Next year will see changes to driving in France as the move towards digitalisation of documentation gathers pace.

Currently, every vehicle must display a green card (‘carte verte’) in the front windscreen. From April 2024, though this requirement will cease.

The green card has been a familiar feature displayed on French vehicles for 40 years. However, by next spring it will be history. Instead, police will have access to a secure and confidential database information provided by insurers. Infact, since 2019 the police have had access to the Fichier des Véhicules Assurés (FVA). This database flags up any vehicle that is not insured and is linked to the systems managing the carte grise and speeding fines.

The French government has announced other changes which also affect driving in France.

Several regions will trial the use of e-licences as well as digital identity cards over the coming months. This follows initial tests since 2022, involving 5,000 volunteers over the past 18 months with access to e-licences via their Android or iOS smartphone.

It is planned to extend the digital programme over time. It is important to note that paper driving documents will not disappear yet. The reasons for this are twofold; older drivers who do not have a smartphone will be at a disadvantage as too will be those people who do not have a good internet connection in France.

If you would like to find out more about insurance for driving in France – for cars, motorbikes, motorhomes or classic vehicles – please get in touch.

Insurance France is the trading name of AXA Marthon. We are an English and French speaking AXA agency, taking care of your insurance so you can enjoy your life in France.

Phone: +33 (0)5 45 70 43 76

Email: agence.florentmorin@axa.fr