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POTENTIAL FRAUDS OVER POLLUTION EMISSIONS ARE BEING TARGETED, REPORTS CAR MAGAZINE AUTO PLUS France’s contrôle technique (CT) roadworthiness tests are expected to be reinforced in January
2025 with the introduction of new checks to detect manipulation of gas emissions, reports leading car magazine Auto Plus. The CT is mandatory for all privately-owned cars, including hybrid
and electric vehicles (some classic cars do not need one). It is required at least every two years for all vehicles that are at least four years old, and must be performed at an official
garage registered as a centre de contrôle technique agréé. Failure to undergo a CT can invalidate your insurance and result in a fine of up to €750. The CT currently includes 133 mechanical
checks, both inside and outside the vehicle. Read more: Explainer: The rules of France’s contrôle technique car checks New tests are regularly added to the CT, and while the changes for 2025
have yet to be officially announced, car magazine Auto Plus reports that more sophisticated anti-pollution checks will be introduced in January in order to combat fraud, which can involve
manipulation of particulate filters or catalytic converters. START DATE SET FOR MOTORBIKE ROADWORTHINESS TESTS IN FRANCE To perform these new tests, testing centres will be equipped with
more sophisticated diagnostic equipment capable of identifying damage to engines and anti-pollution systems. At present, the average CT costs €78, however Auto Plus reports that the addition
of these new tests could see this rise. Read more: Drivers can compare local contrôle technique fees at new official French website The magazine adds that further changes include an
expansion of the malus écologique tax, which is payable on the first registration of certain polluting vehicles. This tax varies according to the vehicle's CO2 emissions, with 2024
penalties ranging from €50 for vehicles emitting 118g/km to €60,000 for those emitting 195g/km. The minimum threshold could be changed to 113g/km and the maximum penalty to €70,000 in 2025,
claims Auto Plus. Another widely reported change - also as yet not confirmed officially - holds that the CT will be reinforced with more safety measures to ensure vehicles with serious
defects in their brakes, suspension or seat belts are systematically failed.