The State had postponed several times, the law has now come into force. Since November 1, 2024, new regulations require motorists to equip their vehicles with new tires during winter. Gone are the days when tires with only the M+S (Mud + Snow) marking were enough. From now on, only 3PMSF certified tires (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) will be recognized as compliant. This certification, symbolized by a logo representing three mountain peaks with a snowflake, guarantees optimal performance on roads damaged by snow or ice.
However, motorists have the choice between two options to comply: either equip their vehicle with four 3PMSF certified winter tires, or have snow chains or socks allowing at least two drive wheels to be fitted. For heavy goods vehicles with a trailer or semi-trailer, the requirements are even stricter: they must have chains, even if they are equipped with winter tires.
135 euros fine in the event of an infraction
This obligation concerns all vehicles with four wheels or more: light vehicles, utility vehicles, motorhomes, coaches, buses and heavy goods vehicles. The areas concerned are also clearly identified by specific road signs, installed at the entrances and exits of the regulated sectors. A sign reminds you of the application period, from November 1 to March 31.
The prefects of the departments concerned, in collaboration with local elected officials, have established the precise list of municipalities subject to this obligation. This measure covers all of the French massifs: Alps, Corsica, Massif Central, Jura Massif, Pyrenees and Vosges Massif. Appropriate signage is put in place to inform users, a necessary condition to make the measure enforceable.
The police will be able to carry out checks and sanction offenders with a fine of 135 euross. More than a simple infraction, non-compliance with these regulations can also result in immobilization of the vehicle or prohibition of access to mountainous areasparticularly in difficult weather conditions. It is therefore better to comply to have a trouble-free ski holiday.
This new regulation aims above all to improve road safety in winter and to streamline traffic in mountainous areas. It responds to the numerous incidents observed in previous years, where poorly equipped vehicles found themselves in difficulty, sometimes causing significant blockages to road traffic.
- M+S tires are no longer sufficient: only 3PMSF certified tires or chains will be accepted from November 1, 2024
- The measure concerns 34 mountainous departments and all vehicles with four wheels and more
- Violators face a fine of 135 euros and possible immobilization of their vehicle.
