Driving a trike on open roads in France requires administrative approval, the requirements for which have significantly tightened since 2022-2023. Between the L5e category of the European regulation, the technical parts required by the DREAL, and the licensing conditions, the process varies greatly depending on whether it is a new vehicle, an import, or a modified motorcycle. This article details the concrete differences between these three scenarios and the most common roadblocks.
Type Approval or RTI: What Approval Process for a Trike
Two approval pathways coexist, and they require different timelines and documents. The table below summarizes the structural differences.
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| Criterion | Type Approval (Manufacturer) | Single Approval (RTI) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles concerned | New trikes produced in series | Modified trike, imported from outside the EU, or without a registration certificate |
| Competent authority | National Vehicle Reception Center (CNRV) | DREAL of the applicant’s region |
| Regulatory basis | Regulation (EU) No. 168/2013 | Regulation (EU) No. 168/2013 applied to the individual case |
| Technical file | Provided by the manufacturer (validated prototype) | Compiled by the owner or the modifier |
| Approved laboratory report | Included in series approval | Almost systematically required since 2022-2023 |
| Result | European Certificate of Conformity | RTI report allowing registration |
For a trike purchased new from a manufacturer that already has European approval, the process is limited to requesting the registration certificate via ANTS or an authorized professional. The entire process relies on the certificate of conformity provided at delivery.
Understanding the procedure for an approved trike becomes more complex once you step outside the manufacturer’s circuit, especially for projects involving the modification of an existing motorcycle.
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RTI File for a Motorcycle Converted to a Trike: Parts Required by the DREAL
The RTI process has seen stricter practices. Several DREALs are now applying the L5e framework more rigorously, resulting in frequent requests for additional documents and refusals for inadequately documented modifications.
The file generally must contain:
- A report from an approved laboratory certifying the compliance of the modified vehicle with safety requirements (braking, lighting, stability).
- Calculations of chassis strength, produced by a design office or the kit manufacturer, demonstrating that the structure can withstand the mechanical stresses related to the addition of a rear axle.
- A detailed diagram of the braking system, often requiring justification for an independent braking circuit for each rear wheel.
- A specific certificate from the kit manufacturer, specifying compatibility with the original motorcycle model.
The absence of any of these documents will lead to rejection or a request for additional information, extending the process by several weeks.
Portuguese Stabilizer Kits: A Case of Non-Compliance
Transformation kits with stabilizers made in Portugal, which retain the original motorcycle’s rear wheel, are strictly prohibited in France. The modified vehicle does not fit into any category of the regulation for two, three, and four-wheeled vehicles. It is therefore neither approved nor approvable, and its use on the road exposes the driver to fines and vehicle impoundment.
License and Driving Conditions for a Trike in France
The license category depends on the date of obtaining the B license and the driver’s age. The differences are not trivial.
| Driver’s Situation | Required License | Additional Condition |
|---|---|---|
| B license obtained before January 19, 2013, held for more than 2 years | B license | 7-hour training |
| B license obtained from January 19, 2013, driver over 21 years old | B license | 7-hour training + age condition |
| Holder of an A license (motorcycle) | A license | No additional training |
The 7-hour training is provided by accredited driving schools. An exemption exists for drivers who can prove they have ridden a light motorcycle or a three-wheeled scooter between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010, upon presentation of an information statement from the insurer.
Outside of France, an A license is generally required, which is an important consideration for drivers planning to cross borders with their trike.
Euro 5 Standards and Impact on Trike Projects
Recent trikes derived from motorcycles or engines compliant with Euro 5 standards are presented as eligible for approval under the current regulatory framework. In contrast, projects based on older mechanics pose an increasing problem: DREALs may require additional documentation related to emissions, making approval more burdensome for pre-Euro 5 engine bases.
This factor directly influences the choice of the donor motorcycle for a modification project. Starting with a recent engine that complies with the latest anti-pollution standards reduces the number of friction points when submitting the RTI file.
Registration After Approval: The Final Administrative Step
Once the RTI report is obtained (or the certificate of conformity for a new trike), the registration request follows the standard process: submission on the ANTS website, via the Simplimmat application, or at an authorized professional. The regulatory deadline for registering a used vehicle is one month after acquisition.
The type recorded in section J.1 of the registration certificate will be TM (motor tricycle), with the L5e category. This administrative detail also affects the calculation of the registration fee, which varies by region and the vehicle’s fiscal power.
The approval process for a trike in France relies on a clear distinction between new vehicles under type approval and modification projects subject to RTI. The tightening of DREAL requirements since 2022-2023 makes the compilation of the technical file more demanding than before, particularly regarding proof of braking compliance and chassis strength. Anticipating these documents before launching a modification project remains the factor that separates accepted files from those returned.