Driving a Motorhome in France
Rules, regulations and practical tips to be aware of when driving in France.
Société Civile Stamp
For non-residents, you are expected to provide an official document stamp. It is a good idea to have one made in your home country before arriving in France. You simply include your société civile name, SIRET number and address once complete.
Documents to Carry in the Vehicle
Insurance certificate
Most agents are now digital but best to keep a copy of the "carte verte" certificate with you if issued.
Contrôle technique
Valid inspection test document (after year 4 from new) and square cutout displayed in the windscreen.
Carte grise
Original registration document. By law you can drive for one month under a provisional carte grise until your new one arrives.
ID
Valid driving licence plus international driving permit equivalent (unless EU) and passport.
KBIS
Your certificate of formation for your société civile if applicable.
Mandatory Vehicle Items
Reflective jackets
One for each occupant, kept inside the vehicle within easy reach.
Warning triangle
Compulsory in every vehicle with four wheels or more.
Breathalyser / alcohol test
The law states drivers must have an alcotest ready for use, although no penalty is currently imposed if you cannot present one.
Spare bulbs
Recommended but not mandatory that you carry a spare bulb kit.
Snow chains
May be needed in some areas during winter. These areas are indicated by signs and are compulsory.
Insurance
Driving outside France
Different insurers have different rules and durations. Allianz offers the longest with 6 months consecutively outside France and 90 days breakdown cover. AXA is 3 months for each. If you intend to go on extended European trips, check the details with your insurer.
Forward your carte grise
Once the carte grise has been updated with you as the title owner, send a scan to your insurer so they can validate your policy and full year’s cover.
Breakdown Assistance
Allianz: +33 1 40 25 58 86 (hold to speak to a person)
AXA: +33 1 55 92 26 92
Speeding Fines
The odd speeding ticket is inevitable when touring France. When using a société civile, you will be asked to specify the driver of the vehicle (as instructed on the notice), otherwise you could pay a much higher charge later.
Accident Report Form
There is an accident form to print off and keep in your vehicle. It is completed and signed by both parties as a record of what occurred. An app is also available from Google Play and Apple Store.
Crit’Air Stickers
Some cities of France have been designated ‘low emission zones’. Diesel vehicles made before 2006 are not allowed in these areas at all. Other vehicles should display the appropriate certificate (around 10 €).
The main cities where this currently applies are: Paris, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, Toulouse and Poitiers.
Refilling Gas Bottles
If you travel outside France, you won’t be able to exchange your French bottle for a local one as the connection types are different. Solutions include having a refillable tank installed (commonly Gaslow or Campko) plus adaptor set (around 1,200 €), or using the Park4Night app to locate refill points.
Toll Roads
If you are covering large distances and are happy to pay for a quieter journey, you can use the French toll roads. You can pay by cash, card and automatic payment subscriptions.
Can Friends and Family Drive My Motorhome?
Any driver is allowed to drive the motorhome if they hold their driving licence for more than 3 years. However, there can be an additional excess of 750 € in case of an at-fault accident, depending on the policy.
There are too many rules and regulations to detail in their totality here — ensure you conduct your own independent research to remain compliant on your trip.