Report Application
Vehicle Technical Inspection

First inspection within 6 months before the 4th anniversary of registration, then every 2 years (article R.323-22 of the Highway Code). Light commercial vehicles: annual after 4 years. Vintage vehicles: every 5 years. A re-inspection is required if major or critical deficiencies are found (2-month deadline for major, driving ban for critical).

3 levels since May 20, 2018: minor deficiency (no re-inspection, noted on the report), major deficiency (re-inspection within 2 months, the vehicle can still be driven), critical deficiency (re-inspection within 2 months, the vehicle cannot be driven from the next day at midnight — marked with letter S). Critical deficiencies concern immediate road safety risks.

The technical inspection covers 133 checkpoints distributed across 10 functions: identification, braking, steering, visibility, lighting/signaling, road contact, structure/bodywork, equipment, pollution/noise level, and road test. These points generate over 600 possible deficiencies classified as minor, major, or critical.

Yes, for vehicles over 4 years old. The seller must provide an inspection report less than 6 months old (or less than 2 months if re-inspection was prescribed) at the time of sale (article R.323-22 of the Highway Code). Without a valid inspection, the buyer can request cancellation of the sale (hidden defect) or a price reduction.

Yes. The inspection measures exhaust emissions: smoke opacity for diesel (variable threshold depending on Euro standard), CO content and lambda for gasoline. Since 2019, thresholds have been tightened. A diesel vehicle with a faulty or removed DPF (diesel particulate filter) will fail with a major deficiency. Removing the DPF or catalytic converter is an offense (fine of 7,500 euros for unauthorized modification).