Major Changes for Drivers in 2026
The start of 2026 will bring a significant shift in automotive regulations, introducing new financial incentives, stricter penalties, and updated vehicle testing protocols. These changes are designed to accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation but will also increase costs for owners of more polluting vehicles.
Revised Eco-Bonus: Focus on Affordability and Local Production
The ecological bonus system for new electric vehicles is set for an overhaul. The key change involves stricter eligibility criteria based on a vehicle’s environmental footprint, including its manufacturing emissions and the origin of its components. This adjustment aims to favor more affordable models and those with a lower overall carbon footprint, potentially reshaping the market for new EV purchases.
Strengthened Malus Penalty for High Polluters
Parallel to the bonus revision, the malus penalty on new car registrations will become more severe. The tax scale will be extended to target a broader range of high-emission vehicles, including many powerful hybrids and SUVs. The maximum penalty threshold is expected to lower, meaning more vehicles will be subject to higher one-time taxes, significantly increasing the upfront cost of purchasing a polluting model.
New Technical Control Criteria
The mandatory vehicle roadworthiness test will also see important updates. New inspection points are likely to be introduced, with a greater focus on emissions system checks for all engine types, including more rigorous testing of particulate filters on diesel vehicles. This evolution aims to ensure older vehicles in circulation comply with stricter environmental and safety standards.
These combined measures represent a concerted push to modernize the national fleet. While promoting cleaner technologies, they will inevitably impact household budgets, making the total cost of ownership a more critical factor than ever for prospective car buyers.