Revised in depth over the past two years, technical control is not expected to change in 2020. - CCO

Technical control has evolved twice in the past two years. After tightening mechanical examinations in 2018, the legislator tackled the most polluting vehicles in 2019. Initially scheduled for early last year, the entry into force of the latest reform finally took place on July 1.

Its implementation had indeed been one of the sparks, with the increase in prices at the pump, which had set fire to the social compact and launched the movement of "yellow vests". It is in a particularly tense climate, therefore, that the new version technical control will begin its third year of existence.

The account is not there

This vintage should play the card of appeasement, since no change is planned on the horizon. It must be said that the first returns are not good. In addition to a significant increase in prices and a surge in counter-visits (+ 5%), the account of vehicles which had to pass technical control last year is not there.

According to Dekra, the specialist in the sector, there are about 700,000 passages missing, if we follow the logical projections. "It is unprecedented, we had never witnessed such a situation," explained Karine Bonnet, its president, to the specialized magazine Journal Auto. There have always been latecomers at the technical control who missed the four-year deadline for a new car and the two-year period later due to oversight or financial fragility, but the network had never observed such proportions.

Hardening rules

Among the explanations advanced, there is obviously the hardening of the rules of passage. The risk of seeing his vehicle immobilized is indeed increasing. Since 2018, the technical control revolves around the verification of 131 organs, which can lead to 600 possible faults. It was 123 organs and 409 critical points a year earlier.

The failures are divided into three main families. Some 140 are minors and do not generate any counter-visits. Half of the 600 faults are major and oblige the owner to carry out a repair within two months before a new visit. Finally, there are now 127 critical failures which result in the immediate immobilization of the vehicle, with an obligation to have it repaired within 24 hours.

A rising cost

Since July 1, 2019, black exhaust fumes have also been screened. It is their opacity that will decide whether a vehicle passes the exam or not. This control is more strict with diesel. Owners are thus obliged to regularly clean their engine, to monitor their particle filter (FAP) and their EGR valve. Their fouling is at the origin of the increase in polluting emissions. However, a change of FAP can cost up to 2,000 euros and that of an EGR valve 350 euros.

In fact, the prices of controls vary and are bound to increase. Especially since the rates are free. For a petrol vehicle, it takes between 50 and 75 euros. For a diesel, the upper limit is 85 euros and 120 euros for an LPG. It is therefore advisable to compare the offers.

A compulsory passage

As a reminder, a car is subject to technical control after four years after its date of entry into service (in the six months preceding the anniversary date). It must be passed through one of the 4,900 approved centers in France. Each check is valid for two years: the passages following the first meeting will therefore take place every two years. In addition, when transferring a vehicle more than four years old, a certificate of less than six months must be given to the purchaser.

In the event of a lack of control, the offender faces a fine of 135 euros, with withdrawal of the registration card. It will then be necessary to pass the examination within a week following the arrest. In addition, in the event of an accident, the driver may be held liable. Similarly, the insurer, if it can prove that the lack of control is the cause of a claim, may refuse any reimbursement.

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