Motorcycling in France | Rules and Requirements for 2022 (2024)

FAQs

Motorcycling in France | Rules and Requirements for 2022? ›

On January 1, 2022, EU legislation stipulating that motorbikes and mopeds must become subject to the roadworthiness tests came into force. Contrôle technique rules had been announced by the French government in August, 2021, for a progressive imposition beginning in 2023.

Motorcycles are not subject to a test, although in May 2022 the supreme French court in France ruled that to comply with EU law they must be introduced by October 2022.

You cannot legally ride in France until you are 18 and hold a full Category A motorcycle licence. A lower speed limit also applies of 100kph on dual carriageways and 110kph on a motorway.

Almost all motorways and some bridges and tunnels in France are tolled. Toll gates are used to collect the toll, the amount is based on a vehicle category, and the distance travelled. Tolls are paid by drivers of motorcycles, cars, trucks and buses.

In France, motorcyclists and their passengers are required by law to wear safety helmets with reflective elements. Make sure to fit reflective stickers before travelling - one on the front, one at the back and one on each side - if your helmet is without reflectors.

Validity of MOT vehicle test in France

When the test is positive, it is valid for 2 years. Once a car go through a French MOT, 4 outcomes are possible: No remark: all is well. Minor defect(s): the MOT is valid, it is advised to fix those defects, but not it's not mandatory.

The contrôle technique basics - a reminder

After that, a CT must be done every two years. No reminders are automatically sent, other than from a test centre wanting to keep loyal customers, so you'll need to keep on top of this yourself. If in doubt, check the disk on your windscreen.

A DVLA spokesman said that where an MOT has run out the owner is allowed to arrange an MOT test and drive to the centre for the test and then from the test centre to their registered UK home. He confirmed this would include driving it from France to a pre-arranged test in the UK.

What do I need to ride in France? ›

Q: I'm 18 riding a 125cc motorcycle on a CBT (Learner) can I ride in Europe e.g. France, Germany, Holland, Spain etc. A: No. The CBT only entitles you to learn ride a motorcycle only in the country where the CBT course was taken. To ride a motorcycle in Europe you will need to have taken a full test.

French legislation states that a motorcycle helmet must have front, rear and side reflective stickers.

Italy, France, Belgium, Germany and Austria allow the use of a 125cc motorcycle with only a car licence. The Netherlands have no 125cc category. In most countries motorcyclists start with motorcycles with restricted engine power and access an unlimited motorcycle at a later age.

The licence B French driving permit allows you to drive a vehicle with a maximum weight of 3,5 tons, which seats no more than nine people. This includes standard passenger cars, people carriers and minibuses.

Riding Etiquette

It is not uncommon that cars move to the right to allow motorcyclist to filter through traffic. Filtering between lanes is legal in France.

Certain roads explicitly allowed the practice of lane splitting during the five-year length of the study. However, as of February 1, 2021, it is now officially banned everywhere in France. Violators face the prospect of €135 (approximately $164) fines, as well as three points on their licenses.

Well, news has come out of Paris, France where there's a serious push to get all internal combustion engine motorcycles and scooters off the roads entirely. That's right, not just stop selling them but to make driving them anywhere in the city limits illegal.

Are helmets required in Paris? ›

Are helmets compulsory when cycling in France? Helmets are not compulsory for adults when cycling in France, but are compulsory for children under 12 years of age. Adults accompanying the child can be fined between €90 and €135 depending on the situation.

Sort of like in America, you don't need a motorcycle license to ride a moped or a 50cc scooter. France, like many other Euro countries, did this in part to ease congestion in densely packed urban areas.

The term "carte grise (gray card)" means in France the registration certificate. The French registration certificate (carte grise) is mandatory for French and foreign drivers domiciled in France wishing to travel on public roads in France or resell their vehicle.

The word mot comes from the French word for “word.” The phrase bon mot literally translates as “good word” and the phrase mot juste translates as “right word.” The first records of the word mot in English referring to a witty remark come from the 1800s.

Buying a car in Europe as a foreigner is possible, but legally owning it is not. Registering a car in your name without an address and/or residency is almost impossible in any European country. There are a few loopholes such as companies that offer buy back schemes or setting up a company in France or Bulgaria.

Essentially, the new contrôle technique is much stricter than the old one, and almost certainly more expensive, with the tests expected to cost between €10 and €20 more on average than the current price which ranges from €65 to €90.

What documents are needed for the Contrôle Technique? On the day of the contrôle technique, you must bring your carte grise (grey card), which is the Certificatd'immatriculation (official vehicle registration document).

You can drive a vehicle without an MoT to a pre-arranged MoT station for the MoT to be carried out. But the vehicle must have adequate insurance cover. There is no specified maximum allowable distance in the DVLA rules that are given on line. So, in theory, you could do what you describe.

A valid driving licence covering you for the vehicle you are driving/riding. An up-to-date passport (with at least six months left to run) for each occupant of the vehicle. Vehicle insurance documents, proving at least third-party cover. A valid MOT certificate if your vehicle is over 3 years old.

Where Can I Buy a UK Car Sticker? Well the good news is Drive-France is the sister website to "Euro Motoring Ltd" and if you visit that website you can find all you need.

Do I need an MOT to drive in Europe? ›

When you're travelling across the EU the only documents you'll be asked for will be your V5, insurance and licence. This will only be if you get stopped by the police - at borders you just drive through and show your passport if asked. MOT and road tax are specific to the UK - don't worry about them until you get home.

You may be aware that up until recently, all drivers and motorcyclists had to carry a personal breathalyser kit with at least two disposable testing units. However, in 2020 the rule changed to no longer make it a legal requirement.

No - drivers will not need to carry an insurance "Green Card" when driving in France or Spain.

Strictly speaking, you're required to have a breathalyser kit in your vehicle when driving in France, but the reality is that no penalty will be imposed if you can't present one during a police road check.

However, if your number plate says 'GB' with the Union flag, the Euro symbol, the England, Scotland or Wales flags, or has no flags at all, then you do need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of the vehicle.

General road rules in France

A small difference Americans must adjust to when driving in France is that there is no right turn on red. Even if the road is clear, you must still wait to turn right until the traffic light turns green.

Thinking of an overseas bike trip? From 28th September 2021, you'll have to display a 'UK' sticker on your number plate. In January 2021, as part of the post-Brexit fallout, the old 'Euro' number plate which showed the EU stars symbol, was replaced with a new plate showing the Union flag and a GB symbol.

Who is allowed to ride a scooter? You can ride a scooter that's less than 50cc starting from the age of 14, so long as you have an AM license. And if you were born before 1988, you don't even need a driver's license to ride a scooter. For a 125cc two-wheeler with an output of 11kW, the minimum age is 16 years old.

Can I take my motorcycle to Europe? ›

An international driving permit (IDP) is your best bet for a smooth ride in Europe. IDPs are internationally recognized by 174 countries, and it's not difficult to get one. Just go to a AAA office, present your motorcycle license, fill out the application and pay a fee. It's that easy and now you're ready to ride!