Registering a car in France

[Edward]

I recently tried to register our car in France, with all the correct paperwork, controle etc, but was refused on the grounds that we are not permanently resident in France. We have a second home which we use regularly, and obviously pay all local taxes. Has anyone encountered this before, or have helpful suggestions as to a way forward. We are now having to bring the car back to UK for MOT and tax purposes, and then take it back to France! 

[Sunday Driver]

I'm not clear as to how they have decided you are not permanently resident. None of the documentation you would have provided would indicate this to be the case.

In any case, provided you have a French address at which to register the vehicle, permanent residency is not a requirement.  You should therefore revisit your prefecture and point this out. If the clerk dealing with your application persists in misinterpreting the requirements, ask to speak with a supervisor or manager.

I am assuming you intend to leave the car permanently at your second home.

 

 

[nomoss]

Get a letter from your Prefecture to the effect that they will not register your car, then produce this to Gendarmes etc. as necessary.  This will save you all the hassle of registering it in France.

[Bones]

Go back down and hope you get somebody else!

I've had strange requests from staff at the counter, come back and been told I didn't need the requested paperwork.