Technical inspection of a motorhome (maximum 3,5 tons)

Verified 15 December 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Carte grise You have bought a camper van (type VASP on the following) and you wonder when and where to do the technical check and what is the price? You want to know what functions are being monitored and how to do it if a failure is detected? This page tells you what you need to know about roadworthiness testing.

Carte grise The roadworthiness test concerns all motorhomes (type VASP on the PTAC is not more than 3,5 tons.

If the PTAC: titleContent is more than 3,5 tons, on technical inspection of the motorhome must be done in a center for heavy goods 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

The 1er check is to be made within 6 months before 4e anniversary of the 1re putting into service of the vehicle

No summons are sent. Control is at your initiative.

Example :

For a vehicle put into circulation on 1er october 2019, 1er roadworthiness test to take place between 1er April 2023 and September 30, 2023.

The date of the next check will depend on result of this 1er control.

Even if the roadworthiness test is favorable, the owner must, in all circumstances, maintain the vehicle in good working order and in satisfactory condition for maintenance.

In any approved center in France.

Carte grise You must present the Certificate of Registration (new name of the except in certain situations.

Fees are at the expense of the owner of the vehicle.

The price periodic technical inspection and counter-inspection services are variables according to the centers.

They must be displayed at the main entrance to the center, in a visible and legible manner.

The prices are classified by type of energy : petrol, diesel, gas, hybrid, electric.

You can use a online service for prices charged by technical inspection centers:

To know the prices charged by the technical inspection centers

The controller should check 133 checkpoints concerning the following functions:

  • Identification of the vehicle: vehicle documents, registration plate...
  • Equipment for braking : platelets, disks...
  • Direction : steering wheel, housing...
  • Visibility : windshield, mirrors...
  • Lights, reflective devices and electrical equipment
  • Axles, wheels, tires, suspension
  • Chassis and chassis accessories
  • Other equipment: safety belts, horn (audible warning device)...
  • Nuisance : pollution, noise level

At each controlled point, a failure level is indicated.

  • Minor failure : no significant impact on the safety of the vehicle or the environment
  • Major Failure : failure which could jeopardize the safety of the vehicle and have a negative impact on the environment or endanger other road users
  • Critical Failure : direct and immediate danger to road safety or serious environmental impact

In case of major or critical failure, a new control, called counter-visitis to be done after making the necessary repairs.

The controlled points during a counter-visit depend on failures major and critical established at the time of the previous check.

Tableau - Result of the roadworthiness test based on deficiencies found

Deficiencies found

Advice

Validity of the check

Prescription of a counter-visit

Absence of major and critical failure

Favorable (A)

2 years from audit

No counter-visit

At least one major failure

Unfavorable (S)

2 months from inspection

Mandatory within 2 months of roadworthiness testing

At least one critical failure

Unfavorable (R)

Day of inspection

You are not required to make a counter-visit to the approved center where the deficiencies were found.

Countervisit can be done in any accredited center in France.

You are given a report after each roadworthiness test.

The minutes shall include the following points:

  • Nature of the control (periodic technical inspection, counter-inspection)
  • Date of control
  • Outcome control (favorable, unfavorable for major failure, unfavorable for critical failure)
  • Limit of validity of control
  • Nature of the next check (periodic inspection, counter-inspection)
  • Identification of the center control and controller
  • Identification of the vehicle
  • Mileage record
  • Information on unfavorable roadworthiness tests
  • Failures and Severity Levels (critical, major, minor, mileage recorded in roadworthiness since May 20, 2018, comments)
  • Measurements taken

Carte grise The controller puts on the stamp indicating the result control and its deadline :

  • Letter A : Result favorable
  • Letter S : Unfavorable result for major failures
  • Letter R : Unfavorable result for critical failures

The controller shall place on the vehicle a thumbnail which indicates the expiry date of the check carried out.

It shall no longer be possible to include the following in the report of the roadworthiness test non-rolling vehicle.

Failure to comply with roadworthiness requirements shall be punished by a fine of up to €750.

As a general rule, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.

In case of control by the police (police or gendarmerie), the vehicle may be immobilized carte grise and you must then give them the certificate of registration (cfr).

One circulation card valid for 7 days is given to you to allow you to do the technical inspection.

Carte grise To retrieve the Certificate of Registration (C of R), you must submit to the police station or gendarmerie the report of the roadworthiness test attesting to its satisfactory result.

In the event of a dispute as to the result of the roadworthiness test, the means of appeal are displayed in the center who issued the report.

FAQ