A roadworthiness inspection is required of most vehicles older than four years, and then annually after six years. Here's how to proceed, and prepare.
The annual technical inspection can provoke cries of horror. The check, known asContrôle Technique (CT), even left one grown man in a state of emotional ruin (according to the Wurst, at least).
They needn't lead to turmoil, though, so long as you have the right documents with you and do a little vehicle prep before you go.
How and when to book a test
You'll receive a letter from the National Vehicle Testing Centre (SNCT) around eight weeks before your vehicle is due for inspection.
If you don't get one, don't fret. It may be because your vehicle isn't eligible because it's too new or it's low-powered, such as a moped (full list of exceptionshere). However, in this case it will still need a valid registration sticker. You also don't need the letter in order to book an appointment. In case you're unsure if and when you'll need to go, check your certificate in the car.
You may also require an inspection under specific circ*mstances, including: significant modifications to your vehicle; following a major accident; importing a vehicle from overseas (especially outside the EEA and Switzerland); and, if you're requested to do so by police following a vehicle check. Sometimes something as basic as new tyres and rims also need to be included on your registration cards. It's better to be safe than sorry.
SNCT's main inspection sites are:
- Sandweiler:open Monday-Friday 7am to 4.30pm, closed on weekends
- Esch-sur-Alzette:open Monday-Friday 7am to 9pm, Saturday 7am to 1pm, closed on Sundays
- Marnach:open Monday-Friday 7.30am to 4.30pm, closed on weekends
- Livange:open Monday-Friday 7am to 4pm, Saturday 7am to 1pm, closed on Sundays
You can make appointments easily online via the SNCT website.
You can also book an appointment with DEKRA inBertrange, LU KS inLorentzweilerorGasperich, or any from a list of approved garages.Remember that there may be differences in price between these options.
Since the Covid pandemic, SNCT have also provided ahome control system for those concerned about limiting travel. It's open to everyone and costs€88.00 including vehicle transport and insurance. Book it by calling26 15 62 333 or emailinghomect@snct.lu.
How much does it cost?
Cars, pickup trucks and small vans cost €67.50, with a small discount for electric vehicles. Motorbikes cost €44, while re-tests are either€27 or€ 33 depending on whether a second pit inspection is needed.
You can find a more detailed price list here.
How do I prepare?
Before the test, check that your windscreen wash fluid is full and wipers are resting in the right position. Check that all of your lights are in full working order, including fog lights and indicators. Check that the vehicle contains a yellow vest, spare tyre and reflective breakdown ('emergency') triangle. It's also worth checking the pressure of your tyres at the petrol station and ensuring that all the windows are clean and free from obstruction. A full list of what they inspect is here.
Your vehicle must be covered by insurance. You'll also need to bring the following documents:
- grey registration card
- previous technical inspection certificate (unless this is your first CT)
- European conformity certificate for vehicles registered after 1 January 1988
- proof of valid insurance (green card)
- currently valid tax disc.
My vehicle failed CT! What now?
In the event that your vehicle fails the test, you'll be given a temporary inspection certificate valid for four weeks. At the end of this period you'll get a second chance at inspection, so use the period to fix any faults identified during the test.
The re-test will only look at faults previously identified, so as long as you remedy those, you don't need to worry too much about passing second time round.
During the temporary certificate period, you are only allowed to use the vehicle to travel between the inspection centre, garage, and your place of residence.
If your vehicle is in a state of disrepair, it may be more economical to get it deregistered and destroyed than paying to fix all the faults.
LALUX Car Guide Series
Explore other topics from ourCar Guide series, sponsored by LALUX,dedicated to ensuring your road safetyin Luxembourg:
- What to do after a traffic accident?
- Importing a car from the EU or a third country
- Make life a little easier — Parking in Luxembourg City
- Exchanging a foreign driving licence in Luxembourg
- Buying a new or used car in Luxembourg
FAQs
Test centres are free to set their own rates but you are likely to pay around €70, sometimes less if you book via specialised websites. Note that if you need a follow-up visit (contre-visite) this may be included in the price or at an additional fee. The test can be carried out on appointment or on spec.
How much is a control technique in France? ›
Test centres are free to set their own rates but you are likely to pay around €70, sometimes less if you book via specialised websites. Note that if you need a follow-up visit (contre-visite) this may be included in the price or at an additional fee. The test can be carried out on appointment or on spec.
How much does a mot cost in France? ›
What is the price of an MOT for a car in France? In average, the cost of a French MOT is around €70. The price of the technical inspection can range from €40 to €90. Prices vary per department.
Do motorbikes need a CT in France? ›
From April 15th 2024, contrôle techniques, France's roadworthiness test for vehicles, is now required for all motorbikes and scooters.
How to register a car in Luxembourg? ›
Here is the list of documents you need to prepare in order to submit your file to the SNCA:
- The completed and signed application form for a vehicle registration certificate;
- A copy of your identity card ;
- Invoice for your vehicle ;
- Certificate of insurance issued by an insurer licensed in Luxembourg;
MOT Certificate - If the vehicle is more than 4 years old, the new owner must also be provided with a current MOT certificate (Contrôle Technique - CT), which must have a validity of at least eighteen months. A vehicle cannot be sold without a valid CT, unless to a dealer. It must otherwise be scrapped.
Does France have free condoms? ›
France offers free condoms to young people and free emergency contraception to all women. The health measure came in on 1st January.
Is it expensive to own a car in France? ›
In France, the average total cost of driving a petrol car was the highest for the mid-size premium segment compared to battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and diesel cars in 2022. While the average cost of owning a petrol car was 1,447 euros, these costs dropped to around 1,250 euros for diesel vehicles.
Is car insurance expensive in France? ›
Car insurance prices have risen considerably in France over the past year, a new report has found, with the average amount for a fully-comprehensive plan now at more than €1,000 per year.
Why are second-hand cars so expensive in France? ›
There are fewer scrap yards in France, with those that remain facing rules concerning the need for special tanks for oil, diesel and petrol, storage areas for batteries, and heavy environmental taxes. Second-hand parts such as alternators are correspondingly more expensive.
Most European countries recognise a separate category light motorcycle with 125cc engines and a minimum age of 16. However, in Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Greece this minimum age is 18. Italy, France, Belgium, Germany and Austria allow the use of a 125cc motorcycle with only a car licence.
Do you have to wear gloves on a motorcycle in France? ›
Mandatory helmet and gloves
Note: Bikers and passengers are obliged to wear CE-approved gloves. 2. Reflective stickers (4 in total) are applied to all sides of the helmet (these stickers are a statutory requirement solely in France)." Without these reflective stickers, the helmet is not approved for use in France.
Can an American ride a motorcycle in Europe? ›
An international driving permit (IDP) is your best bet for a smooth ride in Europe. IDPs are internationally recognized by 174 countries, and it's not difficult to get one. Just go to a AAA office, present your motorcycle license, fill out the application and pay a fee. It's that easy and now you're ready to ride!
Can I register a car in Portugal? ›
To legalize a vehicle purchased abroad in Portugal, you must request a registration. Registrations may be assigned to new, used vehicles or those acquired at public auction. The vehicles include cars, mopeds and motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles, trucks, trailers, agricultural tractors, and industrial machinery.
Can you register a car in Canada? ›
Vehicle registration is the process of registering your car in the province you live in. And it's also a way to connect your car to you (the owner). Keep in mind that vehicle registration is mandatory in all provinces; however, the time you have to register your vehicle will vary by province.
How much is car insurance in Luxembourg? ›
For example, for a mid-range car less than five years old, you can expect to pay around €500 per year for third-party insurance, €750 for extended and €1,500 for comprehensive. This is based on you having a reasonable claims profile and insuring the car for personal use.
How much do drugs cost in France? ›
This graph shows the average price of different illicit substances in France in 2020, according to the type of drug. We can see that that year, the average price for a gram of heroin was 33 euros. Cocain was the most expensive drug, at 66 euros per gram. Cannabis resin was the cheapest drug in France in 2020.
What type of government controls France? ›
The politics of France take place with the framework of a semi-presidential system determined by the French Constitution of the French Fifth Republic. The nation declares itself to be an "indivisible, secular, democratic, and social Republic".
What is a control technique? ›
A control technique is a piece of equipment or methodology used to abate or reduce pollutants in an emission stream. Control Techniques typically target one or more specific pollutants. Typical pollutant reductions can vary depending on the operating conditions of the control technique.
Is France a free market or command? ›
The government system is a republic; the chief of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister. France has a mixed economic system which includes a variety of private freedom, combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation.
