Technical control of motorcycles: finding a balance between European obligations and local disputes

The motorcycle technical inspection is a topic that stirs strong emotions, both among French motorcyclists and European bodies. Indeed, the balance between the EU's requirements and the reactions of French riders raises questions, particularly regarding the implementation of a harmonized system at the European level. What are the stakes of this obligation for the various actors involved? How can we reconcile road safety and respect for national particularities? This article offers a thorough analysis of the current situation.

European directives on motorcycle technical inspection

For several years, the European Union has been working to harmonize the national legislations of member states regarding the technical inspection of vehicles. This approach aims in particular to strengthen road safety within the European space. Directive 2014/45/EU thus provides for the introduction of a mandatory technical inspection for all motorized two-wheelers over 125 cm3.

Implementation and possible exemptions

Although this directive requires implementation by member states, it also allows the possibility to adopt alternative or derogatory measures. Indeed, if a country can prove that its national system achieves an equivalent level of results in terms of road safety, it is exempt from implementing the technical inspection as imposed by the EU.

The situation in France: between opposition and proposals for alternative measures

In France, the issue of motorcycle technical inspection has always elicited strong reactions from motorcyclist associations, such as the French Federation of Angry Motorcyclists (FFMC) or the Motorcycle Mutual. These organizations believe that this measure would be ineffective in improving safety, due to the low proportion of road accidents related to the condition of motorcycles, and advocate for an approach focused on driver training and risk awareness instead.

The French context: an older and more diverse motorcycle fleet

The analysis of the French situation also highlights several national specificities that could justify an adaptation of European requirements. On the one hand, the motorcycle fleet in circulation in France is older than in many other European countries, with an average age of two-wheelers of 9.1 years in 2018 compared to 6.9 years at the European level.

On the other hand, some argue that the technical inspection as envisioned by the EU does not sufficiently take into account the wide diversity of motorcycle models present in the French market. There could therefore be a real danger in applying the same rules to all, without distinction or adaptation to national particularities.

The proposals of French motorcyclists in response to European obligations

In response to these stakes, several associations of French motorcyclists have developed alternative proposals aimed at reconciling European requirements for road safety and respect for national specificities. Among these are:

• The strengthening of driving training, considered a more effective means of improving road safety for all users.
• Encouragement of the use of personal protective equipment, as the main factor in the severity of accidents is the fall of the rider.
• The establishment of a voluntary technical inspection, which could gradually steer the fleet towards better-maintained vehicles without imposing a systematic obligation for all.
• A specific technical inspection for classic motorcycles, which would take into account their particular technical characteristics and their often more limited use than that of modern two-wheelers.

Implementation of these alternative measures: what feasibility?

However, it should be emphasized that the implementation of these measures requires a strong political will from the French authorities, as well as thorough consultation with representatives of the various stakeholders involved (manufacturers, distributors, insurance bodies, motorcyclist organizations...). It is uncertain whether this approach would be fully compatible with European requirements for technical inspection, and it remains to be determined whether these proposals could truly be considered valid alternatives.