Motorcycles and scooters will not escape the technical inspection

The Council of State has made its decision: motorcycle inspections will indeed become mandatory. A stance that contrasts with the one expressed by the government a few months ago.

The implementation of mandatory technical inspections for motorcycles now seems unavoidable. Referred by associations Respire, Ras-le-Scoot, and Paris Without Cars, the Council of State ruled that the government’s position was not in compliance with European Union requirements. It is indeed the EU that has decided to make technical inspections mandatory for motorcycles. Member states wishing to follow another path must, in return, introduce new measures to improve road safety.

On July 25th, Elisabeth Borne repealed the decree implementing this measure. This decision was ultimately deemed illegal by the Council of State, for two reasons. Firstly, “the removal of the technical inspection should have been subjected to public consultation, given its direct and significant impact on the environment”. Secondly, the Council of State found that the alternative measures proposed by the government to bypass this obligation did not meet the requirements of the European directive.

The mandatory technical inspection will concern motorcycles with engine capacities above 125 cc. 50 cc bikes, often tinkered with and responsible for a large part of noise pollution, will thus be exempted.

A schedule that remains to be defined

Taking note of the Council’s decision, the government now plans to engage in discussions with the various concerned parties. Transport Minister Clément Beaune acknowledged that it will probably be necessary to “very likely” implement a technical inspection for motorcycles. It remains to be seen when the measure will come into effect. Currently, there is some uncertainty surrounding this issue.

Also read: Motorcycle Parking: Who Still Benefits from Free Parking in Paris?