jvc

I need to buy a trailer for my car, but I am a bit unsure on a suitable size, or rather the legal size!! I have a french car and a carte grise, but have a UK licence. Merci!

audio

I think only above 750kgs you need a carte grise for the trailer. As far as I’m aware your UK license is OK for towing for well above that figure ( I tow 2000kgs on a UK lic.). In my opinion, buy a remorque as large as space and budget will allow, not forgetting the towing capacity of your car.

jvc

Thanks Audio. So if i buy a remorque tomorrow from say NorAuto etc, I can just drive it away if it is under 750kg??? If I buy one over this, how do I apply for a carte grise for a trailor? Also, do I need to alter my car insurance for a remorque? I have never used one before, even in the UK.

audio

Yes as far as I know, just drive it away. I bought mine from a dealer to tow my mini tractor around, he did all the paperwork for the carte grise, this was 7 or 8 years ago so better check with your local prefecture. You do not need insurance for a remorque. I used to in case it was nicked but it became rather expensive. Hopefully someone else more up to date than me will advise here soon.
Tip: practice reversing in your garden before you venture out in tight places

audio

I now think that the 750kgs limit is for a basic French driver’s license.
My UK license has a much higher limit, so as I said check with the prefecture in case regulations have changed and/or I am giving you duff info.

dmu

Règlementation
gives all info. Is a "normal" UK driving license equivalent to the standard French Permis B? (Btw, shouldn't permanent expats exchange their licenses?)
We bought a small trailer and drove away with it, and I presume that the seller will give the documents and info about the Carte Grise for a heavy-duty one?

Chatter Static

Not any more.... Unless you get points for towing the wrong trailer

audio

Correct, we are both in the EU

jvc

DMU, no this is not the case. I cannot believe how much this comes up,unless this is a tonguein cheek comment? I clarified this with the prefecture and copied the reply and it is in my car!!!! Unless you receive a speeding fine it is not necessary until your licence expires.

grannybunz

BUT if you are approaching 70 it is well worth doing. It saves a lot of hassle because you can't renew your UK one unless yo have a uk address.

Chti Anglais

I would just check your insurance cert. Mine from Credit Mutuel actually states that I am insured for the car (class A) and remorque up to 750kgs (class F).

Chatter Static

This LINK provides the UK Driving license regulations as it is not clear cut as any car license holder can do anything involving trailers. It will all depend on when you passed your test as to what weight limits your license allows you to tow.








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jvc

Wow, how rubbish are prefecture offices? One thing is for sure they will be on top of me like mad if I didn't do my research on this remorque business! They said I need to contact my dealership????? What on eart does it have to do with them....it's a legal matter, not the dealerships problem!!

Chatter Static

It's not for the prefecture to decide what your English license entitles you to do with regards to trailers.

When did you pass your test? What categories do you have on your license?

jvc

My licence states the trailer category on the back, but thought being France there would be a twist on the legalities. I have held my licence for at least 20 years.The prefeture has always been so helpful up to now.