• Table of Contents

  • Obtain Road Transport License in France? France Road Transport License Conditions
  • What is a road transport license?
  • The different categories of road transport license
  • Conditions for obtaining a road transport license
  • 1. Hold a transport capacity
  • 2. Be registered in the register of carriers
  • 3. Have a clean criminal record
  • 4. Have professional liability insurance
  • 5. Have a vehicle that meets safety standards
  • Procedures for obtaining a road transport license
  • 1. Obtain the transport capacity
  • 2. Complete the road transport license application file
  • 3. Wait for the decision of the DREAL
  • Sanctions in case of non-compliance with the conditions of the road transport license
  • Conclusion

Obtain Road Transport License in France? France Road Transport License Conditions

Road transport is a key sector of the French economy. It accounts for around 10% of GDP and employs over 1,5 million people. To exercise a road transport activity in France, it is mandatory to hold a road transport license. In this article, we will examine the requirements for obtaining a road transport license in France.

What is a road transport license?

A road transport license is an official document that allows a company to transport goods or people by road. It is issued by the competent authorities and is valid throughout France. The road transport license is compulsory for all companies carrying out a road transport activity for goods or people in France.

The different categories of road transport license

There are several categories of road transport license in France:

• The road transport license for goods (category T): it allows goods to be transported by road.
• The passenger road transport license (category D): it allows people to be transported by road.
• The moving road transport license (category F): it allows goods to be transported during a move.

Conditions for obtaining a road transport license

To obtain a road transport license in France, it is necessary to fulfill several conditions:

1. Hold a transport capacity

The transport capacity is a diploma which attests to the professional competence of the carrier. It is mandatory to obtain a road transport license. To obtain this ability, it is necessary to undergo specific training and pass an exam. The training lasts around 140 hours and can be taken at an approved training centre.

2. Be registered in the register of carriers

To exercise a road transport activity in France, it is mandatory to be registered in the register of carriers. This registration makes it possible to verify that the company fulfills all the conditions necessary to carry out this activity. To register, it is necessary to complete a form and provide several documents (K-bis extract, certificate of transport capacity, etc.).

3. Have a clean criminal record

To obtain a road transport license, it is necessary not to have a criminal conviction for serious offenses (drug trafficking, theft, etc.). This condition aims to guarantee the good repute of the carrier and to ensure the safety of the people and goods transported.

4. Have professional liability insurance

The road carrier is liable for damage caused to persons and goods transported. It is therefore mandatory to take out professional liability insurance to cover any damage caused during transport. This insurance must be taken out with an approved insurance company.

5. Have a vehicle that meets safety standards

The vehicle used for road transport must comply with the safety standards in force. It must be regularly maintained and checked to guarantee its safety and that of the people and goods transported.

Procedures for obtaining a road transport license

To obtain a road transport license in France, it is necessary to follow several steps:

1. Obtain the transport capacity

Before applying for a road transport license, it is necessary to obtain the transport capacity. For this, it is necessary to follow specific training and pass an exam. The training lasts around 140 hours and can be taken at an approved training centre. Once the transport capacity has been obtained, it is possible to apply for a road transport license.

2. Complete the road transport license application file

The road transport license application file must be completed carefully. It must contain several documents, such as the company's K-bis extract, the certificate of transport capacity, professional liability insurance, etc. The file must be sent to the Regional Department for the Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL) of the region where the company's head office is located.

3. Wait for the decision of the DREAL

The DREAL examines the road transport license application file and takes a decision within 3 months. If the application is accepted, the DREAL issues the road transport license. If the request is refused, the company can appeal to the administrative court.

Sanctions in case of non-compliance with the conditions of the road transport license

Failure to comply with the conditions of the road transport license may lead to administrative and criminal penalties:

• Administrative sanctions: the DREAL can suspend or withdraw the road transport license in the event of non-compliance with the conditions. This sanction can lead to the closure of the company.
• Criminal penalties: failure to comply with the conditions of the road transport license may lead to criminal prosecution for traffic violations, endangering the lives of others, etc. Penalties can go as far as prison terms and significant fines.

Conclusion

Obtaining a road transport license in France is a mandatory step to exercise a road transport activity. This license is issued under certain conditions, such as transport capacity, registration in the register of carriers, professional liability insurance, etc. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in significant administrative and criminal penalties. It is therefore essential to scrupulously respect the conditions of the road transport license to carry out this activity legally.