France’s winter tyre law: tyres or chains from November, still no fine

What applies again from November

Who has to do what? The text itself is clear: from 1 November to 31 March, in mountain communes designated by order of the prefect, vehicles with four or more wheels must either be fitted with four winter tyres or carry snow chains or snow socks for at least two driving wheels [1] [2]. The French public information service restated the rule for winter 2026-2027 on 20 October: cars, vans, motorhomes, coaches and lorries are all covered, in 34 mountain départements, from the Alps to the Pyrenees by way of the Massif Central, the Jura and the Vosges [1]. The UK government’s travel advice for France sets out the same requirement for anyone driving there [3].

In practice: nothing more to do if all four tyres carry the alpine symbolA three-peaked mountain around a snowflake, moulded into the tyre sidewall; also called 3PMSF.. Since 1 November 2024, a tyre marked only M+S no longer counts: like a summer tyre, it means chains or snow socks must be in the boot [1] [2]. They only go on when the road calls for it; with no snow or ice, they stay in the boot [4]. On the road, sign B58 marks the start of a zone and sign B59 its end [5].

Why the rule is still not enforced with a fine

It is the question every autumn, and the answer has not changed. In a reply published in the Journal officiel on 17 February 2026, the French interior ministry wrote that the measure has been applied ‘in an educational way, without penalty’ from the start, and that a penalty requires a decree [6]. The government first wanted to settle the case of ‘Professional Off Road’ tyres, used by electricity network operators and the police among others, which are not winter tyres. An order of 30 October 2025 did so, too late for the decree to appear in 2025 [6].

What it means for you: as of 24 October 2026, we have found no penalty decree, and the Service-Public page on this winter mentions no fine [1]. The €135 that resurfaces every year is the amount of a fourth-class offence that has been announced, not a penalty in force [7]; the UK government’s advice simply warns that you could receive a fine [3]. Nothing stops the decree appearing mid-season, though: if it does, we will update this page.

What to check before driving up to the resort

• The commune and the road: the Sécurité routière map, then the order for the département, with its date [4].
• The sidewall of all four tyres: the alpine symbol. If it is missing, chains or snow socks in the right size, for two driving wheels.
• A practice fitting at home, in calm conditions, as the French road safety agency advises, rather than at the side of a snowy road [4].

Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes, road signs and the rules in neighbouring countries are covered in our guide to winter tyres and the Loi Montagne. If you are sleeping on site, our winter campervan guide deals with heating and frost; and if the road worries you, the mountains can also be reached by train and bus. A rule without a fine is still a rule: check your kit at home, not at the foot of the pass.

Arnaud Couderc

Fact-checking, regulations and safety

Arnaud Couderc reviews our contributors’ articles and writes for Outfarer about regulations, safety, fishing, the sea and outdoor pursuits. He traces every rule back to its official text and every figure to its source, so that you set off with sound benchmarks.

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