Is Lift Kits Over 6 Inches Legal in France After the 2026 Law Changes?

No. Lift kits exceeding 6 inches in France violate Arrêté du 19 juillet 2023 on vehicle modifications, enforced by the Ministère de l’Intérieur. Compliance requires RTI certification, and non-compliant vehicles face roadworthiness tests or impoundment. Post-2026, EU-wide Euro 7 standards may tighten enforcement further.


Key Regulations for Lift Kits Over 6 Inches in France

  • Type Approval Mandate: Lift kits must hold RTI (Réception à Titre Isolé) certification from UTAC or LNE, proving compliance with Directive 2007/46/CE and French road safety standards. Uncertified kits are illegal, regardless of height.
  • Height Restrictions: Maximum suspension lift is 50mm (≈2 inches) for passenger vehicles under Arrêté du 19 juillet 2023, with exceptions for off-road models (e.g., 4x4 utilitaires) requiring DRIRE pre-approval.
  • Lighting & Geometry: Lifted vehicles must maintain original headlight alignment and bumper height within ±10% of manufacturer specs. Non-compliance triggers contrôle technique failures, mandating corrective modifications.