Car in France

[neil mitchell]

Hi All.
Just read the item about only being able to own a car in France if you are properly resident. What a fag!!
I am a "part timer" and I have always brought cars from the UK. My current car should last a few years and I am applying for a CdS so it needn't be a problem but I just wonder what would happen if something tragic happened to the car in the interim.
Does anyone think that I am right in suspecting that, as I am already on the Carte Gris datebase, that I would get away with buying a "proper" French car but not import a UK one.

[russell]

Unless things have changed recently, if you own property here there should be no problem. A utility bill or tax d'habitation bill will be sufficient proof of address. Best to ask at the Prefecture though.

Russell

[neil mitchell]

Well, according to the article, the rule has always been that you have to provide proof of residence to apply for a Carte Gris but where it has always been handled by Sous Prefectures they have only asked for proof of address. Recently the whole thing has gone online and to apply for a Cart Gris you have to submit your last tax return which means as a part timer one is properly kippered.

I have never bought a car in France, all mine have been imported from the UK so I don't know what happens if you buy a car in France, I assume it must be something in the UK where you post the slip on the registration document to DVLA and they send a new one in your name. It seems unlikely that you would have to submit your tax return every time you changed your car and needed the Carte Gris of the new car put into your name.

So I am wondering if, as the holder of a Carte Gris for a current car, I could buy a car already with a Carte Gris and avoid the problem. I get that, as a part timer, I would probably not be able to import ant more cars which is ok if I can still buy one in France.

I guess it would help if I knew the procedure for buying and registering a car.

[russell]

Last time I bought a car here it was from a dealership and they organised it all. As it is an offence to drive without the carte gris in the vehicle that seems to be the best way.

Russell

[Florence]

We've bought various vehicles in France, privately and through dealerships but never been asked for proof of residence. Keep the grey card on you when driving, but don't leave it in the car. The grey card must have the owners name on it.

[warlord]

You need to provide proof of residence for a Carte Gris but there are some options around it. A dealership channel is one of them.