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FAILING TO GET A TEST CAN LEAD TO A FINE AND IN SOME CASES TEMPORARY CONFISCATION OF THE VEHICLE’S REGISTRATION DOCUMENT READER QUESTION: WILL I RECEIVE NOTIFICATION WHEN MY CAR HAS TO GO

FOR ITS _CONTRÔLE TECHNIQUE_ ROADWORTHY TEST? For all privately-owned cars older than four years and weighing less than 3.5 tons a _contrôle technique_ (CT) roadworthiness test is required

every two years in France. For residents in Monaco, it is every three years. There are some exceptions, FOR EXAMPLE FOR CLASSIC CARS. Motorbikes and quad vehicles do not currently have to

pass a test but, under new plans, they will be required to in the future, probably starting in the later part of this year. The test needs to be undertaken at a state-approved location and

there are around 6,000 such centres in France. Centres can set their own rates but the average cost of the test is around €70. Failure to provide a valid CT test can lead to a fine of up to

€135 and the police can confiscate your vehicle’s registration document (known as a _carte grise_). In such a case they would provide a temporary seven-day permit to use your car during

which you must have a test done (the carte grise is returned once the test is completed). Insurance may also be denied to cars that do not have a valid CT certificate. READ MORE: EXPLAINER:

THE RULES OF FRANCE’S CONTRÔLE TECHNIQUE CAR CHECKS HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE TEST IS NEEDED, DO I GET A REMINDER? The test is every two years but must be done in the six-month period before

the second anniversary of your last test. For example, if your last test was on January 1, 2023 you will have to get your next test between July 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. You can find

the information for when you need to get your next CT test on your vehicle registration document (under section X.1), where the mechanic will have put a stamp with the information, or via

the sticker on your car windshield. There is no official reminder sent out, meaning you need to check and make a note yourself. There are smartphone apps that help you find local centres

that offer CT tests and these can include a feature to remind you of when your next test is coming up. Alternatively, just remember to note it on your calendar or make yourself whatever kind

of digital reminder you prefer. RELATED ARTICLES IS IT WORTH IMPORTING AN OLDER CAR FOR USE AT A SECOND HOME IN FRANCE? DO FOREIGN CARS NEED TO OBTAIN A CRIT’AIR STICKER TO DRIVE IN FRANCE?