Motorists in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region will soon have to face a significant increase in the cost of their registration card. This decision, taken by regional authorities, will have significant repercussions on the budget of vehicle owners. Let us analyze in detail this increase and its consequences for the inhabitants of the region.
An increase of 13.2% in the price of the tax horse
The PACA Region, under the presidency of Renaud Muselier (Renaissance), validated on October 25, 2024 a 13.2% increase in the price of registration certificates. Concretely, the price of the tax horse will increase from €51.20 to €59 from January 1, 2025. This substantial increase will have a direct impact on the total cost of the registration document for vehicle owners.
To better understand the extent of this increase, let's take the example of a vehicle with 5 tax horsepower, such as a Citroën C3 or a Fiat 500:
- Current price of the registration document: €256
- New price from 2025: €295
- Augmentation : 39€
It is essential to note that to this amount will be added a fixed tax of 11€bringing the total cost to €306 for this type of vehicle. This increase is part of a broader context of price changes for registration cards in 2025 across different French regions.
Justifications and context of this decision
Jean-Pierre Colin, vice-president (DVD) of finance for the PACA Region, provided several explanations to justify this increase:
- Price stagnation : The unit price has not been modified since 2011.
- Interregional comparison : Even at €51.20, the tax horse in PACA was already above the national average (€47).
- Alignment with other regions : Six regions now apply a rate equal to or higher than €51.
- Investment financing : The additional funds will be allocated to rail transport and the ecological transition.
This increase is also part of a broader budgetary context. The PACA Region must contribute 120 million euros to the national effort to restore public accounts, requested by the Barnier government. The increase in the price of registration cards should generate additional tax revenue of 20 million euros.
Impact on motorists and possible alternatives
This increase in the price of the registration document in the PACA region will have a significant impact on the budget of motorists, in particular for those who plan to buy a new vehicle. Here is a comparative table showing the evolution of the cost for different tax powers:
| Fiscal power | Current price | Prix 2025 | Augmentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 CV | 204,80€ | 236€ | 31,20€ |
| 5 CV | 256€ | 295€ | 39€ |
| 7 CV | 358,40€ | 413€ | 54,60€ |
Faced with this increase, motorists could consider several options:
- Anticipate the purchase of a new vehicle before the end of 2024
- Opt for vehicles with low tax power
- Consider purchasing used vehicles already registered in PACA
- Explore the mobility alternatives like public transportation or carpooling
It is also important to note that some motorists may have to renew their registration document in 2024, regardless of this price increase. It is therefore crucial to stay informed of ongoing regulatory changes.
Perspectives and reactions
This decision by the PACA Region provokes mixed reactions. While some understand the need to finance investments in transport and the ecological transition, others are concerned about the impact on household purchasing power.
Motoring associations and car dealers will closely monitor developments. It will be interesting to observe whether this increase will have an impact on new vehicle sales in the region, or whether it will encourage changes in mobility behavior.
Ultimately, this increase in the price of the registration card in PACA is part of a national trend of increasing costs linked to the automobile. Motorists will have to adapt to this new reality, while hoping that the promised investments in transport and ecology will bring tangible long-term benefits for the region and its inhabitants.
