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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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What rules to drive a utility vehicle in the Paris LEZ?
Crit'Air 3 utility vehicles (diesel before 2011) are banned Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm since January 2025. Crit'Air 4 and 5 are banned 24/7. A derogation exists for craftsmen with ZFE-Pro sticker (24 days per year authorised). Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are also subject to ban on central boulevards between 5pm and 11pm.
What maximum dimensions for a utility vehicle in Paris?
Height limited to 3.50 metres to access public car parks and 2.10 metres for surface parking. Maximum length of 7 metres for angled parking. Width of 2.50 metres maximum excluding mirrors. Beyond, parking is only authorised on loading areas or dedicated white zones. Check tunnel heights before trip (Concorde 2.80 m, Tuileries 4.10 m).
Where to park a utility vehicle in Paris legally?
3 options: 1) free 30-minute maximum loading areas with disc (1,200 identified zones), 2) covered public car parks compatible with height (Saemes, Indigo) at 4 to 6 euros per hour, 3) standard paid parking spaces if dimensions allow (2 to 6 euros per hour by zone). Obstructive parking is fined 135 euros and impound costs 158 euros plus 10 euros per day of custody.
Which licence to drive a utility vehicle in Paris?
The B licence is enough up to 3.5 tonnes GVW (gross vehicle weight). Beyond, the C or C1 licence is needed (up to 7.5 tonnes). To tow a trailer over 750 kg with a utility vehicle, the BE licence becomes mandatory if the set exceeds 4.25 tonnes GVW. The FIMO (Compulsory Initial Minimum Training) is required for professional road transport.
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