Food trucks have become a popular phenomenon in the mobile catering sector. However, the regulations governing these vehicles are complex, particularly when it comes to VASP (Véhicule Automoteur Spécialement Aménagé) approval. This article examines the legal aspects of food trucks without VASP approval, as well as the standards that need to be met in order to carry out this activity legally.
What is VASP certification?
VASP certification is an essential administrative procedure for owners of purchased food trucks and other mobile commercial vehicles. This certification guarantees that the vehicle complies with current health and safety standards.
Why is VASP certification necessary?
VASP approval is required to guarantee the safety of passengers and consumers, ensure compliance with health standards for the sale of foodstuffs, enable the vehicle to be registered as a VASP, make it easier to pass roadworthiness tests, and obtain insurance suited to the commercial activity.
Costs and procedures for obtaining VASP certification
The cost of VASP certification depends on the complexity of the modifications made. On average, the entire procedure costs between €500 and €2000. The main stages in the process are to make the necessary modifications, compile a technical file, apply to the DREAL for approval, have the vehicle inspected by an approved expert, and obtain the VASP certificate. It is advisable to contact your local DREAL at the start of the project to find out about specific requirements and to facilitate the procedure.
Regulations and standards: can you drive a food truck without a VASP?
By law, you can’t drive a food truck that isn’t VASP-approved. Failure to comply with VASP approval regulations can have legal and financial consequences for the owner.
European and French standards to comply with
Trucks must comply with strict requirements, particularly those governing gas equipment and electrical installations. Standard NF EN 1949 requires the use of compliant regulators and hoses, adequate ventilation and the installation of a gas detector for gas systems. Standard NF C 15-100 requires the installation of a differential circuit breaker, the use of compliant cables and sockets, and overload protection for electrical installations.
Insurance and roadworthiness implications
The absence of VASP approval for a food truck has major repercussions. Firstly, insurance companies may refuse to cover a non-approved vehicle, or cancel the contract in the event of a claim, exposing the owner to considerable financial risk. Secondly, a vehicle converted into a food truck without VASP certification will not be able to pass the mandatory roadworthiness test, making it impossible to operate legally on public roads.
What are the steps involved in obtaining VASP certification?
Obtaining VASP approval for a food truck requires meticulous attention to administrative details.
Transformation of the vehicle into a food truck
Converting a vehicle into a food truck requires the installation of specific equipment, including a suitable work surface, cooking equipment, a refrigeration system, a sink with running water, secure storage, compliant electrical installation and a ventilation system. To guarantee a successful transformation, it is strongly recommended to entrust this work to a specialized professional. Companies like Ecomag offer tailor-made, turnkey solutions for transforming vehicles into compliant food trucks.
Preparing the file for the DREAL
Once the truck has been converted, a complete file must be submitted to the DREAL (Direction Régionale de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement) in your region. This file must include :
- Vehicle registration certificate
- A detailed description of the modifications made to the vehicle
- Photos of the vehicle before and after conversion
- Invoices for installed equipment
- Certificates of conformity for installations (gas, electricity)
- A technical report drawn up by an accredited expert
Inspection and issue of RTI report
The DREAL carries out a physical inspection of the food truck after examining the file. If the vehicle complies, a procès-verbal de Réception à Titre Isolé (RTI) is issued. This document is required to obtain a new vehicle registration document from the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés), enabling the vehicle to be registered as a VASP with the word “Magasin” (“Shop”). To facilitate the process of obtaining VASP approval, it is advisable to call on experienced professionals like Ecomag, to ensure that the equipment installed complies with standards and is certified, to meticulously document each stage of the conversion, to prepare a complete and well-organized file for the DREAL, and to anticipate potentially long administrative delays.
Food trucks and VASP certification
VASP certification remains a complex issue for food truck owners (new food trucks or second-hand food trucks). Although some choose to operate without such certification, this entails legal and insurance risks. In the future, we can expect regulations to evolve to provide a better framework for this booming activity, while maintaining safety standards for mobile catering vehicles.