France tightens number plate rules – but certain plates now more at risk of fraud
The reforms have been planned since 2021
Number of private providers authorised to issue number plates has risen to around 30,000
Jeppe Gustafsson/Shutterstock
The system for issuing French number plates has been reformed, aiming to crack down on fraud.
Most of the changes to the système d'immatriculation des véhicules (SIV) concern only motor trade professionals, but specialist magazines warn they could paradoxically open the way for abuse of the temporary ‘WW’ number plates.
WW provisional registration allows you to drive for a maximum of four months while awaiting the final registration of a new or used imported vehicle.
These plates can also be used to export a new car.
Until August, WW plates could only be issued if the vehicle had a valid technical inspection (contrôle technique), a certificate of conformity and a tax clearance certificate (quitus fiscal) .
The changes mean it is no longer mandatory to have these documents (in the case of the latter, proof of application is sufficient), increasing the chances of these vehicles being illegally sold.
Buyers of imported cars liable for a heavy malus (environmental penalty) on larger engines should be particularly vigilant, as they could buy a car not realising that tens of thousands of euros are potentially due.
The reform has been planned since 2021, when it became obvious that the SIV, in place since 2009, needed tightening.
Since the closure of prefecture counters in 2017, the number of private providers authorised to issue number plates has risen to around 30,000.
In theory, only professionals with a proven track record in vehicle sales can obtain authorisation.
However, the system has frequently been abused, including changing number plates on stolen cars, fraudulently claiming government grants, or issuing false plates so vehicles cannot be tracked if caught on speed cameras.
Changes restrict access to issuing system
The reforms include much stricter access to the computerised system for issuing number plates.
It will now only be granted to individuals working for firms that have been in the motor trade for at least a year, and who do not have a criminal record.
The computer system itself has also been programmed to highlight suspicious-looking entries.
