The year 2024 has already brought its share of changes for motorists, in particular with the extension of technical inspection to two-wheelers. However, contrary to the expectations of many drivers, 2025 should not upset the rules of technical inspection. On the other hand, the bonus-malus system will undergo a major transformation which will directly impact the portfolio of buyers of new vehicles.
Technical inspection remains on course in 2025
Rumors in the corridor announced a tightening of controls on polluting emissions from January 2025. These rumors turned out to be unfounded. Technical control will retain its current termsallowing motorists to maintain their habits. Approved centers will continue to apply the same inspection criteria, particularly on essential points such as safety, polluting emissions and the general condition of the vehicle.
Emission control devices, which have been particularly closely monitored in recent years, will remain subject to the same standards. This regulatory stability provides appreciable visibility to vehicle owners, who can thus plan the maintenance of their car with peace of mind without fearing new technical or financial constraints.
The ecological penalty hardens considerably
The big news for 2025 concerns the ecological penalty, which will undergo spectacular developments. The government has decided to lower the trigger threshold to 113 g/km of CO2, compared to the current 118 g/km. This change will affect a growing number of vehicles, even those considered relatively low-polluting until now.
Even more striking, the maximum amount of the penalty will increase to 70,000 euros for the most emitting vehicles. This substantial increase, which initially targeted 60,000 euros, reflects the government’s desire to accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles. Manufacturers and importers will have to adapt their commercial strategy to this new situation, particularly for sports models and high-end SUVs.
A major impact on the automotive market
These changes represent a new reality for the French automotive sector. Maintaining technical inspection rules provides a certain stability, but the strengthening of the ecological penalty will profoundly change consumer choices. Manufacturers are already anticipating a reorientation of sales towards electric and plug-in hybrid models.
The ecological bonus will also undergo significant changes, with a drop to 3,000 euros from January 2025. This reduction, combined with the toughening of the penalty, will create a significant jaws effect on the market. The allocation conditions could also become more restrictive, reflecting the government’s desire to control public spending while maintaining pressure on CO2 emissions.
- Technical inspection remains unchanged in 2025, contrary to rumors of toughening
- The ecological penalty increases drastically with a ceiling of 70,000 euros and a minimum threshold lowered to 113 g/km of CO2
- The ecological bonus decreases to 3,000 euros and its conditions of allocation could tighten
