What documents do UK residents need to drive in France?
The former ‘GB’ number plates with gold EU stars are no longer valid
Many Britons take their cars to France for shorter holidays
Andy Soloman/Shutterstock
Reader Question: We will be visiting friends in France on holiday this summer and will be driving from the UK to their home. Do we have to bring any extra documents with us?
UK residents driving to France will need to carry more documents than their French equivalent, and will need to carry physical items not required in the UK.
Documents include:
These documents must be in their original paper form, or plastic for a UK driving licence.
Digital versions and photocopies are not accepted, with police only authorised to accept the original versions of these documents.
French citizens and residents can show authorities a digital version of their driving licence however this does not apply to UK licence holders.
You will also need proof of valid insurance for your vehicle.
From April 2024 French-registered vehicles no longer need to display a physical insurance sticker.
Read more: How do I prove my car is insured now France no longer issues stickers?
For UK-registered cars, however, you should bring your physical certificate when driving in France.
In addition to the above, when driving you should also carry:
You do not need an international driving permit.
If you are using a rental car, you should also make sure you carry the correct documents from the hire company when driving.
Note that depending on where you are driving you may need a Crit’Air sticker to show the pollution level of your vehicle.
These are required for all vehicles that pass through France’s low-emission zones (zones à faibles émissions, ZFE), whether they are French or foreign registered.
Read our article below to learn more about these stickers, and where you can purchase one.
Read more: 2024 MAP: Where are France’s clean air driving zones? What are rules?
Do I need to make changes to the vehicle?
Right-hand drive cars can drive on French roads without restriction however your rear number plate must have a ‘UK’ identifying badge or sticker on it.
The former ‘GB’ number plates with gold EU stars are no longer valid.
You can buy these stickers both online and in numerous stores in the UK.
Finally, you will need to carry two items in your car:
A reflective jacket (gilets jaunes) kept within arms’ reach of the driver. In the event of an incident or breakdown, the driver must put this on before exiting the vehicle. It is recommended, but not required, that jackets for everyone are kept in the car.
A warning triangle to place behind your car if it breaks down
Various UK websites, including the AA, recommend using headlight deflector stickers given you will be driving on the opposite side of the road to usual when in France.
You may also need to equip your vehicle with snow tyres in the winter, depending on where you are driving, although the locations they are required change each year.
