Editor’s Note
This article outlines the 2023-2024 winter tire regulations in France, specifying the 34 departments and 4,174 municipalities where the requirement is in effect from November 1 to March 31.
For the third consecutive year, the requirement to equip your car with winter tires (so-called “snow tires”) or to carry chains to drive in half of French departments applies from November 1, 2023, until March 31, 2024. Although 48 departments are potentially affected by this law because they are located in white zones or at-risk areas, the measure ultimately applies only to 4,174 municipalities across 34 departments (Alps, Corsica, Massif Central, Jura Mountains, Pyrenees, Vosges Mountains). The goal is to limit accidents and traffic jams (particularly at the entrances to winter sports resorts) that can be caused by inadequate equipment.
For cars, vans, 4x4s, SUVs, and motorhomes, “you must either possess removable anti-skid devices (chains and snow socks) or equip your vehicle with winter tires,” details the Road Safety website. These “snow tires” are identified by one of the markings “M+S”, “M.S” or “M&S” or by the joint presence of one of these markings and the “alpine symbol” known as “3PMSF” (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake). From November 1, 2024, only “3PMSF” tires will be accepted. These tires evacuate water and melted snow more quickly and improve grip and braking.
You must equip yourself with them, even if you are just a tourist passing through one of the municipalities subject to the obligation. To avoid regular changes, it may also be worthwhile to switch to so-called “all-season” tires, although winter tires are more effective in the face of heavy snowfall or black ice. This can represent a significant investment, not necessarily profitable if you only use this equipment a few days a year.
Since the law was implemented in 2021, authorities have not issued any penalties for offenders. And this will again be the case this year.
This is indicated by the Road Safety website. The decree providing for the penalty, namely a fine of €135, has not been published in the Official Journal.
Due to a lack of European regulation, each country applies its own measures, as the European Consumer Centre (ECC) reminds us. Thus, no obligation is in force in the United Kingdom, Belgium, or the Netherlands. Snow tires are required in Germany, Austria, or Norway only when weather conditions require it (black ice, packed snow, slush, ice patches, or frost).
Their use is mandatory during a specified period in the Baltic countries, Finland, or Sweden. Finally, in Spain and Italy, motorists must equip their vehicle with snow tires only if a road sign requires it.
