Tension is rising on French asphalt. Since April 15, 2024, motorcycles should theoretically pass the technical inspection every three years. An obligation that is causing cringe in the world of two-wheelers, to the point of triggering an unprecedented movement of resistance.
The numbers speak for themselves: of the 2.3 million vehicles concerned, barely 500,000 complied with the exercise with 80% of motorcyclists boycotting the CT. A real obstacle in the pond of the authorities who are struggling to have this new regulation accepted.
A slingshot that is gaining momentum
The French Federation of Angry Bikers (FFMC) is jubilant. His call for a boycott resonates well beyond his usual ranks. The technical inspection centers, which had invested in specific equipment and staff training, find themselves faced with deserted inspection trails.
This situation jeopardizes their economic model, based on much more optimistic attendance forecasts.. The provisional approvals granted to the centers expire next year, and without a significant increase in attendance, their profitability could be seriously compromised.
A massive rejection which questions the relevance of the measure
The message from the bikers is clear: this obligation is seen as a bureaucratic constraint put in place to make their own pockets. The FFMC points out the gap between regulatory requirements and the reality on the ground. Motorcyclists, known for their particular attention to the maintenance of their machines, consider this measure to be an unjustified mark of distrust.
The cost of the check, around 50 euros, is added to an already long list of mandatory expenses, with no real added value in terms of security according to opponents.
A standoff with unexpected consequences
The scale of the protest movement could well reshuffle the cards. The technical control centers find themselves in a delicate position: investments made, staff trained, but customers with absent subscribers. The FFMC maintains the pressure and calls for the boycott to continue. Its objective is clear, force the authorities to review their copy. This unprecedented situation could create a precedent in the history of citizen resistance movements in the face of regulations deemed unsuitable.
The bikers’ strategy proves particularly effective. By targeting the economic profitability of control centers, they found a powerful lever for action. Professionals in the sector, caught between the hammer of necessary investments and the anvil of the boycott, could become objective allies in questioning this measure.
The Ministry of Transport now finds itself faced with a dilemma. Persist in strict application of the regulations at the risk of bogging down the situation further, or open the door to a review of the system. The coming months will be decisive for the future of technical inspection of two-wheelers in France.
- The implementation of motorcycle technical inspections has been a resounding failure with more than 80% boycotts in seven months
- Technical inspection centers see their profitability threatened in the face of this massive resistance
- The FFMC maintains the pressure to obtain a review, or even a removal of this obligation
