License-free car: everything you need to know
Definition, rules, brands, prices and roads you may use, everything to know about L6e light quadricycles.
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 Europe 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?
From age 16
A category AM licence (moped licence) or a category B1 licence is required to drive a light quadricycle on UK roads.
AM licence (or B1)
The AM licence is the minimum requirement; a full car licence covering category B1 also lets you drive one, with no extra test needed.
Licence suspended or revoked
You cannot drive a light quadricycle without a valid AM or B1 entitlement; a driving ban applies to these vehicles just as it does to any other motor vehicle.
License-free cars in figures
300,000+
license-free cars registered in France (Europe's biggest market)
~30,000
new registrations/year
45 km/h
legal top speed
2 seats
L6e-A type approval
License-free car brands available in Europe
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 | Zero-emission, exempt from ULEZ/CAZ charges | Must meet the Euro 3 motorcycle standard to avoid ULEZ/CAZ charges |
| Noise | Silent | Audible engine |
Roads open to license-free cars
License-free cars can use the vast majority of the UK road network, except for roads reserved for speeds above 45 km/h.
Allowed
- ✓ Local and unclassified roads
- ✓ B-roads
- ✓ Non-primary A-roads away from expressways
- ✓ Town centres and 20/30 mph zones
Off-limits
- ✗ Motorways (M)
- ✗ Dual carriageways and other fast roads
- ✗ Ring roads with a minimum speed above 45 km/h
- ✗ The M25 London orbital motorway
Breaking this rule can mean a fine and penalty points, with the amount depending on where you are stopped. 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?
It depends on the country. In France, license-free cars first registered before 2017 have had to pass a first test since 15 March 2024. In the UK, check with the DVSA whether an MOT applies to your specific model.
Can you drive a license-free car on a motorway?
No. Access to motorways is strictly banned for license-free cars, with fines and penalty points depending on where you are stopped.
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.
Download on the App Store →