Whether you're relocating to France long-term or planning an extended stay, one big question is: Should I bring my car, and if so, what does it take to legally drive it in France? The answer depends on a few key factors—your nationality, how long you’re staying, and whether your driver’s license is valid under French law.
From registration and taxes to road etiquette and insurance, this guide explains everything you need to know about driving in France and importing your car.
Driving in France as an Expat: What You Need to Know
France has one of Europe’s most extensive and well-maintained road networks. Highways (autoroutes) are usually toll-based, while regional roads connect even the most remote corners of the country. Driving is generally safe and straightforward—but it comes with a set of local rules and administrative steps that are important to understand.
Who Can Drive in France?
If you’re moving to France or staying for more than 90 days, you'll eventually need a French driving license, depending on your nationality and the length of your stay.
- EU/EEA License Holders: If you hold a valid EU or EEA driving license, you're in luck—you can legally drive in France without having to exchange your license. However, if your license is about to expire, you’ll need to exchange it for a French one.
- Non-EU License Holders: If you're from outside the EU (including post-Brexit UK), the situation is different. Your license is typically valid for up to one year after establishing residency in France. After that, you must exchange your license—if your country has a reciprocal agreement—or take the French driving test.
Importing Your Car to France: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve decided to bring your car with you to France, be prepared for some paperwork and patience. Importing a vehicle involves several administrative steps to ensure it meets French and EU standards.
Step 1: Customs Clearance (Tax Quitus or 846A)
The first step depends on where your vehicle is coming from:
- EU Import: Obtain a Tax Quitus from your local tax office (centre des impôts). This proves VAT has been paid within the EU.
- Non-EU Import: You'll need the 846A certificate from French customs (douane), confirming VAT and customs duties have been paid.
Step 2: Certificate of Conformity (COC)
You must prove that your car meets European technical standards. This usually means obtaining a Certificate of Conformity (COC) from the car’s manufacturer.
- If your car was made for the European market, the COC should be readily available.
- If not, you may need to apply for an Isolated Approval (RTI) through the DREAL (Direction Régionale de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement).
Step 3: Contrôle Technique (Vehicle Inspection)
If your car is over four years old, it needs to pass a French contrôle technique, equivalent to a roadworthiness test (like an MOT or inspection). This must be done before registration.
Step 4: Apply for Carte Grise (Registration Document)
Once all the documents are ready, apply for the Carte Grise (official French registration) via the ANTS website (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés). Required documents include:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residence in France
- Tax Quitus or 846A
- COC or DREAL approval
- Contrôle technique (if applicable)
- Previous registration documents
- Purchase invoice or proof of ownership
- Proof of valid insurance in France
Once approved, you'll receive your immatriculation (license plate number) and your carte grise. You can now legally drive your car in France.
Temporary Plates (WW Registration)
Need to drive your vehicle while you wait for full registration? Apply for WW plates—temporary registration valid for up to 4 months. This allows you to insure the vehicle and use it legally while your paperwork is processed.
Getting Car Insurance in France
Car insurance is mandatory in France—even if your vehicle isn’t being driven. The minimum required coverage is third-party liability insurance (assurance au tiers), which covers damages to others.
Types of Car Insurance in France
- Third-Party Liability (Assurance au Tiers) – Minimum legal requirement.
- Third-Party, Fire & Theft – Adds theft, fire, and certain damages.
- Comprehensive (Tous Risques) – Covers at-fault accidents, vandalism, natural disasters, and more.
✅ Finding the right car insurance for expats in France can be overwhelming, but Fab French Insurance makes it effortless. If you need a French car insurance, get started here to get a quote.
Driving License Exchange: Country-Specific Rules
Not all licenses are created equal in the eyes of French law. If you’re from a country with a reciprocal agreement (like Australia, Canada, or the UK), you can exchange your license without taking a test.
But if you’re from the U.S., India, or Brazil, and your license is not issued by an eligible state or authority, you may need to retake the French driving test. This includes a theory test (code de la route) and a practical road test.
French Road Rules: What Expats Need to Know
Once you’re legal to drive, it’s time to understand how things work on the road. Driving etiquette in France may be more formal than you’re used to.
Key Rules and Tips
- Drive on the right-hand side.
- Speed Limits: 130 km/h (motorways), 80–90 km/h (country roads), 50 km/h (urban areas).
- Roundabouts: Vehicles in the roundabout have right of way (unless signs indicate otherwise).
- Priority to the Right: On smaller roads, incoming traffic from the right often has priority unless otherwise marked—this is a very French rule!
- Alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC (even lower for new drivers).
- Winter Equipment: In some regions, snow tires or chains are required from Nov 1 – March 31.
- Mobile phone use is strictly banned while driving unless you use a hands-free system.
Environmental Zones & Crit'Air Stickers
Many French cities have introduced low-emission zones (ZFE). To drive in these areas, your car needs a Crit'Air sticker, which classifies your vehicle by its emission level.
- Order your sticker from the official Crit’Air website.
- Fines can be issued if you drive in restricted zones without one.
Can I Buy a Car in France as a Foreigner?
Yes! If you're living in France—even temporarily—you can buy and register a car in your name.
You'll need:
- Proof of identity
- French address (utility bill or lease)
- Carte grise application
- Insurance
- Contrôle technique (for used cars)
Tip: Be wary of buying used cars without paperwork. Always check the service history and ownership documents carefully.
If you’re staying less than a year or unsure about importing, leasing a car long-term (leasing buyback) can be a good alternative. This is especially popular among non-EU residents looking for a car without the bureaucracy.
Important Deadlines to Keep in Mind
- One Year Rule: Non-EU license holders must exchange their license within 12 months of becoming a resident.
- Registration: Foreign vehicles must be registered within 30 days of your move to France.
- Insurance: You need valid French insurance the day your car is registered—or before if using WW plates.
To wrap it all up
Driving in France offers incredible freedom to explore wine country, historic towns, and scenic coastlines. But before hitting the autoroute, it’s important to ensure you’re fully legal—from your license to insurance to your car registration.
Whether you’re importing your car or buying locally, proper planning can save you time, fines, and headaches. Understanding French road rules, emissions laws, and driving etiquette will also make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Need help exchanging your license, buying or importing a vehicle? Book a 1:1 consultation with Alex from FAV Services—your go-to expert for driving in France. 👉 Book your consultation now