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France to Add Takata Airbag Checks to Vehicle Inspections From Jan. 1, With Stop‑Drive Cars Grounded

Officials aim to purge the fleet within two years, citing 46 accidents and about 20 deaths linked to ruptures.

Overview

  • From January 1, 2026, technical inspections will systematically verify whether vehicles carry Takata airbags classified as stop‑drive.
  • Any car flagged stop‑drive will be placed in contre‑visite and immobilized until the manufacturer replaces the airbag, which the ministry says must occur within 24 hours.
  • Inspections that find Takata recalls not labeled stop‑drive will notify owners without triggering a contre‑visite requirement.
  • Authorities estimate about 1.35 million vehicles in circulation fall under stop‑drive, and the ministry says the two‑year inspection cycle will be used to clear the defect from the fleet.
  • The government notes ongoing legal pressure on manufacturers, including collective actions with roughly 3,000 claimants, and says contre‑visite costs fall to motorists as data‑sharing with insurers and test centers expands to speed outreach.