France's 'no-licence cars' boom as registrations nearly double in five years

Relaxed rules and eco-friendly perks are fueling a boom in France's tiny, 45 kph cars. But who can drive them—and where?

, and Administrator

2026 March 25 . 10:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster with a black background featuring a woman and a man, with the text "Can... — The image shows a poster with a black background featuring a woman and a man, with the text "Can you drive a car? Will you drive one in France? Immediate service at the front" written on it.

France's 'no-licence cars' boom as registrations nearly double in five years

France has seen a sharp rise in registrations for 'no-licence cars'—known as voitures sans permis (VSPs). Nearly 32,000 of these vehicles were registered in 2024, almost twice the number from 2019. Their growing popularity stems from relaxed licensing rules and eco-friendly features, particularly among younger drivers. VSPs are small, lightweight vehicles with a top speed capped at 45 kph. By law, they cannot be modified to exceed this limit. Drivers born after 31 December 1987 must hold a Brevet de Sécurité Routière (BSR) to operate one. Those born before that date face no such requirement.

Insurance remains mandatory for all VSPs to cover potential accident victims. These vehicles are also banned from motorways and ring roads, restricting them to slower, local routes. Beyond VSPs, other vehicles exempt from licensing include electric cars with a maximum power of 1 kW. Agricultural and forestry machinery, when used for work, also avoid licensing rules—but drivers must be at least 16. Vehicles used in closed, approved venues for training or sporting events are similarly exempt, provided participants hold a valid sports licence.

The surge in VSP registrations reflects their appeal as an accessible, low-regulation transport option. With strict speed limits and insurance requirements, they offer a practical alternative for urban and short-distance travel. Their restricted road access and licensing exemptions for older drivers further shape their role in France's transport system.