VASP or not: should you certify your van in France?
Removable or fixed layout, roadworthiness test, insurance, resale: what really changes under French rules, and how to decide before you drill the first hole.
VASP stands for "véhicule automoteur spécialisé" (specialised motor vehicle). It is the entry on a French registration document that recognises a vehicle as a motorhome. When a private owner converts a van, it is obtained through an individual approval (RTI) from the regional authority, the DREAL.
This guide covers France. For other countries, open the Regulations card in the Info tab of the 3D planner.
The real question: is your layout fixed?
- Quickly removable, with no fixed gas or kitchen: the vehicle can generally stay registered as a van (CTTE). Common guidance refers to a basic layout that can be taken out in about two hours.
- Fixed (seats and table, bed, kitchen, storage): your vehicle meets the definition of a motorhome, and certification becomes mandatory.
There is no single list of what passes: test centres and DREAL offices do not always read the rules the same way. Ask your DREAL and your insurer before you start, and keep their answers in writing.
The risks without certification
- Failing the roadworthiness test if the vehicle no longer matches its registration document.
- A fine if you are stopped.
- Your insurer refusing to pay out after a claim.
- A harder resale.
What certification brings
- Motorhome insurance that can cover the conversion itself.
- A roadworthiness test with no debate about the layout.
- An inspected installation, which matters above all for gas.
- Better resale value.
The steps
- Download the RTI form and contact the DREAL for your department (the DRIEAT in the Paris region).
- Ask the manufacturer for the base vehicle's descriptive notice, and for its authorisation if you change the weight or structure.
- Draw a dimensioned plan: seats, bed, furniture, tanks, doors and exits.
- Work out the load distribution and check that the gross vehicle weight is respected.
- Have the work inspected by a body such as Qualigaz or Veritas to get the certificate of conformity.
- Submit the file to the DREAL. With the approval report, apply for the new registration document.
The standards most often cited are NF EN 1949 (gas), NF EN 721 (safety ventilation), NF EN 1648-2 (12 V electrics) and NF EN 1646-1 (habitation, health and safety).
Budget: generally allow €500 to €1,500, depending on what you do yourself and any corrections requested.
How to decide
- Occasional use, removable bed and storage, no fixed gas: you can stay registered as a CTTE. Tell your insurer about the layout in writing.
- Complete, long-term conversion, gas on board, possible resale: aim for VASP from the design stage, and keep invoices, photos and plans at every step.
In OurVan, the dimensioned plan booklet helps you prepare the plan, and the Regulations card checks the equipment in your layout. Neither replaces the opinion of your DREAL.