B licence lets you drive a van up to 3.5 tonnes GVW (gross vehicle weight). In Paris, driving a van - moving truck, delivery vehicle, camper - requires specific rules: low emission zones, dimensions, parking, time restrictions. This guide recaps 2026 rules for pros and individuals.
B licence: what you can drive in Paris
With a B licence alone, you can drive: a van ≤ 3.5 t GVW (Kangoo, Partner, Jumpy types), a vehicle with trailer ≤ 750 kg GVW, a B+trailer combo if total GVW ≤ 3.5 t. Beyond: BE or B96 licence required. For 3.5-7.5 t vans (Movinga-type moving truck), C or C1 licence mandatory.
Most common Paris vans
Paris vans fall in three categories. 1) Compact vans (< 5 m: Kangoo, Berlingo, Partner) - suited to narrow streets. 2) Medium vans (5-6 m: Trafic, Vivaro, Expert) - volume/handling compromise. 3) Large vans (> 6 m: Master, Ducato, Transit Custom L2/L3) - avoid in historic centre.
LEZ and Crit'Air for vans
Greater Paris metropolitan LEZ (ZFE-m) requires a minimum Crit'Air level. In 2026, the major milestone: Crit'Air 3 vans (diesel < 2011, petrol < 2006) are banned in central Paris on weekdays 8 am-8 pm since January 2025. Only Crit'Air 1, 2 and E (electric) stickers are allowed on weekdays.
Professional exemptions
Several categories benefit from 2026 temporary exemptions: moving vehicles (24h on prior request), local authority technical service vehicles, specially adapted vehicles (disabled, medical transport). Apply online on the Paris City Hall or Greater Paris Metropolis site. Processing: 5 working days.
Maximum allowed dimensions
No absolute limit on dimensions in central Paris, but some streets have signposted restrictions. Seine bridges are particularly constraining: pont Marie (3.5 t max), pont de Sully (4 t), pont Royal (5 t), pont des Arts (pedestrian only, banned). Check the Paris bridge technical guide on paris.fr for allowed GVW.
Underground car park heights
Paris underground car parks have limited height: 1.90 m (Concorde), 2.00 m (Saint-Germain, Louvre), 2.10 m (Vinci Parking Bastille). A medium van (Kangoo: 1.81 m) fits, a Trafic (2.07 m) not everywhere. Check your vehicle height before any underground parking. Entry portals cut bodywork on error.
Delivery and pro parking in Paris
The City of Paris created around 9,500 shared delivery spaces. Standard hours: 7 am-11 am for pros, 11 am-8 pm for short stay (30 min max). Pro vans use a mandatory « Delivery vehicle » sticker on the windscreen. €135 fine and impound if hours not respected. In 2026, 80% of spaces have IoT sensors detecting stay duration.
The 2026 « Pro Mobility Card »
Established in 2024, extended in 2026, the Pro Mobility Card lets registered Paris craftsmen park 2 hours free on mixed spaces, including classic meters. Register on paris.fr, €28 annual fee. Advantage: exemption from FPS (post-parking fees) €35-75 on forgetfulness.
Time restrictions: circulation bans
Paris applies restrictions for > 7.5 t vans (heavy trucks): ban 5-9 pm Fridays, 10 am-4 pm Sundays and bank holidays. For < 7.5 t (most B licence vans), these do not apply, but specific axes (rue de Rivoli in LTZ, Champs-Élysées weekend) can impose limits.
Specific van driving in Paris
Five driving differences to integrate. 1) Rear blind spot: up to 4 m blind zone on a large van. Systematically use mirrors and reverse camera. 2) Increased braking distances: +20-30% vs private car. 3) Seine quay crosswind (Cadillac effect): maintain course holding. 4) Turning radius: plan 1.5 m extra in manoeuvres. 5) Height: watch balconies and awnings in Marais streets.
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