Section 2: Seizure by immobilisation of the vehicle

The device used to immobilise a vehicle, in accordance with the provisions of article L. 223-2, clearly indicates the bailiff’s telephone number. An official imprint, the characteristics of which are determined by order of the Minister of Justice, shall appear on the device. The provisions of article R. 221-12.

If the vehicle is immobilised during a seizure and sale carried out on the premises occupied by the debtor or in the hands of a third party who is holding it on the debtor’s behalf, the procedure is the same as for a seizure and sale.

In all other cases, the bailiff will draw up an immobilisation report. Under penalty of nullity, this document contains 1° A reference to the enforcement order under which the vehicle was immobilised; 2° The date and time the vehicle was immobilised; 3° An indication of the place where it was immobilised and, if applicable, the place where it was transported to be deposited; 4° A brief description of the vehicle,…

If the vehicle has been immobilised in the absence of the debtor, the bailiff shall inform the debtor of this on the same day as the immobilisation, by simple letter addressed to or deposited at the debtor’s place of residence. This letter shall contain : 1° A reference to the enforcement order under which the vehicle has been immobilised; 2° An indication of the place where the vehicle has been…

Where the vehicle has been immobilised to obtain payment of a sum of money and the creditor does not implement the simplified enforcement procedure provided for in the second paragraph of article 2346 of the Civil Code, the bailiff shall serve on the debtor, no later than eight days after the immobilisation, a summons to pay which contains, under penalty of nullity : 1° A copy of the immobilisation report;…

In the case provided for in article R. 223-10, the vehicle is sold as in the case of seizure and sale.

If the vehicle has been immobilised in order to be handed over to its owner, the bailiff shall serve the person required to hand over the vehicle, no later than eight days after the immobilisation, with a document containing, under penalty of nullity : 1° A copy of the immobilisation report; 2° An injunction to report within eight days to the bailiff’s office to agree with him the conditions for…

In the specific case where the vehicle has been immobilised in order to be handed over to a pledgee, the bailiff shall serve the person required to hand over the vehicle, no later than eight days after the immobilisation, with a document containing, under penalty of nullity : 1° A copy of the immobilisation report; 2° An injunction to report to the bailiff’s office within eight days to agree with…