2026 CO2 penalty (malus) calculator
Estimate the environmental penalty (malus) due on a vehicle's registration under the 2026 French CO2 scale, weight penalty (malus) included.
The 2026 CO2 scale
The environmental penalty (malus) applies to WLTP-homologated emissions. Every gram above the trigger threshold adds a rising amount, up to the ceiling.
- Triggered from a low threshold set for 2026 (in the region of 106 to 108 g/km WLTP), tightened every year.
- Ceiling raised to €80,000 for the highest-emitting vehicles.
- Powerful combustion engines very often hit this ceiling.
The calculator applies the current official scale to give you the exact amount.
The weight penalty (malus)
A second penalty (malus) targets mass: the tax on kerb mass.
- It triggers above a weight threshold (1,500 kg in 2026) and follows a progressive, band-by-band scale.
- Fully electric vehicles are exempt.
- The combined CO2 penalty (malus) + weight penalty (malus) remains capped at the maximum CO2 penalty (malus) amount.
The case of SUVs and GTs
Heavy and powerful, sports SUVs and large combustion grand tourers often incur both penalties (malus). Hence the value of running a simulation before buying, and comparing with hybrid and electric powertrains, which are taxed far less.
From penalty to final cost
The penalty (malus) is just one line of the registration certificate. Add the regional tax (carte grise) via the registration cost calculator, or read the total already shown on every Luxydrive listing.
FAQ
A surcharge can apply to imported used vehicles, with a reduction based on the vehicle's age. The calculator takes this into account.
No: fully electric vehicles are exempt from both the CO2 penalty (malus) and the weight penalty (malus).