Technical control: can we buy a car that does not have one?

Automotive technical control is an essential process in France to guarantee road safety and environmental protection. It aims to verify the general condition of vehicles, their compliance with the standards in force and identify any defects or dysfunctions. However, it is not uncommon to meet used cars for sale without having suffered this mandatory control. In this article, we will explore the functioning of technical control, the reasons why some cars are sold without control and the risks associated with these transactions.

Technical control in France

In France, automotive technical control is a legal obligation for all vehicles over the age of 4. It aims to ensure that the cars that travel on French roads satisfy severe safety standards and do not present main risks for their drivers, passengers and other road users. Technical control is performed by the centers approved by the State, with specialized equipment to inspect vehicles based on specific specifications.

Control points and duration of the validity

Technical control covers different control points, among which we find in particular:

• The brakes: verification of their correct operation to ensure a safe arrest of the vehicle.
• Management: control to ensure that the vehicle is correct without the risk of dangerous deviation.
• Tires: check of the wear, pressure and general conditions of the tires.
• Lighting and reporting: Make sure all the lights work correctly for optimal visibility.
• Pollution emissions: measurement of pollution emitted by the vehicle to limit the environmental impact.
• The structure of the vehicle: control to detect possible shocks or deformations that influence safety.

As a rule, the duration of the validity of technical control is 2 years for private vehicles. However, for vehicles over the age of 10, this duration is reduced to 1 year.

Cars sold without technical control

Despite the legal obligation, some used cars are on sale without having exceeded a recent technical control. Several reasons can explain this situation:

• High costs: passing a car to technical control can cause significant costs, especially if car repairs are needed for compliance. Some owners prefer to avoid these costs by selling the vehicle as it is.
• Mechanical problems: unscrupulous owners can try to sell their vehicle without technical control if they know that it would not go because of important mechanical problems. They try to get rid of the vehicle without having to carry out the necessary repairs.
• Black market: in some cases, stolen cars or illegal activities are sold without technical control to avoid attracting the attention of the authorities.

Risks related to the purchase of a car without technical control

The purchase of a used car without technical control has significant risks for the buyer. In fact, without technical control, it is difficult to ensure that the vehicle is safe and compliant with the standards in force. Among the potential risks, we find the safety of compromise: a car that has not been controlled can present mechanical or safety problems that go unnoticed. This can endanger the life of the driver, passengers and other road users. The purchase of a car without technical control can also be synonymous with unexpected costs: if the car requires significant repairs to overcome technical control, the buyer will have to take these additional costs. Finally, the motorist who buys a car without technical control is a potential fine: driving a vehicle without a valid technical control can lead to a fine in case of road control.

In conclusion, technical control is a crucial aspect to ensure safety on French roads. Despite his legal obligation, some second -hand cars are sold without having suffered this check, exposing buyers to potential risks for their safety and their wallet. It is therefore essential to ensure that the vehicle has exceeded a recent technical control before finalizing the purchase of a used car, in order to run safely and in accordance with the law.