Update: French motorbike contrôle technique decision overturned again
State body the Conseil d’état has made the roadworthiness test a requirement once again, going against government actions
The government’s decision to repeal a decree making contrôle technique roadworthiness tests obligatory for motorbikes, mopeds and licence-free cars has been judged to be illegal by the Conseil d’état
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The French government’s decision to repeal a decree making contrôle technique roadworthiness tests obligatory for motorbikes, mopeds and licence-free cars has been judged to be illegal by the state’s highest administrative body, the Conseil d’état.
The Conseil d’état’s ruling effectively means that the roadworthiness test will be mandatory for the owners of vehicles with an engine size of 125cm³ or more in the end.
No further details on the timings or practicalities of this decision have yet been revealed.
France’s government issued a decree in August 2021 making the contrôle technique obligatory from January 2023.
This was in response to a 2014 EU law requiring all member states to introduce contrôle technique rules before January 2022.
However, the day after it was published, President Emmanuel Macron said that it would not be imposed, adding that it was “not the moment to bother French people”.
Environmental organisations in favour of the contrôle technique for two-wheeler vehicles then appealed to the Conseil d’état, asking it to make sure that the requirement was put in place from October 2022.
However, the government then repealed the initial decree saying it would realise alternative measures to ensure improved road safety and reduced emissions.
It appears that the Conseil d’état has judged these measures to fall short of EU requirements.
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