Car that caused Marseille wildfire did not have valid roadworthiness test

The burning car that began the devastating wildfires near Marseille earlier this week was not roadworthy as it did not have an up-to-date Contrôle technique, investigators have said.

Wildfires that burned hundreds of hectares of land, destroyed homes, and closed Marseille-Provence airport began on Tuesday (July 8) after a car driving along the motorway near Pennes-Mirabeau caught on fire.

A video of the car, a 2007 Peugeot 107, can be seen below. 

The fire reportedly began after the man driving the vehicle noticed smoke coming out of the front of the car. 

He pulled over and opened the bonnet, at which point flames sparked up, setting alight the vehicle and dried-out vegetation on the side of the road. 

The incident was unfortunate with French media reporting that the car was stopped next to a pine tree which was one of just a few along that stretch of motorway. Once on fire embers and burning leaves spread in all directions, propelled by strong winds.

However, despite the fact the fire was an accident, the vehicle should not have been on the road. 

Investigators with the CRS autoroutière Provence told local media that the vehicle was not up to date with its roadworthiness test (contrôle technique, or CT). 

An investigation into the status of the car and the potential faults that caused it to catch fire are yet to be concluded, however it is certain that the vehicle should not have been in use even if the owner - the car was registered to a woman in her twenties living in Marseille’s 15th arrondissement - believed it was safe to drive. 

Both the owner and the driver - her partner was driving it at the time - may now receive severe penalties.

When are roadworthiness tests required? 

CT tests are required once a car is four years old in France, and then every two years after that. 

All cars weighing less than 3.5 tonnes must follow these rules, unless they are classed as ‘vintage’, in which case they either take the test every five years (if manufactured after 1960) or are fully exempt (if manufactured before 1960).

A more recent CT test is required if planning to sell a car.

Since April 2024, motorcycles have also been required to have mandatory tests, although they cover fewer points than tests for cars.

The roadworthiness tests, similar to MOTs in the UK, check for major and minor defects in a vehicle.

Depending on whether the vehicle passes, or is classified as having minor, major, or critical defects, you may need to carry out repairs.

The test costs around €80, but the government provides a free price comparison website and interactive map to help you find a competitive price near you. 

If your vehicle does not have a CT you risk a €135 fine and the vehicle may be temporarily confiscated by the police. 

Further information on the tests can be found in our article here.