A regulated sector: public transport of individuals
The French ecology ministry groups taxis, VTC (cars with a driver booked in advance), motorised two- and three-wheelers and power-assisted cycles under the acronym T3P. The legal framework rests on the 2014 law on taxis and VTC, the law of 29 December 2016 on oversight, access to the trades and regulation, and then the 2019 mobility orientation law.
The stated aim is a safe, high-quality service for passengers while keeping competition fair between professions. The transport code sets out the essentials: entry conditions, operating conditions and responsibilities. For an individual candidate's path, see our article on how to become a VTC chauffeur.
Prior booking and the ban on street hail
The transport code requires VTC services to be booked beforehand. A driver may not pick up a client who has not reserved in advance, nor drive around or stop looking for clients on public roads. The ban covers physical and electronic touting alike; only taxis holding a parking authorisation may ply for hire, within their own territory.
Each ride must be justifiable. An order of 6 August 2025 frames the proof of prior booking, on paper or electronic: operator name and contact details, register (REVTC) number, Siren or Siret number, and the client's name and phone number or a way to reach them during a check. VTC prices are free: either a fixed fare set at booking or a price calculated after the ride.
Parking, return and the areas around stations and airports
Once the booked ride is over, the driver must return to the operator's place of business or to a place off the roadway where parking is allowed, unless they can show a new booking or a contract with the end client. They may not park on the public road while waiting for a request.
Around stations and airports, Service Public states that a driver may wait for a client who has booked, for no more than one hour. The ministry points to a thematic note from its transport directorate to interpret terms such as road open to traffic and authorised place, subject to a court's assessment. For how a pickup is organised in practice, see our airport and station transfers.
The VTC register, operators and tougher penalties
Entry on the register of VTC operators is compulsory, through the REVTC portal run for the ministry. Since 27 June 2026, Service Public says operators must declare there the drivers they employ, their professional card numbers and the registration plates in use. Lending one's register entry to a third party is prohibited.
Penalties were also toughened on that date. As of October 2026, operating without registration and picking up a client without prior booking are each punishable by three years in prison and a 45,000-euro fine for an individual, with higher ceilings for companies. Additional penalties exist, such as licence suspension and vehicle immobilisation or confiscation.
Key dates in a changing framework
The texts have accumulated: laws of 2014, 2016 and 2019, orders of August 2017 on continuing training and approved centres, and an April 2017 order on vehicle markings. More recently, an order of 20 March 2024 added rules on sexist and sexual offences and on discrimination to the exam, and an order of 6 August 2025, published in the Journal officiel on 29 August 2025 and applicable since 30 October 2025, specified the proof of prior booking for VTC.
Two dates stand out in 2026, according to Service Public: 27 June, with tougher penalties and the declaration of drivers, and 12 August, which ended access to the trade through professional experience. The ministry still lists a procedure for experience gained in a European Union or European Economic Area state, though. Given such nuances, reading the up-to-date texts is essential.
Platforms, booking centres and a cautious reading
Booking centres that connect drivers and passengers must declare themselves online, show professional liability insurance and renew their declaration every year. The ministry excludes from this duty travel agencies, tourist offices and concierge services that arrange bookings as part of their own business.
For drivers linked to a platform, Service Public also lists a minimum income: 9 euros per ride, 30 euros per hour worked and 1 euro per kilometre, amounts that can be revised. This overview stays general: it reflects October 2026, is not legal advice and should be checked against service-public.fr and the ministry. For the contrast with taxis, read taxi versus VTC: what changes; everything sits in the VTC section of the Journal. IKIGAI Limousine is independent of the bodies cited.
Booking with a compliant professional
A compliant provider can be recognised by a few concrete points: professional card, register entry, sticker on the vehicle. Before booking, ask for them and check them, then insist on a written quote specifying the journey, the vehicle and the conditions.
IKIGAI Limousine issues a firm quote before any confirmation and provides flight tracking and a named greeting on request. Assistants, concierge teams and family offices can group their journeys with tailored invoicing. Discover our VIP chauffeur service, our airport transfers page or send your request through the quote form.
