How long can I drive a car with an overdue technical inspection?

Technical control is an important step in checking the safety and reliability of your car. This must be done within 4 years after the vehicle was first put into service, and then every 2 years. In case of refusal, you have a period of 2 months to undergo technical control.

🚘 What does technical control consist of?

Technical control is an in-depth analysis of the reliability of a vehicle intended for use on public roads. Operates since 1992. mandatory to achieve this. This check will identify possible malfunctions in your vehicle.

These failures can harm the environment (excessive fuel consumption, excessive pollutant emissions, etc.) or endanger other road users (faulty headlights, faulty braking system, etc.).

It is carried out only in the centers approved by the prefects of the departments, technical control is divided into 133 checkpoints... Depending on the model and age of your vehicle, the items that a mechanic should check may differ.

Among the 133 points of technical control, it is necessary to check:

1. Those concerning the identification of vehicles : license plate, insurance policy, gray card, etc.
2. Documents concerning vehicle visibility for the motorist: mirrors, windshields, etc.
3. Whole braking system : records, pads, drum ...
4. Those associated with steering : steering gear, steering wheel, etc.
5. . Electrical installationthen reflective parts, front and rear lights ...
6. Those that concern troubles for example pollution and noise levels.

For each checkpoint, the dispatcher must assess the severity of the observed failure.

Since minor glitch in style critical failure, they are an indicator of how dangerous your vehicle is to you, others and the environment.

If the controller detects too many faults, you will need to get the vehicle repaired as soon as possible. 2 Months... We are talking about return visit : You will have to go through the inspection of your vehicle again after following the steps requested by the inspector. Thus, he will be able to give you a sticker confirming that you have passed the technical control.

📆 How quickly should a technical inspection be carried out?

Technical control must be carried out on both new and used vehicles. It must be completed within six months preceding a period of 4 years from the date first registration of your car... The date of first entry into the service can be found on the registration certificate.

After this period, it must be renewed every two years. Thus, technical control has Valid for 2 years.

In the event of a sale of a vehicle between individuals, the seller must carry out a technical inspection within 6 Months before the deal.

🚗 Can I drive a car with an overdue technical inspection?

In France strictly smoking drive with overdue technical control. If yes then you en violation risk sanctions. Whether it expires in a day or a month, the driver penalties are the same. Additional time is not provided to receive a sticker for passing technical control.

This is called a technical control malfunction. He presents 3 different scenarios:

• Your technical control has expired;
• Your technical inspection shows the mention of "Adverse Opinion" more than two months ago and no follow-up action has been taken;
• The technical control noted the mention of "Adverse Critical Failure Report" and no review was carried out.

If you drive a vehicle without technical control or with an overdue technical control, you are committing an offense and risk:

• One fine worth 135 euros : if you do not pay for it within 45 days, it will be increased to 750 euros;
• Confiscation of your marketing authorization : despite the confiscation of the vehicle registration document, you can obtain a driving permit for one week to carry out technical control;
• Immobilizing your vehicle : depending on the safety and reliability of your vehicle, it may be stopped and taken away with a fine.

We advise you to plan and carry out a technical inspection in advance. before expiration the previous one. Contact an approved center a few months before the sticker expires and make an appointment a few weeks before the deadline.

⏱️ How long does it take to inspect your vehicle?

The duration of the technical inspection depends on several factors: the type of vehicle, the selected approved center, the car model, its general condition, etc. On average, the technical inspection lasts. 45 minutes... It can be shortened to 30 minutes or lying on 1 hour of work depending on the detected faults.

💸 How much does the technical inspection of your car cost?

Depending on approved centers and regions technical inspection price varies greatly. There are no rules regarding the cost of this intervention, but on average it is 75€... Its price can go up to 80€ in certain situations.

If you are in a situation where return visit required, you may have to pay a little more. Most centers do this for free, but you can also bill for From 20 € to 30 €.

Driving with valid technical controls is mandatory to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users. It is also important to identify possible breakdowns in your vehicle before they get worse.