Driving France & Germany - V5
Discussion
I’ve driven all over France, Holland, Belgium and Germany, in my own cars and a rally service van with trailer and rally car. Never been asked for a V5 for any of them.
Even when I had a minor scrape in Germany, all the Police wanted was my driving licence and insurance
Also we had to take a V5 and more paperwork for the van and rally car,including a full list of all the spare's, wheels, tyres etc carried in the van.
Even when I had a minor scrape in Germany, all the Police wanted was my driving licence and insurance
Also we had to take a V5 and more paperwork for the van and rally car,including a full list of all the spare's, wheels, tyres etc carried in the van.
ridds said:
V5 is predominantly needed for Repatriation if your car breaks down.
Both times I've had cars need to be shipped back, both shippers wanted the original document.
Was a while ago so the situation may have changed.
V5 is important in France if you're stopped for speeding at more than 40Km/hr over the posted limit. Both times I've had cars need to be shipped back, both shippers wanted the original document.
Was a while ago so the situation may have changed.
I believe it's because the police have different options depending on whether or not the driver (or the people in the car) actually own the car or not.
I am also of the view that having all of the paperwork that you're required to have increases the chances of the police treating you more leniently. They do have options and they don't always go for the nuclear option.
Rushjob said:
Original documents required, French law specifically mentions facsimiles as unacceptable, for the V5 or carte grise as its called in France the only specific reason a copy will be accepted is if you are driving a hire vehicle.
Thank you, I didn’t want to take the original but will do so.There are times you'll need to show who owns the car (the V5 seemingly being the closest thing for that) - for example if you get towed for parking in the wrong place..happens pretty fast in some German cities.. and in this case they don't accept something which is clearly not the original document.
When I lived in France, being stopped for a document check was a fairly regular occurrence. Perhaps every couple of years. I only ever kept a digital copy of my Carte Gris in the car and it seemed to be accepted, without comment.
I am sure if I had been stopped for something serious it would be added to any offence list.
I am sure if I had been stopped for something serious it would be added to any offence list.
When in France they'll want to see the orignal V5.
When on a motorcycle attending a motorsport event, same applies to a speeding 'chat', they'll check in order
1) drunk?
2) does the bike restart with the key in the ignition after turning off and on?
3) V5 and insurance paperwork to prove it's yours.
4) Driving license check to prove who you are.
Checks would be done at anytime of the day / night.
Also if you're ever stopped by French Customs at the roadside they'll want ALL the paperwork.
No V5? You've just turned a simple stop into something far more 'interesting'.
Never leave the UK without V5 and insurance paperwork.
When on a motorcycle attending a motorsport event, same applies to a speeding 'chat', they'll check in order
1) drunk?
2) does the bike restart with the key in the ignition after turning off and on?
3) V5 and insurance paperwork to prove it's yours.
4) Driving license check to prove who you are.
Checks would be done at anytime of the day / night.
Also if you're ever stopped by French Customs at the roadside they'll want ALL the paperwork.
No V5? You've just turned a simple stop into something far more 'interesting'.
Never leave the UK without V5 and insurance paperwork.
Puggit said:
I've been a passenger in a car pulled over for speeding. Only wanted driving licence and insurance.
As others have said, repatriation might need the original.
If you're doing more than 40Km/hr over the speed limit they have the option to impound the car. Ownership of the car is relevant to whether or not that happens.As others have said, repatriation might need the original.
omniflow said:
Puggit said:
I've been a passenger in a car pulled over for speeding. Only wanted driving licence and insurance.
As others have said, repatriation might need the original.
If you're doing more than 40Km/hr over the speed limit they have the option to impound the car. Ownership of the car is relevant to whether or not that happens.As others have said, repatriation might need the original.
boxedin said:
When in France they'll want to see the orignal V5.
When on a motorcycle attending a motorsport event, same applies to a speeding 'chat', they'll check in order
1) drunk?
2) does the bike restart with the key in the ignition after turning off and on?
3) V5 and insurance paperwork to prove it's yours.
4) Driving license check to prove who you are.
Checks would be done at anytime of the day / night.
Also if you're ever stopped by French Customs at the roadside they'll want ALL the paperwork.
No V5? You've just turned a simple stop into something far more 'interesting'.
Never leave the UK without V5 and insurance paperwork.
I have been pulled by French customs, they didn’t ask for anything other than ID. I was asked a few questions about my trip and the car was searched. When on a motorcycle attending a motorsport event, same applies to a speeding 'chat', they'll check in order
1) drunk?
2) does the bike restart with the key in the ignition after turning off and on?
3) V5 and insurance paperwork to prove it's yours.
4) Driving license check to prove who you are.
Checks would be done at anytime of the day / night.
Also if you're ever stopped by French Customs at the roadside they'll want ALL the paperwork.
No V5? You've just turned a simple stop into something far more 'interesting'.
Never leave the UK without V5 and insurance paperwork.
That said, I did have V5 and insurance docs with me, can’t think of any reason not to carry them.
Steve H said:
I have been pulled by French customs, they didn’t ask for anything other than ID. I was asked a few questions about my trip and the car was searched.
That said, I did have V5 and insurance docs with me, can’t think of any reason not to carry them.
It would have been easier if digital copies were acceptable. I prefer to keep my V5 safely at home but hey ho.That said, I did have V5 and insurance docs with me, can’t think of any reason not to carry them.
Anyway greetings from Hinterzarten in the Black Forest.
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