Becoming a VTC driver is a regulated activity. In France, the law strictly regulates this profession to guarantee passenger safety, quality of service and fairness between operators.
Here is the complete checklist to get your business up and running legally - and stay compliant over the long term.
In a nutshell
To avoid making costly mistakes when you start out, here are the main legal obligations you need to be aware of before taking the plunge:
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Pass the VTC exam and obtain your professional card.
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Create and register your company (SASU or EURL recommended).
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Register with the VTC register (REVTC) and affix the official sticker.
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Use a vehicle that complies with regulatory standards.
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Take out the compulsory professional insurance.
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Respect the ban on marauding.
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Renew your professional card every 5 years after completing a compulsory 14-hour training course.
Access to the profession
The examination and the professional card
The VTC exam is organised by the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA). It includes :
- 7 theory tests (regulations, management, safety, French, English, business development, specific VTC regulations).
- 1 practical test of approximately 20 to 30 minutesThis was marked out of 20 points and assessed driving, safety, customer relations and invoicing.
Official cost (2025) : 237 €.
Once they have passed the exam, candidates apply for their VTC professional card with the prefecture.
- Cost 57.60 + postage and packing.
- Validity 5 years.
- Renewal : conditional on 14 hours of compulsory further training at an approved centre.
The card must be displayed on the windscreen of the vehicle while carrying out the activity.
👉 For more details, see our article dedicated to the VTC exam.
The operating framework
Legal status and registration
VTC drivers must operate under a registered legal form.
- SASU or EURL These are the most suitable forms, allowing deduction of actual expenses, depreciation of the vehicle and recovery of VAT.
- Micro-business Deduction of actual expenses (fuel, insurance, depreciation): not recommended, as it prevents actual expenses (fuel, insurance, depreciation) from being deducted.
Registration is done via the One-stop shop for businesseswith a corporate object specifying operation of chauffeur-driven transport vehicles.
Entry in the register of VTC operators (REVTC)
Registration is compulsory in order to practise.
- Cost 170 (valid for 5 years).
- Documents to be supplied The following documents are required: business card, proof of insurance, Kbis/SIREN extract, vehicle registration document and financial capacity (€1,500 if not a long-term owner or tenant).
- Penalties for absence up to 1 year's imprisonment and a €15,000 fine.
The vehicle
Mandatory technical criteria
The vehicle used must meet strict standards:
| Criteria | Minimum requirement | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 to 9 (including driver) | - |
| Age of vehicle | Under 7 | Hybrid and electric vehicles exempt from age limit |
| Doors | Minimum 4 | - |
| Dimensions | ≥ 4.50 m long and 1.70 m wide | Not required for green vehicles |
| Engine power | ≥ 84 kW (115 bhp) | Not required for hybrid/electric vehicles |
| Technical inspection | Every 12 months | - |
Signage and equipment
Each vehicle must carry a VTC" red sticker (or blue for two/three-wheelers), affixed to the front and rear.
- Ordering On the REVTC register website.
- Cost Approx. €35.
Exterior illuminated signs ("Taxi" type) are strictly prohibited.
Professional insurance
The two compulsory insurance policies
La Thévenoud law (2014) requires VTC drivers to take out two separate insurance policies:
- Civil liability for traffic (RC Pro Circulation)
- Covers property damage, bodily injury and consequential loss caused to third parties while driving.
- This is the professional equivalent of car insurance, but adapted to the commercial use of the vehicle.
- Average annual cost : 2 500 € à 3 250 €.
- Operating liability (RC Pro Exploitation)
- Covers damage caused by outside of driving Damaged baggage, customer falls, damage caused by delays, etc.
- Average annual cost : 100 € à 300 €.
Failure to take out insurance exposes you to a fine of up to €3,750 and withdrawal of professional card.
Recommended additional cover
Certain guarantees are strongly recommended for a sustainable business:
- Comprehensive insurance,
- Legal protection,
- 0 km assistance,
- Compliant replacement vehicle,
- Daily compensation in the event of immobilisation (€150-180/day),
- Replacement value guarantee to limit financial loss in the event of an accident.
Operating obligations
Ban on marauding
VTC drivers may not park or drive around looking for customers without prior reservation.
After an errand, if there is no new mission, he must return to his headquarters or park in an authorised area (car park, garage).
La electronic marauding is also prohibited.
On-board documents
The driver must be able to produce the following for any inspection:
- Sa VTC professional card,
- L'certificate of professional liability insurance,
- L'Kbis extract or proof of registration,
- Le certificate of registration in the REVTC register,
- Le reservation contract or proof thereof.
Controls and penalties
Checks are carried out regularly, particularly around stations and airports.
Since 1st July 2025three short stories fixed penalty fines (AFD) are generalized:
- Illegal practice of the taxi trade,
- Failure to register as a VTC,
- Pick-up without prior reservation.
Amount between 400 and €1,000depending on the severity and recurrence of the offence.
Other offences (lack of insurance, non-conformity of vehicle, etc.) can result in a fine of up to one year's imprisonment, 15,000 finethe confiscation of the vehicle or the licence suspension.
In a nutshell: the checklist for a compliant driver
✅ B driving licence for more than 3 years and validated medical aptitude.
✅ VTC exam passed (theoretical and practical) and professional card obtained (€57.60, 5 years).
✅ 14 hours of further training before each renewal.
✅ Company created and registered (SASU or EURL recommended).
✅ Entry in the REVTC register (€170, 5 years).
✅ Vehicle complies with standards, checked every year.
✅ VTC sticker affixed to the front and rear.
✅ Road traffic and operating liability insurance taken out.
✅ Marauding ban strictly enforced.
✅ All receipts on board for each mission.
Disclaimer of liability
This article is provided for information purposes only and does not replace the advice of a chartered accountant or legal professional.
Glossary
Here are some useful terms to know and understand:
- RC Pro Circulation Insurance covering damage to property and personal injury caused to third parties while driving.
- Operating liability Insurance covering damage caused to customers other than driving (delays, baggage, injuries).
- REVTC Register of VTC operators, managed by the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
- AFD Fixed fine for a misdemeanour, rapid penalty (€400-1,000) for certain offences.
- CMA Chambre des Métiers et de l'Artisanat, organiser of the VTC exam.
- Continuing education Compulsory 14-hour course every 5 years to renew the professional card.
- Thévenoud Law Act of 1 October 2014 governing the VTC and taxi professions.
- VTC vignette Red badge required at the front and rear of the vehicle.
