Technical inspection for two-wheeled vehicles abandoned

France will need to implement other measures to satisfy the European Union.

After seriously considering implementing a technical inspection for two-wheelers, the government is reversing course. A new decree published on July 25 in the Official Journal officially cancels the measure, which was scheduled to come into effect in early 2023.

The publication of an initial decree announcing the implementation of technical inspection for two-wheelers had sparked strong protests. The measure was immediately suspended by President Emmanuel Macron, who feared mobilization among motorcyclists. Meanwhile, the European Union has been pushing for years for the implementation of technical inspections for two-wheelers. In 2014, it planned to impose the measure on member states by January 1, 2022.

The new measure was to concern all motorized vehicles with 2 and 3 wheels (including mopeds), as well as light quadricycles like Citroën Ami. According to non-governmental organizations supporting it, the technical inspection of two-wheelers was intended to reduce mortality, noise pollution, and air pollution. The day after the decree was suspended, associations fought back to try to save the measure and accelerate its implementation. They took the case to the Council of State, which had expressed support for a technical inspection for two-wheelers by October 1, 2022.

Upcoming measures for two-wheelers

France now needs to find measures that will allow it to obtain a derogation from the European Union. Several options are being studied: creating a conversion bonus for purchasing an electric or low-polluting two-wheeler, deploying noise radar, strengthening communication on safety for two-wheeler users, etc.

The two-wheeler sector, which is not currently affected by the thermal ban in 2035, has achieved a new victory with the cancellation of the technical inspection. However, the pressure is gradually increasing, and more restrictive measures are multiplying. For example, in Paris, the local government has decided to end free parking for scooter and motorcycle users.

Read also: Is technical inspection more expensive for electric cars?