Can a garage legally deactivate Adblue on diesel vehicles ?

© Robin Sabbadini for Lemon Squeezer

Diesel vehicle owners are increasingly faced with breakdowns related to the AdBlue system. This technology, mandatory on recent diesel vehicles, aims to reduce pollutant emissions by transforming nitrogen oxides into water vapor and harmless nitrogen. Unfortunately, its operation is problematic, pushing some motorists towards alternative solutions, not always legal.

A practice strictly prohibited by law

Deactivating AdBlue constitutes an offence under the Highway Code. Article L318-3 is very clear: any removal or damage to an anti-pollution device is punishable by a fine of up to 7,500 euros. This sanction applies to both the owner of the vehicle and the professional who carried out the intervention. Garages offering this service are therefore exposed to legal proceedings.

French law considers this manipulation as a direct attack on the environment and public health. Indeed, the AdBlue system plays a crucial role in reducing pollutant emissions from diesel vehicles. Its deactivation leads to a significant increase in toxic emissions into the atmosphere, compromising collective efforts to combat air pollution.

Serious consequences for motorists

Beyond the fine, deactivating AdBlue leads to several complications for the vehicle owner. First, this modification constitutes a hidden defect when reselling. A buyer discovering this manipulation could legally cancel the sale and demand a full refund of the vehicle.

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Deactivation also impacts the value of the vehicle. Automotive professionals are now very vigilant on this point during transactions. A vehicle whose AdBlue system has been deactivated loses its value considerably on the second-hand market.

From January 2025, technical inspection centres will be equipped with new diagnostic tools capable of detecting these modifications. The vehicles concerned will be refused their technical inspection certificate, effectively making them unusable on public roads. Owners will then have to incur significant costs to bring their vehicle into compliance.

Legal alternatives exist

Faced with recurring AdBlue problems, legal solutions are developing. Car manufacturers, aware of the difficulties encountered by their customers, are starting to offer repair coverage programs. The Stellantis group, particularly affected by these malfunctions, has in particular set up special coverage for defective parts.

Motorists can also adopt preventive measures to limit the risk of breakdown. The use of anti-crystallizing agents, the choice of quality AdBlue and regular maintenance of the system can significantly reduce problems. Drivers have every interest in favoring these options rather than resorting to illegal deactivation.

Consumer associations are also mobilizing to defend the interests of motorists. Class actions in court aim to obtain better coverage of repairs by manufacturers. This pressure is starting to bear fruit, with the emergence of extended warranties and specific assistance programs.

• Disabling AdBlue is strictly prohibited and punishable by a fine of 7,500 euros
• This manipulation results in the loss of value of the vehicle and the impossibility of passing the technical inspection from 2025
• Legal solutions exist, in particular via manufacturers' support programs and the adoption of preventive measures

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