The government wants to recover money everywhere for the years to come. And particularly in the pockets of motorists. In addition to increasing the ecological penalty, it is planned to implement a retroactive ecological penalty. Clearly, new cars which were not subject to the penalty will be if they are sold used.
Increase in the ecological penalty, reduction in aid for the purchase of an electric car and now a retroactive ecological penalty for used cars. Motorists are not celebrating at the end of 2024. We explain to you the contours of a measure which may not be unanimous.
What is the retroactive ecological penalty?
The idea is quite simple. So far the ecological penalty only concerns new cars. At the time of registration, the owner pays this penalty if your car emits a certain number of grams of CO2 per kilometer. The rule is simple and the scale, evolving, has been known to everyone for a long time. The penalty is only applicable once, at the time of registration. Afterwards, the owner is at peace. The 2025 finance bill mentions in article 9 a retroactive ecological penalty:
“A retroactive penalty will apply to the registration of any vehicle that was not subject to a penalty on first registration.”
Clearly, if you purchased a new vehicle which was not subject to the penalty at the time of acquisition, this may have changed since then. Especially if you've had it for a few years. If you decide to resell it on the second-hand market, the buyer will have to pay this penalty.
When will it come into force?
The date brought forward at this stage for this retroactive ecological penalty is set for 2026. Depending on the opposition that will be heard or not, the date may possibly change. Not sure the idea will disappear yet. Still at this stage, it is explained that all the modalities will be known after the budget vote at the end of December.
A retroactive penalty each time the car is resold?
No. Although many questions remain, it is certain that this retroactive ecological penalty will only be applied to the first second-hand resale of the vehicle. Not every time it changes hands. And it is the new owner who will have to pay for it.
On the basis of what scale should this retroactive ecological penalty be applied?
Difficult to say as it stands. Logic would dictate that the scale that applies is based on that of the ecological penalty.. But this will considerably slow down the used car market. Because the surplus for the new owner could dissuade him from making the purchase.
