 308s built between October 12, 2015, and February 1, 2019 due to a potential rear seatbelt fault. 

According to recall site RappelConso, the anchors “may not be able to withstand the force of an impact” in a crash.

Affected cars can be identified by the following type approval numbers (box K of the carte grise):

• e22007/460405*04

• e22007/460405*06 – *09

• e22007/460405*11 – *13

• e22007/460405*15 – *24

• e22007/460405*26

Owners should contact a Peugeot dealership for repairs. Full details are available on RappelConso.

Malus system expands in 2026

France’s malus tax on high-polluting cars will become stricter from January 1, 2026. 

The threshold will drop from 113g to 108g CO²/km, and the maximum penalty will rise to €80,000 (currently €70,000).

The extra levy for heavy vehicles will also apply from 1.5 tonnes instead of 1.6.

Vehicles built after 2015 that meet these thresholds will be subject to the malus when first registered, even if sold as used.

Low-emission zones remain

Despite a June vote on a ‘simplification law’ including an amendment to end low-emission zones (ZFEs), the measure is unlikely to be implemented soon. 

It must still pass through a joint MP-senator commission, and changes are possible given the political sensitivity of ZFEs.

For now, current restrictions remain in place.

Winter tyre fines expected this year

Winter tyres (or chains/socks) are compulsory from November 1 in designated communes under the ‘loi Montagne’. 

After several years of grace periods, with drivers informed of new rules but not penalised for breaking them, fines are expected to be issued this winter. 

A map of affected areas will be published closer to the date, as these can change each year.

Off-peak electricity hours to change

Off-peak electricity contracts will be updated from November, changing the hours when charging an electric vehicle is cheapest. 

At present, reduced rates are usually in the evening, but the new system is likely to shift them to afternoon slots. Suppliers will inform contract holders of their new hours before the change takes effect.