In France a vintage car is considered a vehicle that is over 30 years old, that has not been “substantially modified” and is no longer produced.

However, classic cars that fit this description are not automatically classified as vintage, as owners must apply for a vehicle registration certificate (carte grise) specifically for a vintage car, which can then use the description véhicule de collection.

Such vehicles can be used without restriction to geography or kilometres, although they cannot be used for professional use. Some insurers also impose specific restrictions.

As might be expected, getting your car registered as a vintage car involves the usual paperchase.

You will need to prove the origin and ownership of the vehicle, and get written approval from the Fédération française des véhicules d'époque (FFVE). Owners of vehicles with an authorised weight of 3.5 tonnes or less also need an MOT less than six months old.

If the vehicle is already registered in France no certificate of conformity from the manufacturer giving details about the vehicle is needed.

The FFVE is the official organisation for the conservation, restoration and collection of vehicles that are over 30 years old.

Applications for the certificate from the FFVE confirming its historic status (Attestation pour l’obtention d’un certificat d’immatriculation vehicule de collection) can be made online or by post, and normally takes several weeks to process. The application will need to be supported by documentation and photos. A fee of €60 is payable.

The same process applies for motorcycles and other vehicles.

Once the attestation has been received, an application for a véhicule de collection registration certificate can be made online to the vehicle licencing centre in France, called ANTs.

Registered vintage cars are generally not subject to rules banning older cars from many town centres in France to reduce air pollution. They are also exempt from being immobilised by police following serious accidents.

The vehicles can also carry period number plates, with a black background and no identification logo.

Vehicles that have been in use since 1960 need to have an MOT every 5 years, as opposed to every 2 years for other vehicles, and the sticker proving the test does not need to be on display in the car windshield.

Cars made before 1960 or weighing over 3.5 tonnes and registered as a vintage car are not required to have an MOT.

Vehicles registered as vintage in France cannot be used for professional purposes such as for rental, or for providing paid tours or excursions.

Owners of vintage cars are also subject to capital gains tax under one of two regimes. Owners can choose between paying a fixed tax of 6.5% of the sale price of the car or paying at the rate of 36.2%, with a discount of 5% after the second year of ownership. There is complete exemption for a vehicle owned for at least 22 years. Restoration costs can also be deducted. Owners are best advised to retain the purchase documentation to prove the purchase price.

Factors such as the rarity of a model or the age of a vehicle will affect insurance costs.

Most insurers will ask for details of the car’s most recent MOT and proof that you own at least one other vehicle (used as a primary vehicle) in addition to the vintage one.

Insurance may be denied if the main driver has had a driver’s licence for less than two or three years, of if they are under 21 years old.

Types of contracts offered are often similar to those for non-vintage cars. However, some can be more specific, and include reduced rates for low kilometres, which can be advantageous for vintage cars not used regularly.

Although most exclude professional use, some policies have allowances for the vehicle being used shows and demonstrations.

While insurance rates vary depending on a number of factors, they are generally favourable as owners of vintage cars often drive them rarely, take good care of their vehicles and tend to have less accidents.

Unless you register your classic car as a vintage vehicle, you may well find that in the event of an accident you will only receive compensation based on a lower general market value.

Importing a vehicle to France is easier from within the European Union than from countries outside the EU.

Owners importing a car from an EU country must complete documentation in advance which confirms that VAT has already been paid.

Cars being imported from outside the EU directly to France must be presented to customs, where a customs declaration form (No 846A) will be issued.

Cars imported from outside the EU via a third country before entering France will pass through customs in the third country and should receive a Bordereau de dédouanement modèle DAU certificate, meaning that import taxes have been paid en route.

No customs duties or VAT are payable if the vehicle is being imported from within the EU. Outside of the EU the level of the duty is 10% for cars (higher for mixed use vehicles and lower for motorcyles), plus 20% VAT, although no duty is payable and a reduced rate of 5.5% VAT applies for registered véhicules de collection. If the car is being imported as a personal possession on relocating to France, no duties or VAT is payable, provided you have owned the vehicle for at least 6 months. That said, if you are bringing a collection of vehicles, then duty and vat may well be payable.

To register the vehicle in France a certificate of conformity (COC) from the manufacturer will also be required. If one cannot be obtained then the vehicle must be inspected by the local prefecture (DREAL) and issued with a certificate ( Réception à titre isolé - RTI). The process requires completion of a declaration on the technical characteristics of the vehicle. Left-hand drive vehicles may require an RTI, even with a COC. Practice also varies between the prefectures on their requirements and the scope of the examination. Alternatively, obtain an attestation from the FVVE, provided the vehicle has a certificate of road worthiness (MOT) from the country of origin.

The registration taxes payable on a vehicle can be high, but vehicles over 10 years old get a 50% discount.

To be registered in France imported vehicles must have official permission for use in the country from where it is being it is imported.

If you require assistance with the registration and/or importation of a classic car to France, contact us at editor@france-insider.com.