Car MOT in France in 2026: new checks and blocking points

A reminder: MOT required in France

The MOT is required for all vehicles over 4 years old, and renewed every 2 years. For commercial and professional vehicles it is annual. First visit within the 6 months before the vehicle's 4th birthday.

2026 novelties

Motorcycle MOT (2025)

Introduced gradually from 15 April 2024, the motorcycle MOT became mandatory in 2025 for all motorised 2- and 3-wheelers and quadricycles. In 2026, 2-wheelers built before 2017 must be checked this year. Targeted checks: lighting, braking, noise emissions, tyres.

Enhanced NOx emission controls

Since January 2026, diesel engines Euro 5 and 6 undergo enhanced NOx checks via a portable analyser. 8% of vehicles were failed in early months. Repair cost (DPF, EGR): €800–2,500.

ADAS equipment verification

On vehicles designed with: AEB (emergency braking), LDW (lane departure warning), intelligent cruise control. If disabled or faulty: major defect (mandatory re-check).

EV charging-point checks

Charging connector checked: insulation, physical state, connection to battery. Defect = re-check.

Most common blocking points

1. Braking

45% of re-checks in 2026. Worn discs, end-of-life pads, polluted brake fluid. Average repair budget: €300–900 (front + rear).

2. Polluting emissions

25% of re-checks. Blocked exhaust, dead lambda sensor, clogged DPF. Temporary fix: a "clean" by motorway drive 30–60 min at 110 km/h may suffice (try BEFORE the visit).

3. Tyres

15% of re-checks. Under 1.6 mm wear in a zone, uneven pattern, manufacturing date > 10 years. Budget: €400–800 for 4 quality tyres.

4. Lighting

8% of re-checks. Blown bulb (front, rear, plate), misaligned headlight. Bulb replacement: €10–40 in a DIY kit.

5. Severe corrosion

4% of re-checks. Rust through rocker panels, rusted chassis, attacked structural elements. Often terminal: vehicle's end of life.

How the MOT runs

Duration: 45–60 minutes. 133 check points (car) or 78 (motorcycle since 2025). After: detailed report with 3 possible verdicts — "Favourable" (2-year sticker), "Favourable with minor defects" (2-year sticker but recommendations), "Unfavourable" (re-check within 2 months).

Re-check: mandatory within 2 months

If "Unfavourable", you have 2 months to do necessary repairs and retake it. Re-check costs €20–40 and only covers faulty items. Beyond 2 months, a full MOT is needed again (€80–120).

2026 MOT prices

Car: €70–95 on average (up to €120 in major cities). Motorcycle: €45–70. Motorhome: €85–110. Utility vehicles: €85–100.

Tips to pass first time

Do a pre-check at a garage 1 month before (€30–60), fresh oil + filters, motorway drive the day before, check tyre pressures, inspect lights. 78% of well-prepared vehicles pass on first try.