The rules for buying and registering a trailer in France

Trailers are a useful and popular purchase for many households in France, and often essential for moving firewood, garden waste or building materials.

A quick scan through adverts on Leboncoin shows that second-hand trailers tend to hold their value well, with prices often only slightly lower than new models.

A lighter, less expensive trailer may be more than enough for occasional use, and many retailers’ own-brand models offer good value. 

For more regular or heavy-duty use, it may be worth investing in a more robust, hot-dip galvanised trailer designed to last for many years. Brands such as Franc Remorque and Lider are often cited by buyers.

Prices typically start at around €500 for a small, simple trailer, rising to €1,200 or more for larger twin-axle models.

When buying a trailer, make sure that the seller provides you with all necessary documentation.

Trailer categories in France

Household trailers in France fall into three main categories according to their PTAC (poids total autorisé en charge – maximum authorised weight including load):

• up to and including 500kg
• over 500kg and up to 750kg
• over 750kg

Rules by trailer weight

Up to and including 500kg PTAC

• No carte grise (registration certificate) is required.  
• The number plate must match the towing vehicle 
• A standard category B driving licence is sufficient. 
• Homemade trailers in this category are permitted, but must first undergo approval via a réception à titre isolé process carried out by DREAL before being used on the road.

Over 500kg PTAC (including up to 750kg)

• A separate carte grise is required. 
• The trailer has its own registration number and number plate A category B licence is usually sufficient (see licence rules below).

Over 750kg PTAC

• A separate carte grise is required. 
• The trailer must have its own insurance policy 
• Additional driving licence requirements may apply

Braking rules and vehicle weight limits

In addition to PTAC categories, French law also sets specific rules depending on whether a trailer has its own braking system.

Under Article R315-1 of the Code de la route unbraked trailers are only permitted if both of the following conditions are met:

• The trailer’s PTAC does not exceed 750kg 
• The trailer’s PTAC does not exceed half the unladen weight (poids à vide) of the towing vehicle

In practical terms, this means:

A 750kg unbraked trailer requires a towing vehicle with a minimum unladen weight of 1,500kg.

Trailers that exceed these limits must be fitted with their own braking system to be used legally on the road. Once fitted with brakes, the trailer is no longer subject to the “half the vehicle weight” restriction, but must still comply with the towing limits set by the vehicle manufacturer.

These rules mean that it is not enough to check PTAC and licence categories alone. 

You must also ensure that the total weight of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed the maximum authorised combined weight (poids total roulant autorisé, or PTRA) shown on the vehicle’s carte grise.

Driving licence rules

A standard category B licence allows you to tow:

• A trailer up to 750kg, 
• A heavier trailer provided the combined total weight of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3,500kg

If the combined weight is between 3,500kg and 4,250kg then a B96 extension is required. If it is over 4,250kg then a BE licence is required.

Insurance and equipment

Many French car insurance policies include basic cover for small trailers, but this is not automatic in all cases and may be limited to third-party cover. 

Heavier trailers, particularly those over 750kg, generally require a separate policy.

All trailers must display a manufacturer’s plate fixed to the chassis showing identification details and weight limits.

Registering your trailer

If your trailer requires a carte grise, you have one month after purchase to complete the registration.

If you buy from a dealer, they can usually handle the process for you on the spot. This typically costs €50 to €75, plus the cost of producing the number plate.

You will need to provide proof of identity (such as a passport or driving licence) and proof of address less than six months old (for example an energy bill or tax notice).

You will be issued with a temporary registration certificate (Certificat Provisoire d’Immatriculation, or CPI) to use until the final document arrives by post.

The official registration fee for a trailer is currently €13.76, meaning it is often cheaper to complete the process yourself via the ANTS website. 

You will need to log in using FranceConnect. An English-language interface is available, although not all pages are fully translated.