Driving Licenses
If you are a temporary visitor to France (less than 90 days) you may drive with a valid U.S. driver's license. In addition to having your U.S. driver's license, visitors are strongly advised to carry an International driver's license pr permit, or attach a French translation to their U.S. driver's license.

If you are a resident of France (holder of a carte de séjour or carte de residence,) you may drive in France with a valid U.S. driver's license for a one-year recognition period, beginning on the date of your first carte de séjour. After this one year period you may no longer drive with a U.S. license and must pass both the French written and road examinations.

If you hold a driver’s license from one of the 14 states with reciprocity agreements with France, you must exchange your driver’s license for a French license, but can do so without undertaking the written and road examinations.  Those states are:   Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. 

Students are allowed to use their native drivers’ licenses while living in France, for the duration of their studies.

Importing an Automobile
If you are considering taking your car into France on a permanent basis, the first question you should ask is where the nearest repair shop is in your new region.  If there is none, reconsider your decision.

The process of importing an automobile into France is complicated, but can be done.  Contact your nearest customs center to obtain the necessary documents.  If you are importing a car from an EU country no import duty or VAT will have to be paid.  If you are importing from outside the EU, be aware that duty, VAT and about 30% of your car’s assessed value will be charged upon importing the car into France.  Your car will also have to be inspected for compliance with safety regulations once it reaches France.

Leasing an Automobile
Leasing a car for a long-stay in France is a smart alternative to renting for a short-term visit.  Peugeot and Renault both offer leasing programs.  Leasing periods can extend to more than six months and the advantages are many. 

All French lease rates are inclusive of everything: full collision, liability, and theft insurance, and full roadside assistance. You pay no VAT, no surcharges for airport pickup and return, and no extra-driver charges for family members. Most lease cars now include air-conditioning and a radio/CD-player; you have a choice of models, sizes, and engines, including lots of economical diesels, and a choice of stick shift or automatic. Your only obligation is that you agree to “purchase” the car, with the seller buying it back at a pre-determined price at the end of the lease. 

Buying a used car in France is a good decision because less tax is charged when a car is used. The car can be left in France and will be available to you when you return.