Vehicle Registration Document | ID + Driving Licence | Insurance | Other Requirements | |
EU Driver / Car | Required | Valid passport + full, valid (EU issued) driving licence | Proof of insurance required | - Country symbol on reg plate - Triangle & reflective jacket(s) - Crit'Air sticker (if applicable) |
Non-EU Driver / Car | Required | UK: full, valid photocard licence. Others may need IDP (Intl Driver Permit) | Proof of insurance required | - Country symbol on EU flag on reg (or country sticker) - Triangle & reflective jackets(s) - Crit'Air sticker (if applicable) |
Drivers in France need to meet the following requirements:
1. Vehicle Registration Document: you need to be able to provide proof of ownership of the vehicle, usually with the vehicle registration documents such as the "log book" or the V5C certificate.
2. ID / Driving Licence: The minimum age for driving in France is 18. In addition to having a valid passport, the driving licence requirements for driving in France are:
- EU Driver: a full, valid EU issued driving licence.
- UK Driver: a full, valid UK issued photocard driving licence. You may need an International Driver Permit (IDP) if you have either a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
- Non-EU Driver: drivers with a non-EU issued licence may need an International Driver Permit (IDP).
Check on the French government website here if your country issued licence is accepted for driving in France.
3. Insurance: You need to be able to provide proof of insurance with your insurance certificate (including for any unit being towed, such as a trailer or caravan), with a minimum of third party cover being a legal requirement. You do not need a green card for driving in France.
4. Other Requirements: There are a number of other requirements, with the following mandatory, when driving in France:
- Country identifier: Vehicles with their country national identifier letters in the EU flag on the registration plate do not need a country sticker. For vehicles registered in the UK, the letters "UK" must be displayed when driving in France, with GB stickers no longer be valid.
- Triangle & Reflective Jacket: You need a warning triangle and reflective jacket (which should be easily accessible in your vehicle) for use in a breakdown. Without these you risk being fined around €90.
- Crit'Air sticker: if driving in some cities including Paris, Lyon or Grenoble you will need a Crit'Air sticker purchased in advance online, or risk a fine of up to €135. Full details available here.
- Safety Helmets: mandatory for motorcyclists and their passengers.
- Snow chains: mandatory in some areas (indicated by signs) during winter.
There are a number of other items which are advisable including a spare bulb kit for your vehicle and a breathalyser kit (no longer legally required). Full details of the legal requirements for your vehicle when driving in France can be found on the French government website.