MOUNTAIN LAW

On roads displaying the "special equipment mandatory" sign, you must install snow chains on your tires if the road is snow-covered (and not simply have them in the trunk). Winter tires are also permitted, unless marked "snow chains mandatory".

What's new?

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT FROM NOVEMBER 1 TO MARCH 31

From November 1st to March 31st, in certain areas of the mountain ranges indicated by the signs opposite, your vehicle (passenger car, light commercial vehicle or camper van) must:

be fitted with snow chains (or equivalent devices) in the trunk to equip at least two drive wheels;
or be permanently equipped with four winter tires.
To find out more, visit the French road safety website : https://www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr/chacun-son-mode-de-deplacement/dangers-de-la-route-en-voiture/equipement-de-la-voiture/nouveaux

Which equipment to choose?

CHAINS
These are metal snow chains or equivalent removable anti-skid devices, such as textile snow chains ("socks").

When should chains be fitted to winter tires?

TIP
We recommend fitting chains to winter tires when weather conditions call for improved grip. Chains are particularly useful in situations of heavy snow, black ice or slippery roads.

In general, it's a good idea to fit chains when the weather forecast calls for heavy snowfall or freezing temperatures, to ensure optimum traction on snowy and icy roads.

How do I fit chains to winter tires?

Don't wait until the last moment to install your chains, to avoid the risk of getting stuck and obstructing the passage of other vehicles.
For installation, choose a flat area with plenty of room, so as not to endanger yourself or impede traffic.
Make sure you wear a reflective vest.
Remember to re-tension your chains after a few kilometers.
The use of chains on dry roads is forbidden. It damages the road and can damage your chains and your vehicle.

WINTER TIRES
To qualify as winter tires, tires must bear the following two markings:

the alpine symbol supplemented by the letters
"M+S", "M.S" or "M&S".
Until November 1, 2024, tires marked only "M+S", "M.S" or "M&S", without the alpine symbol, are tolerated. After that date, these tires can still be bought and used, but you must also carry chains in your vehicle to drive in the zones concerned from November 1 to March 31.

New measures in November 2024

Only 3PMSF tires will be accepted as equivalent to chains.

It will still be possible to buy and use other "snow tires", but users will need to carry additional chains to drive from November 1 to March 31 in areas affected by the measure.

If your vehicle is equipped with studded tires, you are exempt from the equipment requirements.

Reference: https://www.car2europe.com/en/articles/trips/9/mountain-law?fbclid=IwAR3X-srtgegVkGnquuwm-bNe27oLsH1X1Jdh1AfRbcA-ZqWhJGYLRryR0qg