New Vehicle Registration System (SIV): 1 January 2009 & 1March 2009

France adopts a new, nationwide vehicle registration system in 2009. This is the Système d'Immatriculation des Véhicules (SIV). All new vehicles registered for the first time from 15 April 2009 (and from 15 June 2009, used vehicles changing hands) will take the new registration system.
Note: Originally the dates for implementation of the SIV system were 1 January and 1 March; these were moved back during December.

Specifically:

* The vehicle will be issued with a registration number at the first point of registration. This remains with the car until it is destroyed or exported, regardless of its location of registration in France
* An owner need not change the registration of a vehicle bought in a different département
* An owner need not change the registration if they move département, although they are required to report a change of address. A sticker will be sent by post which must be placed in the Carte Grise (there is no charge)

A vehicle owner who does not change address nor sell/buy a car need not change the vehicle registration plates of their vehicles during 2009. In fact, at this stage no time limit has been set for the new registration system to be implemented on all vehicles.

Regional vehicle taxes remain unchanged.



Mopeds

50cc motorbikes are included in the system and new mopeds will be issued with the SIV number. Mopeds that are as yet unregistered have until 1 July 2009 to register under the new system.
Classic and collectors' cars

In order to protect the integrity of a classic car, the white on black number plate may be used, but must (if changing hands) display the new SIV number. Further changes are coming into effect regarding registration and ownership of classic cars, including requirements for obligatory roadworthy checks (contrôl technique).



The registration plates

The plates have seven identifying letters and numbers in black on a white background. The format is: two letters - three numbers - two letters.

For an extra fee, plates with specific département identifiers (identifiant territorial) will be available. These allow car owners to "show allegiance" with a particular location and these need not correlate with the département of residence of the car owner. These may be changed at any time, and no administrative process is required.