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Can you sell a used car without a roadworthiness test?

Verified 13 July 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The rules differ depending on the age of the vehicle.

4 years or more

If you sell a car (VP) more than 4 years old, a roadworthiness test must be carried out.

You must give the future owner proof of roadworthiness.

Indeed, proof of control is indispensable to the buyer for register the vehicle.

There's 2 exceptions :

  • The periodic inspection of the car was done in the last 6 months
  • You sell the car to a garage or dealership
Less than 4 years

You can sell a car (VP) under 4 years of age without providing proof of technical control.

Reminder

roadworthiness tests are mandatory for most vehicles.

Tableau - Vehicles subject to roadworthiness tests or exempted from roadworthiness tests

Type of vehicle

Compulsory roadworthiness tests?

Private vehicle (VP)

Yes

Utility

Yes

Motorhome with a maximum total authorized laden weight (TCAW) of 3,5 t

Yes

Motorhome with a PTAC of more than 3,5 t

Yes

Heavyweight

Yes

Collection vehicle put into circulation from 1960

Yes

Collection vehicle used as a chauffeur-driven transport car (VTC)

Yes

Collection vehicle put into circulation before 1960 and with a PTAC of 3,5 t maximum

No

Collection vehicle with a PTAC greater than 3,5 t

No

Unlicensed car

No

Motorcycle, 2 wheels and 3 wheels

No

Motor quadricycle

No

Caravan with a PTAC of 3,5 tons or less

No

Agricultural tractor

No

Trailer with a PTAC of 3.5 tons or less not used for dangerous goods transport

No

Car registered in the diplomatic service or equivalent

No

Car registered in the FFECSA series (French Forces and civil elements stationed in Germany)

No

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • carte grise 34 00 - Information on the

    Carte grise National interactive voice server providing automated answers regarding the following:

    Carte grise If the user does not get the answer to his question about the taking of the vehicle or the driving license, he will be put in contact with an advisor of the National Agency for Secure Titles (ANTS).

    By telephone

    From the metropolis:

    34,00 (cost of a local call)

    From overseas:

    09 70 83 07 07

    From the foreigner:

    +33 9 70 83 07 07

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