Travel in Europe behind the wheel
of a new car
Mountain Law
What doesn't change:
On roads with the "special equipment required" sign you must install snow chains on your tires if the road is snowy (not just have them in the trunk). Winter tires are also allowed, unless it says "snow chains required".
What is changing:
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
FROM NOVEMBER 1ST TO MARCH 31ST
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 motor home) must have:
- snow chains (or equivalent devices) in the trunk to equip at least two driving wheels
- be permanently equipped with four winter tires.
Any failure to comply with this obligation will not be penalized during the first year of the implementation of this system, from November 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023
Visit the Road Safety website to learn more. https://www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr/chacun-son-mode-de-deplacement/dangers-de-la-route-en-voiture/equipement-de-la-voiture/nouveaux
What equipment should you choose?
CHAINS
These are metal snow chains or equivalent removable anti-skid devices, such as textile snow chains ("socks").
When and how to put on chains?
TIP
Before leaving, practice mounting the chains and remember to bring gloves and a headlamp.
- Do not wait until the last moment to install your chains, to avoid the risk of getting stuck and obstructing the passage of other vehicles.
- For the installation, choose preferably a flat area with room to spare so as not to endanger yourself or hinder traffic. Be sure to wear a reflective vest.
- Remember to re-tension the chains after a few miles.
- The use of chains on dry roads is prohibited. It damages the roads and can also damage your chains or your vehicle.
WINTER TIRES
To be considered as winter tires, the tires must have the following two markings:
- the alpine symbol completed 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 allowed. After that date, the purchase and use of these tires is still possible, but you must also have chains in your vehicle to drive from November 1 to March 31 in the areas concerned.
From November 1, 2024
Only 3PMSF tires will be accepted as equivalent to chains.
The purchase and use of other "snow tires" will remain possible, but users will have to have chains in addition to these tires to drive from November 1 to March 31 in the areas affected by the measure.
If your vehicle is equipped with studded tires, you are exempt from the equipment requirements.
