Overview
- From 1 January 2026, cars presenting at the contrôle technique with unrepaired Takata airbags are expected to receive an automatic contre-visite that implies immobilisation until repair, according to the Transport Ministry.
- The requirement is contained in a projet de décret that completed public consultation in July and is under Conseil d'État review with a targeted start on 1 January 2026 if adopted.
- Takata inflators linked to deadly explosions have triggered mass recalls, and about 1.7 million vehicles in France are under stop‑drive orders pending free airbag replacement.
- The IGEDD urged making airbag replacement a condition to validate the inspection to speed repairs, block resale of unsafe vehicles, and address poor traceability in the used market.
- Officials reject rumors of a broad crackdown on the contrôle technique and indicate a separate plan to tighten oversight of inspection centers with possible fines, while saying overall failure rates should not rise.