Any tips on registering a RTW bike in France? - Horizons Unlimited

**Universalcat** · #1 21 Jun 2005

Just bought a 1979 BMW R100RT ( i think its a 79...) in Germany, temporarily registered it for export, and Im riding it to France.

Anyone have any tips for registering a motorcycle in France? Is the TUV an issue, or anything like it?

Green card advice, anyone?

Thanks,
gregory

**vincent danna** · #2 21 Jun 2005

hello,

if you re yourself registered with the right papers, for example you work in france, etc ... just bring your papers and those of the bikes to the "mairie" (mayor) or "prefecture" and ask for a permanent bike registration called "carte grise". is it your issue or you just want a temporarily registration ? if it s only temporarily or you re not registered as working or whatever in france, i d say don t bother

same story for bike insurance called "carte verte".

motorbikes in france are not concerned by tuv or "controle technique" (same ?).

otherwise, some foreigners don t bother, even if it s "illegal" : they drive with foreign number plates, foreign insurance, foreign driving license : contact the french communities of the HUBB, there are some foreigners inside who can share their experiences with you (blackjack, beddhist ...)

the paperwork is quite something here in france but if you have the right papers, it shoukld be done quickly : maybe same day or 5 minutes.

we dit it (carte grise and carte verte) together with blackjack in paris for example : no problem.

if you and your bike belong to the EU, there should be no tax, you only pay a little for the bike registration called "carte grise".

good luck,

**Universalcat** · #3 21 Jun 2005

Merci Vincent,

I have a French Passport, and citizenship, but ive never lived in France. I have an address with my family here, will that be enough for "papers"?

Ill be on the Cote D'azur tomorrow, will try registration in Villefranche or Nice.

thanks
gregory

By "papers"

**beddhist** · #4 29 Jun 2005

Hmm, not quite that simple, I found.

First of all, how long did you take the German rego out for? If it is valid for the length of your trip don't bother any further.

To register your bike in F you need to write to BMW France. They will send you a form to fill in. You send it back with copies of relevant documents and 150 Eur. They send you a 'Certificat d'Homologation'. Count on one month for this procedure. With this paper rego is a snap.

Beware the Prefecture in Nice: you must arrive early in the morning to queue, or you will not be served.

I suggest registering it in a rural location. The authorities there will be a lot easier to deal with and insurance will be half price. The Riviera is one of the most expensive places for insuring bikes, cause they drive lke mad and so have a lot of crashes.

You can also register the bike by mail, but it will cost you twice for registered mail.

Before insuring your bike check the rates. If you plan to travel outside Europe check that the countries visited will be covered by the Green Card your prospective insurer issues. GC is issued automatically and carrying it is mandatory for F vehicles.

The AMDM Green Card 'Assurance Mutuelle des Motards' is valid just about everywhere.

[This message has been edited by beddhist (edited 29 June 2005).]

[This message has been edited by beddhist (edited 29 June 2005).]

**Universalcat** · #5 29 Jun 2005

Merci Beddhist,

The German rego was just to get me to France, 5 days.

Im going to register in Digne, small town in Provence.
I got the carte verte insurance through a friend here, no problem.

I dont know about this BMW document you speak of, Im going to try without it.

g

[This message has been edited by Universalcat (edited 29 June 2005).]