New checks are carried out during the technical inspection according to the latest version of the examination in force since May 20, 2023. A new system is now closely scrutinized and can lead to a costly counter-visit…
Who doesn’t feel a little bit of stress when letting their car pass the MOT? Even when you regularly maintain your vehicle, the fear of a retiming is very real. It must be said that the number of mandatory points to be validated during a technical inspection is enough to make you dizzy – it has increased to 136 since May 20, 2023 – and that the verification of all these parts can lead to more than… 600 defaults.
Since Saturday May 20, 2023, a new verification has been added to the technical control examination which, it should be remembered, must be carried out in an approved center (there are nearly 5,000 in France). Imposed on all new cars sold in Europe since 2018, the automatic emergency call function is now on the list of mandatory checkpoints for vehicles equipped with this technology.
It is used to automatically establish voice communication between passengers and the emergency services, but also to send the GPS coordinates of the vehicle in the event of a serious accident, detected by the sensors integrated into the car. This function called “eCall” can also be triggered manually using the “SOS” button generally located on the dashboard of the vehicle. Its system is potentially subject to 13 failures according to the SGS group, owner of the Sécuritest and Auto Sécurit technical control centers.
Rest assured, only two defects have been retained as ”major failure”: in the event of the total absence of the eCall system or one of its components and when the malfunction indicator indicates a failure of the system. In both cases, the vehicle will be subject to a counter-visit, with the obligation to have the defective part(s) repaired within 2 months.
As a reminder, the lack of a technical inspection (valid for 2 years) or a favorable counter-visit constitutes a violation of the highway code punishable by a fine of 135 euros and can lead to the immobilization of your vehicle. You can check whether your car is equipped with the “E Call” system in the vehicle manual or by asking your mechanic for advice.
