
The information on the fiscal rating is contained in column P.6 on the French registration card. The PF of the vehicle is then given a fiscal rating, expressed as either the plural 'chevaux fiscaux' or the singular 'cheval fiscal', shortened to 'CV'. The level of the tax depends on the base figure determined by the council, multiplied by the 'fiscal' engine capacity of the vehicle, called the ' puissance fiscal' (PF). This is a tax fixed by the regional council, but which does not vary significantly across the country. We consider below the taxe régionale the taxes sur les véhicules polluants and the taxe sur la masse en ordre de marche. The taxe de formation professionnelle only applies to commercial transport vehicles, and the taxe de gestion and redevance d’acheminement are of such trifling amounts there is no need to consider them here. In addition, only nominal taxes are payable on a change of name or address. Several taxes and charges are payable, although some only apply to particular types of vehicles. The vehicle registration document is called the certifcat d’immatriculation, formerly the carte grise, a term which is still used. In the case of a new vehicle, the registration process is normally undertaken by the dealer, when the taxes are added to the purchase price of the vehicle. The same applies for the importation of a vehicle from within or outside of Europe, with higher registration charges that apply for the latter. If you purchase a new or second-hand car (or other vehicle) in France you will be obliged to register it. Use of Vehicle Accident Forms in France.

Vehicle Registration Process & Transfer of Ownership.
