CT 'truce' extended as centres face test backlog

The grace period for vehicles in France that were due for their contrôle technique (CT) during the period of confinement has been extended.

The truce had been due to end on June 23. But CT firms expressed concern that they would not be able to deal with the backlog, as additional safety precautions mean that inspections take longer.

The government has now said that motorists whose vehicles' CTs ran out during the lockdown period will have three months and 12 days' grace from the date the old CT ran out to get their vehicles tested.

The government told Le Figaro that the June 23 date marks the end of the CT 'freeze' period, and that vehicles due for testing between March 12 and June 23 should be booked in between June 24 and October 5.

"Motorists are nevertheless invited to go to the centres as soon as possible, and especially before they set off on holiday in their car", said Sébastien Danvel and Laurent Palmier, heads of the Auto Sécurité and Sécuritest networks respectively.

Three of France's best-known CT firms - Auto Sécurité, Vérif'Autos and Sécuritest - now offer online calculators allowing car owners to work out the exact date their vehicle's amended CT is due.