It is an almost unnoticed measure in the political chaos of the 2025 budget but will affect all motorists. As of March 1, a new more severe scale for ecological penalty enters into force, this tax collected during the first registration of certain vehicles, according to its CO2 emissions. Several changes are known.
First measure, which is directed to the most polluting vehicles: the decrease in the threshold from which penalty is triggered. It goes from 118 to 113 g of CO2/km. Specifically, this means that from this level of issuance, the owners will have to pay a fine of 50 euros. Amount that will gradually increase the gram per gram.
Another measure: The penalty roof is observed at 70,000 euros, against 60,000 euros before, for cars that emit more than 192 g of CO2/km. With a gradual increase of 10,000 euros per year to reach 90,000 euros in 2027. Because, yes, the Finance Law draft already anticipates the scales by 2026 and 2027, maintaining the same dynamic.
Popular models will not be saved
The exact surcharge obviously depends on the engine rather than the model. But that will refer to more vehicles in general. Today, more than half of the new vehicles (53%) in the market are affected by the penalty. With the new provisions, 66% of the vehicles will be affected as of March 1 and then 72% in 2026, to 77% in 2027.
In detail, the invoice will increase, even for popular models. For a 2008 Peugeot, the average penalty amount will decrease from 380 euros (in 2024) to 653 euros on March 1, 2025 (+72 %).
For a Renault Captur, the penalty will almost double this year (+98%), from 167 euros at 2024 to 330 euros in 2025, then 523 euros in 2026 and 851 euros in 2027
As we can see, year after year, vice is adjusting in the most polluting thermal vehicles.
Electric vehicles soon affected by penalty
And be careful, because in the long term, electric vehicles will also be affected. As of July 1, 2026, the weight penalty of the vehicle will harden. The tax threshold will be reduced from 1.6 to 1.5 tons and the tax will be 10 euros per additional kilo. And there, electric cars will no longer be exempt. A 600 kg reduction is still granted to compensate for the overweight of batteries.
A difficult blow to the electric market that is already in difficulty, and the car market in general.
Keep in mind that to calculate the amount of your fine, you can check the service-power site.
Source: BFM TV
