Road Passenger Transport Operator

Road passenger transport requires a licence communautaire (community license) for vehicles carrying more than nine persons including the driver. You must register in the national electronic register of road transport companies and meet requirements for professional capacity, financial standing, good repute, and stable establishment in France.

The DREAL (Direction régionale de l'environnement, de l'aménagement et du logement) processes applications in most regions. Professional capacity is demonstrated by passing the transport manager exam or holding recognized equivalent qualifications. Financial capacity requirements start at 9,000 euros for the first vehicle. Vehicles used must pass regular technical inspections and drivers must hold the appropriate driving license category.

Access Requirements and Qualifications

  • Registration: With road transport companies register
  • Transport Manager: Mandatory designation to manage activity (maintenance, contracts, safety, assignments)
  • Professional Capacity: Written exam (EC regulation 1071/2009 subjects) OR appropriate diploma/title OR continuous management before 2009
  • Vehicles ≤9 Seats: Specific capacity certificate or 2 years continuous management + exam (if appropriate diploma)
  • Exemptions: Certain individuals, associations, companies (1 vehicle ≤9 seats, secondary activity), public authorities and municipalities (≤2 vehicles)

Financial Capacity and Establishment

  • Capital (≤9 Seats): Minimum €1,500 per vehicle
  • Capital (>9 Seats): €9,000 for 1st vehicle, €5,000 per additional vehicle
  • Bank Guarantee: Possible up to 50% of required financial capacity
  • Establishment: Headquarters or main establishment in France, main documents on premises (including contracts with organizing authorities), at least 1 registered vehicle, effective and permanent management

Licenses and Good Repute

  • Community License: For buses/coaches (unless registered in public collective transport register)
  • Domestic Transport License: For other vehicles or if registered in public transport register
  • Validity: 10-year renewable with certified copies for each vehicle
  • Decision Timeline: 3 months (extendable 1 month if missing documents)
  • Exclusions: Convictions for violations of transport/criminal/commercial/road/environmental codes