Did you know that more than 20% of vehicles submitted for the roadworthiness test subsequently have to undergo a re-test? This figure can even rise to 30% if your vehicle is more than 10 years old!
This proportion, which is somewhat higher than in 2018, can be explained in particular by the increase in the number of checkpoints and faults as well as by the introduction of a third category of faults: critical faults.
Which faults call for a re-test?
Since the 2018 reform, there are now 652 faults, of which 488 (or 75%) may require a re-test.
As a result, in 2019, 95% of vehicles required to undergo a re-test had major faults and only 5% had critical faults.
If your vehicle has one or more major or critical faults, it will fail its roadworthiness test.
What is a major fault?
A major fault is a fault of sufficient severity and concern as to jeopardize the safety of your vehicle and its passengers or have a negative impact on the environment.
If during your vehicle’s roadworthiness test, the tester finds one or more major faults, they will indicate the letter S on your report. You will then have 2 months to complete the repairs and undergo your re-test.
There are now no fewer than 359 major faults, including:
- Excessive brake pad wear
- A power-assisted steering system that does not work
- Steering column not properly secured
- Defective air suspension system
- Licence plates missing or damaged
- Poor visibility due to cracked or malfunctioning windscreen wipers
- A problem with the car’s lights
- Deteriorated equipment (seat belt not working)
- Deteriorated mechanical parts (fuel system leakage)
- ….
What is a critical fault?
A critical fault, as its name implies, is a particularly serious fault that represents an immediate hazard for your vehicle, its passengers and yourself, as well as a serious environmental hazard. If the tester detects one or more critical faults (noted R on your report) you will then have to carry out the repairs on the same day as the vehicle’s roadworthiness test and submit it for re-testing if you want to continue using it. If not, your vehicle will not be allowed to be driven after midnight on the day of the test.
There are now 129 critical faults, including :
- No brake fluid
- A broken brake disc
- A broken brake disc
- Windscreen or part thereof missing
- Brake lights not working
- Sparking from electrical wiring
- Road wheels not properly secured
- Smoke or exhaust gases entering into vehicle’s passenger compartment
- Car floor missing
- Driver’s seat not properly attached
- Inability to engage a gear
- A seat belt anchor detached…
What are the main reasons for re-testing?
Top 5 reasons for re-testing in 2019:
- Road adherence (axles, wheels, tyres and suspension): 11%
- Road lights and indicator lights (lights, reflectors and electrical equipment): 10.5%
- Pollution: 7.6%
- Braking equipment: 6.14%
- Chassis and chassis accessories: 4.76%
Top 5 major faults for passenger vehicles in 2019:
- Dipped-beam headlight beam outside the prescribed limits: 5.59%
- Smoke opacity exceeding the reception value or instability in smoke opacity measurements, from 1 July 2019: 3.28%
- Severely damaged, slashed or improperly mounted tyre: 2.91%
- Smoke opacity exceeding regulatory limits or instability in smoke opacity measurements: 2.53%
- Tyre tread wear depth indicator reached: 2.45%
Top 5 critical faults for passenger vehicles in 2019:
- Tyre cord visible or damaged: 0.22%
- Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the limit value: 0.13%
- Brake lights not working: 0.09%
- Brake lining or pads excessively worn: 0.07%
- Non-compliance with tyre tread depth requirements: 0.06%
