France Winter Tyres Regulations: Compliance Check to Avoid Legal Infringements
Hit the French Slopes: A Winter Travel Guide for Motorhomes, Caravans, and More
Winter is an enchanting time to explore France, whether you're rolling in a motorhome, cruising with a caravan, or driving a campervan. But the French winter can be tricky to navigate, especially when it comes to tire laws. Here's everything you need to know to make your winter road trip safe and unforgettable.
Take advantage of our exclusive France road trip checklist (get it below) to help you plan and pack like a pro. We work hard to craft this ultimate motorhome travel blog, so if you buy through links here, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Your support means more helpful content like this!
Oh, and don't forget to treat us to a coffee. We promise to enjoy it while baking up more useful articles for your adventures.
Scurry through the French Alps with Confidence: The Winter Tyre Law
Since November 2021, it's essential in many French regions to have the right gear on your vehicle or carry chains when the Mountaineers' Law, or French tyre law, is in effect. The law applies from November 1 to March 31, regardless of weather conditions, in the mountainous regions of France, such as the Alps, Massif Central, and Pyrenees. But don't worry if you're heading north to Brittany or Bordeaux; the law doesn't touch that area.
The law seeks to reduce road congestion and accidents during snowy and icy conditions (source).
Fitting the Bill: What’s the Point of the French Winter Tyre Law?
Before November 2021, winter tyres or chains were required only when roads marked "B26 mandatory special equipment" were actually covered with snow. Starting November 1, 2021, you'll need tyres or chains for winter adventures on affected roads, regardless of current weather conditions.
Watch Your Step, or rather, Your Tires: Navigating Winter Tyre Requirements in France
Winter tyres feature special markings. Until November 1, 2024, tyres with "M + S" markings are acceptable. After November 2024, tyres need to bear the "3PMSF" marking, along with one of "M +," "MS," or "M & S." Four-season or all-season tyres with the "3PMSF" marking are also acceptable (source).
Heading toward the Burton or Cap vouchers? Here's Where to Go
Watch out, Mondor, the following departments are affected by the law, and at least one of their roads are included:
- Ain
- Allier
- Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
- Hautes-Alpes
- Alpes-Maritimes
- Ardèche
- Ariège
- Aude
- Aveyron
- Cantal
- Corrèze
- Côte-d'Or
- Creuse
- Doubs
- Drôme
- Gard
- Haute-Garonne
- Hérault
- Isère
- Jura
- Loire
- Haute-Loire
- Lot
- Lozère
- Meurthe-et-Moselle
- Moselle
- Nièvre
- Puy-de-Dôme
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Hautes-Pyrénées
- Pyrénées-Orientales
- Bas-Rhin
- Haut-Rhin
- Rhône
- Haute-Saône
- Saône-et-Loire
- Savoie
- Haute-Savoie
- Tarn
- Tarn-et-Garonne
- Var
- Vaucluse
- Haute-Vienne
- Vosges
- Yonne
- Territoire de Belfort
No Chain Unit for Snow Patrol? Fear Not
Signs along your route will let you know when you're entering a winter compulsory equipment zone. The dates to pay attention to are November 1 to March 31. You can safely ignore the signs at other times.
The figures on the signs mark the zone's start and finish, as shown below:
The French Winter Law: Breaking it Down
If you're motoring around in France, you must adhere to the following rules on the mandatory roads in affected regions from November 1 to March 31:
- All four-wheeled vehicles without trailers must be fitted with winter or four-season tyres or have snow chains or "socks" mounted on them (minimally present in the vehicle)
- Heavy vehicles without trailers can choose between winter tyres or chains
- If you have a trailer, you must have winter tyres fitted and snow chains fitted on at least two driving wheels
Designated Driver: Snow Chains and Socks - Knowing Your Difference
Snow socks are cheaper, easier to fit, and more payload-friendly for your motorhome. They're functional but not as robust as chains and are designed for short trips rather than extended winter travel. If you're embarking on a long trip or multiple short ones, choose chains instead. Whatever you select, make sure you practice fitting them beforehand (we learned our lesson by ordering the wrong size chains and realizing our mistake when we were in the mountains).
Steered Clear: The French Winter Law Does Not Apply to Motorcycles
The law only affects four-wheeled vehicles, so it seems motorcycles are safe from the requirement. But, given the road conditions, do you really want to chance riding a motorcycle without proper winter tyres?
Winter Woes: What if I'm Not Equipped?
If you're cruising through the French Alps during the winter months, forgetting to comply with the law can result in a €135 fine and potential vehicle immobilization. Faced with that, it's better to be well-prepared and equipped.
B26 Traffic Sign: A Signpost to Safety
The B26 traffic sign, which signals snow chains, will continue to mean that you must wear (not just carry) chains when snow is present on the road, even outside the winter period. These signs will be marked on the roads, with areas for you to pull in and fit chains if needed.
Your Motorhome Adventure Starts Here
Safety is paramount when cruising the French winter roads. With the right knowledge and gear, your motorhome journey through the French landscape will be a memorable one.
Whether you're gearing up for skiing or traversing the picturesque French countryside, don't forget to grab your free France travel checklist below:
Grab your FREE France road trip Checklist
Everything you need to bring when you road trip in France
Completing this form allows you to receive emails with motorhome travel and road trip tips from Wandering Bird.
We will never spam or sell your email details (yuck!) You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time.
Kathryn BirdKat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in a motorhome, start one of the UK's largest motorhome travel websites... or get a cocker spaniel.
Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.
If you'd like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.
Share | Tweet
- Ensure you understand the French Winter Tyre Law, particularly the Mountaineers' Law, to avoid penalties while navigating the French slopes with your motorhome, caravan, or campervan during winter.
- Before you embark on a winter adventure in France, consult the France road trip checklist to help you appropriately equip your vehicle with suitable winter or four-season tyres, or snow chains, in accordance with the requirements stipulated by the French Winter Tyre Law.
