Technical inspection of food trucks is mandatory to ensure the safety and conformity of these specialized vehicles. This article details the regulations in force, the inspection points specific to food trucks, and the steps to be taken to obtain VASP (Véhicule Automoteur Spécialement Aménagé) approval and a “Magasin” registration document. Technical inspection is a major topic for both new food trucks or second-hand food trucks.
Why is technical inspection important for food trucks?
Technical inspection of food trucks is an essential requirement to guarantee the safety and conformity of these specialized vehicles.
Safety and compliance: the pillars of roadworthiness testing
The main purpose of the technical inspection of food trucks is to check the safety of the vehicle and its specific equipment. This in-depth inspection detects any malfunctions or anomalies that could compromise the safety of occupants, customers and other road users. Check points include
- General condition of chassis and bodywork
- The braking system
- Steering and suspension
- Electrical and lighting equipment
- Gas installations and cooking equipment
Food trucks must comply with strict standards of food hygiene, fire safety and interior design. The inspection ensures that the vehicle meets all these legal requirements.
Impact on insurance and registration
An up-to-date roadworthiness certificate is essential to maintain the validity of your food truck insurance. Without a valid inspection certificate, the vehicle is no longer covered in the event of an accident, exposing the owner to considerable financial risk. What’s more, vehicle registration can be suspended in the absence of a roadworthiness certificate, making it illegal to use the vehicle on public roads.
Preserving the quality of equipment
Regular technical inspections also help to keep specific food truck equipment, such as refrigerators, worktops and ventilation systems, in good condition. This preventive maintenance helps to extend the life of the vehicle and its installations, reducing repair costs in the long term.
The basics of technical inspection for food trucks: current legislation
French legislation strictly regulates the technical inspection of food trucks, which are considered special-purpose vehicles. These rules are designed to guarantee the safety of itinerant traders and their customers, while ensuring compliance with health and environmental standards.
Legal framework for technical inspections of food trucks
Since May 20, 2018, food trucks have been subject to specific regulations concerning their technical inspection. This legislation requires these vehicles to be approved as VASPs with the word “Magasin” on their registration documents. This certification is essential to pass the technical inspection and circulate legally on French roads.
Obtaining VASP certification involves several stages:
- Application to the Direction Régionale de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement (DREAL)
- Vehicle inspection by a certified expert
- Check that fixtures and fittings are in order (water supply, electrical and gas installations, etc.).
- Issuance of homologation certificate
- Updating the vehicle registration document with “Magasin” VASP designation
Frequency and content of technical inspections
Food trucks must undergo a technical inspection according to the following schedule:
Age of vehicle | Inspection frequency |
Less than 4 years | No compulsory inspection |
Between 4 and 6 years | Every 2 years |
Over 6 years | Every year |
Preparing for a successful technical inspection
Meticulous preparation of your food truck for the technical inspection will help guarantee its conformity and avoid any inconvenience.
Pre-inspection checks
Before a food truck undergoes a technical inspection, the general condition of the vehicle must be carefully checked, including the bodywork, tires and brakes. Gas and electrical installations must be inspected, as well as the presence and operation of the water supply. The installation and efficiency of the extractor hood must be checked, and the materials used for interior fittings must comply with current standards (washable and waterproof). Finally, the validity of certificates of conformity must be checked.
Obtaining certificates of conformity
Food truck owners must ensure that their vehicle complies with current health and safety standards. This means checking that electrical equipment, gas installations and ventilation systems comply with regulations. Owners must also obtain the necessary permits from local authorities and comply with public health requirements.
Existing resources and support for itinerant traders
There are many resources and supports available to help street traders comply with regulations and pass their technical inspection.
Mandatory training and certification
A number of training courses are essential for itinerant catering:
- HACCP food hygiene training (14h): mandatory for all professionals handling foodstuffs, it costs around 300-400€.
- Operating license (20h): required to sell alcoholic beverages, costing around 500-600€.
- Specific food hygiene training (14h): required for commercial catering activities, it costs between €300 and €400.
These courses provide the certificates required for technical and administrative inspections of food trucks.
DREAL support for VASP certification
The DREAL (Direction Régionale de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement) carries out a thorough inspection of the vehicle to ensure that the installation meets the required technical and safety standards. This stage validates the application for approval, and enables us to obtain a new vehicle registration document bearing the words “VASP magasin”.
Ecomag’s expertise in customized food trucks
Ecomag, a company based in the Hauts-de-France region of France, offers full support to itinerant traders in the creation of their food truck, from the design and manufacture of custom-built vehicles that comply with current standards, with ergonomic interior fittings and hygiene standards, to the installation of certified technical equipment and support with approval and registration procedures, while providing post-sales follow-up and advice on preparation for roadworthiness tests, thus guaranteeing long-term vehicle compliance.
Common food truck inspection issues
The mobile nature of flood trucks makes inspections more difficult to plan and carry out. What’s more, food trucks are often equipped with specific equipment that requires special expertise during inspections. Compliance with food hygiene and safety standards is also a constant challenge for these trucks, which have to meet the same requirements as traditional restaurants, despite their logistical constraints. Last but not least, food truck owners sometimes have to deal with local regulations that vary from town to town, making the administrative management of their nomadic business a complex affair.
The need for technical inspections for food trucks
Technical inspection of food trucks guarantees their safety and conformity. Regulations impose strict standards for approval, registration and certification. Inspection points include gas installations, electrical equipment and compliance with food hygiene standards. Owner training and obtaining the appropriate certifications are also crucial. Despite the challenges posed by the mobile nature of these vehicles, regular technical inspections ensure compliance with safety and hygiene standards, while preserving the quality of the equipment.