France's winter mountain law (Loi Montagne) applies to motorists driving in 34 of the country's 96 mainland départements.
Motorists driving on the roads affected by the Loi Montagne must have their vehicle fitted with either snow tyres, chains, 'snow socks' or all-weather tyres which meet the legal standard in France.
Technically, France's 'mountain law' passed in 2021, but it was not implemented until 2023, with the first year serving as a grace period. However, the grace period ended in November 2024 and drivers can now be fined €135 for having incorrect tyres.
Motorists must also beware of the types of tyres allowed - only winter tyres or all-weather tyres that are marked '3PMSF' (3 peak Mountain Snow Flake) are accepted.
When
The law covers the period from November 1st to March 31st. Police begin enforcement action on November 1st.
What
In France, cars and other light commercial vehicles (with the M1 or N1 status) must either fit the car with at least two chains or employ four winter tyres.
Winter tyres (pneus contact/pneus neige/pneus hiver) - if you are using snow tyres or all-weather tyres, these must be fitted to all four of your vehicles' wheels when you enter an area covered by the mountain law. By the decree, these tyres should be designated as '3PMSF' (3 peak Mountain Snow Flake).
In previous years, tyres marked 'M+S', 'M.S' or 'M&S' were permitted. However, as of November 2024, only the 3PMSF tyres are accepted as winter tyres. If you have the M+S tyres, you will need to fit snow chains in order to be legal within the designated mountain areas.
All-weather tyres (les pneus 4 saisons) - even though many garages sell all-weather tyres, saving you the bother of changing your tyres twice a year, these don't have an official legal status. In order to be accepted as legal in the Loi Montagne areas, they too will need the 3PMSF stamp, so check carefully what you are being sold. If they do not comply, you will need to fit chains.
Studded tyres (pneus cloutés/pneus à crampons) - These are tyres adapted to drive on icy roads. As a general rule, you may use studded tyres from November until the end of March. Regional governments may adapt this date to local weather conditions, but they are not compulsory. Vehicles fitted with studded tyres are not required to have any extra equipment.
Chains (chaînes) - if you use chains instead of winter tyres, you only need these on two wheels of your car. They are allowed on all roads covered in snow, whatever the season.
'Snow socks' (Chaussettes à neige) - these are similar to chains, and again are only required for two wheels on the car. They tend to be a more affordable option.
You can find full details on the winter rules here.
Where
This is where it gets complicated, the law applies in only 34 of France's 96 mainland départements - generally those areas which are mountainous.
With those 34 départements, local authorities pick which roads the rules apply to.
The map below shows the dark blue zones where the snow tyre law applies - as you would expect, they're concentrated around the Alps, Pyrenees, Jura, Vosges and the Massif Central.
You can click here to get the interactive version of the map which allows you to zoom in and look at your area in more detail.
Map: Sécurité Routière FranceYou will also see signs as you enter or leave a snow tyre zone - the sign on the left informs you that you are entering a zone where all-weather tyres, snow tyres or chains are compulsory, the sign on the right informs you that you are leaving this zone.
Credit: French governmentMeanwhile, the B26 road sign (below) still indicates that on snow-covered roads, including outside the winter season, the wearing—and not simply the possession—of snow chains or snow socks is mandatory.
Vehicles equipped with 3PMSF tyres should continue to be permitted, unless the sign specifies otherwise.
Many other European countries also have rules on snow tyres, so if you are driving to a European neighbour during the winter, you should check what the rules are in that respective country. The European Consumer Centre France has an information page outlining the different rules in Europe.
French vocab
Tomber en panne - break down
Route barré - road closed
Déviation - diversion
Antigel - antifreeze
Route glacée - icy roads
Antipatinage - Traction control
Liquide de lave-glace spécialement adapté aux conditions hivernales - Windshield washer fluid adapted for winter conditions
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