In 2024, several changes have seen the light of day regarding the mandatory documents to be carried in the car. If certain steps have been the subject of a simplification through dematerializationmotorists must know the rules to avoid heavy penalties during a traffic stop.
Mandatory documents for motorists
Since April 2024, drivers are no longer required to present the green insurance card in the event of an inspection. This document, long considered essential, has been dematerialized to simplify procedures for motorists.
Indeed, law enforcement can now directly access the insured vehicle file (FVA) using the vehicle registration number. Please note that before this development, not having a green card in your vehicle was liable to a fine of 135 euros.
If motorists no longer have to present this green paper, there are other documents to present during a check. This is particularly the case for driving licenses. Please note that since February 14, 2024, it is possible to dematerialize your driving license.
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To do this, drivers must use the France Identity application. This approach is particularly aimed at those who have a national electronic identity card (CNIe) and a smartphone compatible with NFC technology.
With this digital version of the driving license, motorists can simply show their phone during a check. On the other hand, be aware that dematerialization remains optional.
Many motorists prefer to keep their license in paper or plastic version. But if you forget or fail to present it during an inspection, you risk a fine of 38 euros. The same amount applies if you do not have your registration card with you.
Heavy penalties for drivers
If you cannot present these documents at the time, the law gives you a deadline to provide them. This is generally a delay of 5 days. During this time, you must go to a police station or gendarmerie with the missing documents.
If motorists do not respect this deadline, the penalties become much heavier. According to the official Service-Public.fr website, not presenting your license or registration document within the allotted time may result in a fine of up to 750 euros.
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It is a penalty that is added to the basic offense. To avoid this situation, you should always check that all the necessary documents are in your vehicle before hitting the road.
To avoid the risk of losing or forgetting your driving license, the digital version can be a practical solution. Despite the dematerialization of certain documents such as the green insurance card or the driving license, it is necessary comply with legal obligations.
Motorists who cannot present their papers during a check can result in significant penalties. These can range from 38 euros to 750 euros. Great caution must therefore be exercised.
