Vehicles: templates and forms

For selling or buying a used car or motorbike between private persons in France. The official steps stay free and compulsory: the transfer certificate (Cerfa no. 15776*02), the seller's online declaration on the France Titres (ANTS) site within fifteen days, the crossed-out registration certificate. This contract comes on top of them: vehicle, mileage, price and payment, date and hour of handover, known defects, the hidden-defects warranty kept or limited (articles 1641 and 1643 of the French Civil Code), each side's steps. Signed in two originals. In French.

For notifying your own insurer of an accident, theft, fire, broken glass, vandalism or a weather event affecting your vehicle in France. The policy sets the time limit and how to notify, often online or by phone at no cost; the law does not allow less than five working days, or two for theft (article L. 113-2 of the French Insurance Code). The letter gives the policy, the facts, the damage, the other people involved and the enclosures. Sent by registered post with proof of receipt. In French.

For challenging a post-parking charge (forfait post-stationnement, FPS) in France, the appeal required before the parking court. It goes to the body named on the payment notice, within a month of its notification; many offer a free form, online or to print, that you can use instead of this letter. The letter, sent by the registered keeper, gives the notice, the chosen ground (parking paid, vehicle sold, plates stolen, special rate, mistake), the explanation and the enclosures. Sent by registered post with proof of receipt. In French.

For lending your car or motorbike free of charge to someone close to you in France and being able to prove it: vehicle, insurer and policy number, borrower and licence number, loan dates, permitted use, care of the vehicle, return, insurance excess and traffic fines. French law imposes no form on such a loan: the statement, signed by both parties in two originals, is kept in the vehicle with the registration certificate and helps at a roadside check or after a claim. In French.