EdupradaThe technical inspection is an essential step to check the safety and reliability of your car. It must be done within 4 years after the vehicle is first put into circulation, then every 2 years. In the event of failure, you have 2 months to complete the technical inspection.
What does technical inspection consist of?
Technical inspection is an in-depth analysis of the reliability of a vehicle intended to travel on public roads. Established since 1992, it is obligatory to carry it out. This check will detect probable faults in your car.
These failures can harm the environment (overconsumption of fuel , excessive pollution emissions, etc.) or endanger other road users (defective headlights, broken braking system, etc.).
Carried out only in centers approved by department prefects, technical inspection is divided into 133 control points . Depending on the model and recency of your vehicle, the items the mechanic needs to check may vary.
Among the 133 technical inspection checkpoints, the following must be checked:
- Those relating to vehicle identification : license plate, insurance certificate, registration document, etc.
- Parts concerning the visibility of the vehicle for the motorist: mirrors, windshield, etc.
- The entire braking system : discs, pads, drum, etc.
- Those related to the steering of the vehicle : steering gear, steering wheel, etc.
- Electrical installations , reflective parts , front and rear lights…
- Those concerning nuisances such as pollution and noise level.
For each checkpoint , the controller must estimate the severity level in the event of a failure observed. Ranging from minor failure to critical failure , they are an indicator of the dangerousness of the vehicle both for you, but also for others and for the environment.
If the inspector detects too many faults, you will be required to repair your vehicle and carry out a second inspection . You will therefore be required to have your car inspected again after carrying out the interventions requested by the inspector. If all the problems are resolved, he will be able to issue you with the sticker attesting to your technical inspection.
How quickly should you carry out your technical inspection?
The technical inspection must be carried out on both new and used vehicles. This must be done within six months preceding the period of 4 years from the very first entry into circulation of your car. You will find the date of first circulation on the registration certificate.
After this period, it must be renewed every two years. The technical inspection is therefore valid for 2 years.
When should the technical inspection be completed?
A refusal of a technical inspection does not always lead to a second inspection . However, when you fail this check following major or critical failures , you will need to make repairs quickly and re-visit.
The technical inspection counter-visit must be held within 2 months .
Technical inspection in the event of sale: within what time frame should it be completed?
If you sell a car, you have 6 months before signing to pass the technical inspection . This document must then be given to the buyer as proof .
However, certain exclusions are possible: sale of the vehicle to a professional , sale of a car that has been on the road for less than four years or even sale of a car without a license or a collector’s item .
When you are faced with these situations, the deadline for passing the technical inspection does not apply.
Can you drive with an expired technical inspection?
In some country, it is strictly forbidden to drive with an expired technical inspection. If this is the case, you are in violation and risk sanctions. Whether it is expired by a day or a month, the penalties are exactly the same for the driver. No additional time can be granted for obtaining the technical inspection sticker.
This is called technical inspection failure. It presents 3 different scenarios:
- Your technical inspection has expired;
- Your technical inspection shows the mention “Unfavorable opinion” dating back more than 2 months and no counter-inspection has been carried out ;
- The technical inspection shows the mention “Unfavorable opinion for critical failure” and no counter-inspection was carried out.
If you drive a vehicle without a technical inspection or with an expired technical inspection, you are committing an offense and risk:
- A fine of €135 : if you do not pay it within 45 days, it will be increased to €750;
- Confiscation of your registration certificate : despite the confiscation of your registration document, you can obtain a one-week circulation authorization to carry out your technical inspection;
- Immobilization of your car : depending on the safety and reliability of your vehicle, it may be immobilized and taken to the impound lot.
We advise you to plan ahead and carry out your technical inspection before the expiry date of 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 the technical inspection of your vehicle take?
The duration of a technical inspection varies depending on several elements: the type of vehicle, the approved center chosen, the car model, the overall condition of the car, etc. On average, a technical inspection lasts 45 minutes . It can be shortened to 30 minutes or extended to 1 hour of work depending on the faults found.
How much does the technical inspection of your car cost?
Depending on the approved centers and regions, the price of the technical inspection varies greatly. There is no rule on the price of this intervention, but it amounts on average to €75. Its price can go up to €80 in certain situations.
If you are in a situation where a second inspection is required, you may have to pay a little more. Most centers do it for free but it can also be charged from €20 to €30.
Driving with a valid technical inspection is mandatory to ensure your safety and that of other road users. This is also an important time to detect possible breakdowns in your vehicle before they take on more disastrous proportions.