Technical Inspection: The Vehicle Fleet Ages, the Framework Evolves
- Published on 05/02/2026 16:54
- Modified on 05/02/2026 16:55
With more than 30 million technical inspections carried out in France in 2025, the sector remains stable but is preparing for significant changes.
According to the 2025 report published by DEKRA Automotive, technical inspection in France confirms its stability, with a volume exceeding 30 million visits across all categories, a level comparable to that recorded in 2024. Light vehicles dominate the market with 27.6 million inspections carried out, of which 6.2 million were by the DEKRA Automotive network.
The main takeaway concerns the aging of the French vehicle fleet. The average age of inspected light vehicles now stands at 13.3 years, illustrating the extension of car ownership duration. Diesel engines remain predominant with 61% of technical inspections, while electric and hybrid vehicles continue to progress, now accounting for 4.3% of inspections. The re-inspection rate remains stable at 19.3%, with an average of four failures noted per inspection.
Two-Wheelers in Focus
The technical inspection of motorized two-wheelers and vehicles in category L is also gaining momentum. Motorcycles over 125 cc represent the majority of inspections, with an average vehicle age of 16 years. The refusal rate reaches 16% in 2025. Since July 2025, noise emissions have been measured, and from March 1, 2026, technical inspection centers will be able to detect the tampering of mopeds through new equipment.
In the heavy truck sector, the situation remains stable with a re-inspection rate of 11.2%. However, the energy transition is progressing rapidly in public transport, where electric, hybrid, or gas engines now represent 21% of the inspected fleet.
The technical inspection also plays an increasingly important role in monitoring manufacturer recall campaigns. Since 2025, centers check for recalls related to Takata airbags, allowing more than 600,000 motorists to be informed. From January 2026, this system will extend to recalls deemed serious.
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Finally, the revision of the European directive on technical inspections, expected by the end of 2026, aims to integrate new inspection points related to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), new methods for checking pollutant emissions, and a strengthened mileage monitoring system, confirming the evolution of technical inspections in response to changes in the vehicle fleet.
READ ALSO: Technical Inspection of Two-Wheelers: Safety or Constraint?
This page is translated from the original post "Contrôle technique : le parc automobile vieillit, le cadre évolue" in French.
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