The Technical Control for Motorcycles will be implemented in April 2024

From April 2024, motorcycle owners will have to comply with new regulations regarding technical inspections for their vehicles. This measure will have major impacts on road safety as well as on the obligations of owners of motorized two-wheelers. In this article, we will discuss the implications and consequences of this new regulation, both financially and in terms of responsibilities and technical requirements.

The stakes of technical inspections for motorcycles

This new regulation has the main objective of improving road safety, particularly through the inspection of the general condition of motorcycles, which until now was not mandatory. Many road accidents involving motorized two-wheelers are caused by lack of maintenance or technical failures that are difficult to detect without thorough inspection. This new obligation would thus limit the risk of accidents related to these factors.

Moreover, the introduction of motorcycle technical inspections aligns with European practices, as the majority of EU member countries have already implemented this rule for several years.

Environmental protection

In addition to safety concerns, the introduction of technical inspections for motorcycles also responds to environmental concerns. Indeed, motorized two-wheelers are often criticized for their emissions of polluting gases and their impact on air quality. This new regulation will thus allow for more control over these ecological aspects by specifically checking the state of the vehicle's anti-pollution systems.

The modalities of motorcycle technical inspections

According to the information available to date, the technical inspection for motorcycles should be carried out every two years, as is already the case for passenger cars. Motorized two-wheelers will specifically need to undergo this inspection starting from their fourth year of circulation.

It is also planned that certain categories of motorcycles will be exempt from this obligation, such as collector's motorcycles or competition vehicles. For other categories, the presentation of the certificate of conformity (COC) issued by the manufacturer will be essential when going through the technical inspection.

Inspection points

Although the definitive list of inspection points has not yet been established, it is likely to include:

• Braking and lighting
• The general condition of the engine and transmission
• The chassis (frame, suspensions...)
• Electrical and electronic equipment
• Safety devices (helmet, reflective vest...)
• Anti-pollution systems

Furthermore, a visual inspection of the brake pads and tires will be carried out to check their compliance and wear levels.

The impact of technical inspections for motorcycle owners

This new regulation will have several consequences for owners of motorized two-wheelers. Among these:

1. The cost of the technical inspection: while the rates are not yet known, it is likely that this new obligation will result in additional costs for motorists who will have to pay for the inspection every two years.
2. Liability in the event of an accident: the absence of a valid technical inspection could constitute a cause for the potential nullification of motorcycle insurance, thereby making the owner financially responsible in the event of an accident.
3. Regular maintenance: this measure will encourage owners to maintain their vehicles more diligently, under penalty of being non-compliant with the regulations during the technical inspection. This will also lead to additional costs for any necessary repairs.
4. The resale of the vehicle: the technical inspection will provide an objective value to the vehicle at the time of resale. It could facilitate transactions between individuals, but also constitute an obstacle for those who do not wish to bring their vehicle up to standard.

A communication and organization challenge for technical inspection centers

With the introduction of technical inspections for motorcycles, accredited centers will have to adapt to this new clientele. They will need to invest in appropriate equipment to carry out these inspections in accordance with the regulations. Additionally, they will need to train on the new specifics related to the inspection of motorized two-wheelers.

Moreover, it will be necessary for inspection centers to communicate about this new obligation to their clients and the general public, in order to inform motorists and prevent any risk of non-compliance. For this purpose, it is likely that a national information campaign will be implemented, relayed by media and competent organizations (road safety, insurance, etc.).

Finally, it will be important to regularly assess the impacts of this measure on road safety and the fleet of motorcycles in circulation, in order to identify any potential avenues for improvement or necessary adjustments. This new regulation will undoubtedly mark an important step in addressing safety and environmental issues surrounding motorized two-wheeler use, and careful application and monitoring will be essential.