Must you re-reg a foreign car in France?

Must you re-reg a foreign car in France?

Author
Discussion

Mcbeth

Original Poster:

225 posts

142 months

Monday 4th July 2016
quotequote all
Obviously not suggesting bending the law here.....

There's a place a circle of friends and I go to in Languedoc several times a year. We've considered having an airport slag to hack around in instead of renting, which can be pricey in summer or at short notice.

can we have a UK or Irish registered car there legally?
Is re-registering a must? If so, is there a time limit?

any pointers appreciated

smifffymoto

4,771 posts

212 months

Tuesday 5th July 2016
quotequote all
Why don't you just buy a French car?

anothernameitist

1,500 posts

142 months

Tuesday 5th July 2016
quotequote all
6 months maximum.

Plus it must be road legal in its home country ie tax and mot as well as insurance.

I know a lot who don't bother.

One example UK resistered car on SORN, insured in France with a Frence CT but no MOT, there for over 10 years. Never came on to the radar, it was even repatriated into the UK, straight through Dover with no pull and in for an MOT and then taxed

Marcellus

7,165 posts

226 months

Tuesday 5th July 2016
quotequote all
I think, whilst we're in teh EU, that there isn't a maximum period you can keep a UK registered car in France provided that it's fully legal in the UK, so that's insured & Mot'd.

That's where most people have difficulties as it's harder to get insurance for longer than 90 days (you are still covered for 3rd party under EU law) and obviously MOT needs renewing every year.

It's a balance (and this answers the other question) as 2nd hand cars in France are quite a bit more expensive than in the UK..... as an alternative idea if it's a fairly modern car (ie has a certificat de conformite) why not export your UK car to France, it'll take a day or so of effort to get the control technique then customs, prefecture and registration signoff if there are no complications.

We did it to one of our cars but not the other.

Mcbeth

Original Poster:

225 posts

142 months

Tuesday 5th July 2016
quotequote all
Reasoning is the cost of buying in France vs bringing a shed over from uk. I'm in the motor trade so I can pick up something for pennies.

What's insurance like in France on local plates anyone? If this is reasonable then the plate change would be more favourable.

magooagain

10,806 posts

177 months

Tuesday 5th July 2016
quotequote all
I just paid 328 euros fully comp with breakdown and a replacement car. That's on a uk plated 2011 renaulltsport clio cup 200.
That's with internet based Amaguiz.com which is part of the groupama insurance co.

Sometimes I re register uk cars sometimes not.

I will with this Clio as its a nice car,so will keep for some time.

Fatt McMissile

330 posts

140 months

Wednesday 6th July 2016
quotequote all
Magoo said: "I will with this Clio as its a nice car,so will keep for some time."

I'd very much like to know how much the French registration fee was when you get around to it.

Steve

magooagain

10,806 posts

177 months

Wednesday 6th July 2016
quotequote all
Fatt McMissile said:
Magoo said: "I will with this Clio as its a nice car,so will keep for some time."

I'd very much like to know how much the French registration fee was when you get around to it.

Steve
Ha ha yes that could be interesting ,it may go back to blighty for a mot when needed then.

magooagain

10,806 posts

177 months

Wednesday 6th July 2016
quotequote all
Fatt McMissile said:
Magoo said: "I will with this Clio as its a nice car,so will keep for some time."

I'd very much like to know how much the French registration fee was when you get around to it.

Steve
Ha ha yes that could be interesting ,it may go back to blighty for a mot when needed then.

Expatloon

216 posts

164 months

Sunday 10th July 2016
quotequote all
The law is clear:

If you are French resident then you must register a car within one month of bringing it into the country.

Otherwise you can keep a car in France for a maximum of six months after which it must be registered or removed, it must remain road legal in UK terms during that time.

Mcbeth

Original Poster:

225 posts

142 months

Sunday 10th July 2016
quotequote all
...thanks for that, good to get some clarity.
Is there a similar site to gumtree or autotrader that someone could suggest

Mcbeth

Original Poster:

225 posts

142 months

Monday 11th July 2016
quotequote all
Nice one! Thank you

nrated

83 posts

116 months

Sunday 24th July 2016
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If you happen to have an English reg and are flashed by a speed camera, there is currently no reciprocal arrangement with the DVLA to send you a ticket ......