License-free car: everything you need to know
Definition, rules, brands, prices and roads you may use, everything to know about L6e light quadricycles in France.
What is a license-free car?
VSP is the French abbreviation of Voiture Sans Permis (license-free car). It officially refers to an L6e light quadricycle under European rules. Its speed is capped at 45 km/h, its motor cannot exceed 4 kW in the electric version or 50cc in the petrol version. The cabin is limited to 2 seats and the kerb weight does not exceed 425 kg.
A full body shell is not required by regulation, but the vast majority of models sold in France have one. The license-free car is also known as a "voiturette", a "microcar" or a "light quadricycle".
Popular since the 1980s with brands such as Aixam and Ligier, the license-free car is enjoying a strong revival thanks to affordable electric models (Citroën Ami, Fiat Topolino). It meets a real need for individual mobility without the constraints of the standard B licence.
Who can drive a license-free car?
Born before 1/1/1988
Free to drive, no licence required. The rules in force before the European directive still apply.
Born after 1/1/1988
AM licence (BSR) required. Available from age 14, after at least 7 hours of training.
B licence suspended or cancelled
Driving a license-free car is possible under the legal conditions; a B licence suspension does not target light quadricycles for those born before 1988.
License-free cars in figures
300,000+
license-free cars on French roads
~30,000
new registrations/year
45 km/h
legal top speed
2 seats
L6e-A type approval
License-free car brands available in France
See all the models on the page license-free car →
Electric vs petrol license-free car
| Criterion | Electric | Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 75 to 100 km | 250 to 350 km |
| Charge / Fill-up | 1.50 € (220V socket) | 8 to 12 € (fuel) |
| Yearly upkeep | 150 to 300 € | 400 to 700 € |
| LEZ | Crit'Air 0, exempt | Crit'Air 2-3 |
| Noise | Silent | Audible engine |
Roads open to license-free cars
License-free cars can use the vast majority of the French road network, except for roads reserved for speeds above 45 km/h.
Allowed
- ✓ Town roads
- ✓ Secondary (D) roads
- ✓ Main (N) roads away from expressways
- ✓ Town centres and 30 km/h zones
Off-limits
- ✗ Motorways (A)
- ✗ Expressways and fast roads
- ✗ Ring roads with a minimum speed >45 km/h
- ✗ The Paris ring road
For a breach on a banned road, the fine is 1,500 €. Standard GPS apps (Waze, Google Maps) do not filter out these roads.
TacTac filters out banned roads automatically →License-free car price in 2026
Entry level
8,000 to 10,000 €
Citroën Ami, Aixam Minauto
Mid range
10,000 to 14,000 €
Ligier Myli, Microcar M.Go
Premium
14,000 to 18,000 €
Ligier JS60, Aixam Crossover
Luxury
18,000 €+
Aixam Coupé Premium, fully loaded versions
Frequently asked questions about license-free cars
What does VSP mean?
Voiture Sans Permis (license-free car). It officially refers to L6e light quadricycles in France and Belgium.
What is the difference between a license-free car and a normal car?
The license-free car is capped at 45 km/h, limited to 2 seats, not allowed on motorways and does not require the B licence. It is type-approved L6e under European directive 168/2013.
Does a license-free car go through a roadworthiness test?
Yes, since 2024. License-free cars first registered before 2017 have had to pass their first test since 15 March 2024.
Can you drive a license-free car on a motorway?
No. Access to motorways is strictly banned for license-free cars. The fine is 1,500 €.
License-free car or voiturette: what is the difference?
None, they are synonyms. "Voiturette" is the everyday term, "VSP" the popular abbreviation, and "L6e light quadricycle" the official regulatory name.
Learn more
Do you drive a license-free car?
TacTac is the only GPS built for light quadricycles. Filtered routes, ETA at 45 km/h, suitable voice guidance.
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