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Does the law allow you to drive with a damaged bodywork?
You can drive without problems with a damaged body, but...
It is true that you will not be automatically stopped or fined if your bodywork is damaged. For minor cases, such as a door scratch or a slightly inserted bumper, don’t worry: you will not risk anything in the eyes of the law. On the other hand, it is possible that you will encounter some difficulties in taking your next technical inspection.
For other cases, you can be sanctioned.
Cars in the city: a body in good condition = protected pedestrians!
Le principe est simple : aucun risque de sanction pour votre carrosserie si elle est abîmée et qu’elle ne met pas en danger la vie d’autrui.
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If your bumper drags, it can risk getting unstuck and hitting either a pedestrian or a motorist who will be hindered in their driving. Very often, the police or the gendarmerie remain lenient for the first time: they will warn you and ask you to quickly repair your car.
On the other hand, if you decide not to repair your damaged bodywork, and it comes to endanger the life of others, you risk certain sanctions. The article of the Penal Code provides for one year’s imprisonment and a 15,000 euro fine for any endangerment of others. For drivers, seven ancillary penalties may be given, of which:
• The cancellation of your driver’s license
• The suspension of your driver’s license for a maximum of 5 years
It would be a shame to risk such sanctions because of deteriorated bodywork, right?
Cars in the city: a body in good condition = protected pedestrians!
If your door, or any other body part, has rust, do not stand idly by. In the first place, we will quickly think that it is simply aesthetic, and that it will not have repercussions on the proper functioning of our vehicle. And yet... Rust on a car is not at all to be taken lightly.
Rust, it’s the bête noire of cars! It can risk gnawing at your bodywork, and spreading to other essential parts of your vehicle, such as the chassis. If you wait too long, you will be less well protected. and during an accident, because your body or any other metal part will break more easily because it is more fragile.
A trace of rust on your car?
Go to your mechanic for a check-up. You might not take the next roadworthiness test, or be fined by law enforcement! If rust is detected in time, there are several solutions to stop the spread.
Take care of the other parts of your car
If your vehicle has suffered a blow that has pushed, displaced, bent or dented a body element, we advise you to check the surrounding parts. Many tutorials exist to remove dents from your front bumper for example, but it is very recommended to look under your car to check that no part has been damaged by the blow.
Your insurance will not forgive you
To use this example again, if it turns out that the crosspiece has been touched as a result of the penetration of your bumper, this constitutes a repair to be carried out quickly. Unfortunately, if you do not repair, and do not specify this to your insurance, severe consequences may ensue. In a future accident, you could be held liable if the unrepaired part has any relation to the damage suffered. Result, penalties and possible cancellation of your insurance. Be careful not to play with fire with a damaged body!
Damaged bodywork: think of used car parts
Changing your damaged bodywork is undoubtedly the wisest solution. To avoid risking anything, remember to quickly repair your damaged bodywork. We advise you to change the auto part directly if you have the slightest doubt and it is confirmed by a mechanic. If the invoice is expensive, consider turning to the used car part. It’s cheaper (up to -75% compared to the new one!), more ecological and of similar quality to the new one.
Simply order your used part, then find a mechanic who agrees to replace the part.
Door, hood, bumper... All these parts available at Back2car
Don’t ruin yourself for a damaged body part. With more than 350,000 references of recycled auto parts, you will undoubtedly find your happiness! Door, hood, bumper, wing, reinforcement and many other auto parts are available on our site and will ensure a drastic reduction in your repair costs. If you still doubt the quality of our products, go discover our industrial process!
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