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In brief
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Duration: Make an appointment: 1–7 days; CT: 30–45 minutes; counter-visit: 20 minutes
Cost: 78 € for VP (2025) ; 18 € for counter-visit
On-site only

Who this guide is for

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  • If you sell one vehicle more than 4 years old
  • You if you buy a used vehicle
  • You if your TB matures and has to renew it

To be prepared in advance

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  • Vehicle grey card
  • Registration plate
  • Vital card or ID to identify you

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1When CT is required: for PVs (private cars) of more than 4 years — all 2 years; on sale — CT less than 6 months; on first registration — after 4 years. For utilities — in general annual.
  2. 2Find an approved centre: Norisko, AutoControl, SGS, Dekra, Autosur. Make an appointment online or by phone. Price capped: 78 € (2025) for VP, +8 € for pollution control in certain regions.
  3. 3Present at the meeting with the vehicle. Duration: 30–45 minutes. Verification of 133 points: identification, braking, direction, visibility, lighting, tires, structure, emissions, noise.
  4. 4Results: ( 1 ) Counter-visit (CV) — certain defects, to be corrected under 2 month and re-checking ( 18 €) ; ( 2 ) Positive initial inspection — without critical defects, valid CT 2 years.
  5. 5Types of defects: minor (security OK), major (reduced security, to be corrected), critical (danger, to be repaired immediately). Mandatory cross-visit for majors/criticians.
  6. 6For sale: CT less than 6 months mandatory (or PV of favorable counter-visit on 2 months). The seller pays the CT. Without it — impossible to register the vehicle to the new owner.
  7. 7For the purchaser: check the TB date on the Minutes (PV). If CT >6 months — ask for a reduction or require a new TB. Emissions — especially for diesels, must be in the norm.
  8. 8CT for foreigners and imported vehicles: for an imported vehicle — CT before registration (receipt à la carte), 100–200 € in approved centre + DREAL fee.
  9. 9Pollution control: since 2019, all diesel VP >4 years — FAP (particle filter) verified. Since 2023 — improved CO2 control. Without FAP required — counter-visit.
  10. 10Penalties: drive without CT = fine of 4th class 135 €, immobilization of the vehicle. Insurance may refuse to take care of an accident.

Common mistakes

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  • Sell without CT less than 6 months — the buyer will not be able to register, you risk prosecution.
  • Ignore the counter-visit — the CT becomes obsolete after 2 months.
  • Do the CT in an unapproved centre — invalid, to be re-approved.
  • Do not check the TB on second-hand purchase — may have expired, hence new costs.
  • Believe that new vehicles don't need CT—necessary after 4 years, then every 2 years.

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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Grey card ANTSMotorbike insuranceTransport Section

Important remark

The TB is governed by the Highway Code (R323-1 et s.). Indicative information; list of approved centres on safety-road.gouv.fr.

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