From November 1, winter tires will be compulsory in 48 departments. But can we put chains instead?
It is a measure which was already in the boxes and which was therefore formalized a few weeks ago. From November 1, winter tires will be compulsory in no less than 48 French departments located in mountainous regions, in whole or in part only. Specific panels will then be installed at the start and end of the areas affected by this new measure, called Mountain Law, thus allowing motorists to be informed of the legislation in force in the municipality where they are. Because this new obligation does not only concern road users residing in areas subject to it, since even those who are simply passing through will also have to comply. The aim is thus to reduce accidents linked to bad weather conditions and in particular to too low a grip rate, due to snow and ice. This measure will then last until March 31, 2022 and will now be renewed each year.
Snow or winter tires will therefore be compulsory, and your car must therefore be fitted with rubber stamped M + S or 3PMSF, an acronym that must then be associated with the alpine symbol representing a snowflake in a mountain with three peaks. But if you look at the government’s website, however, it says that it is not necessarily necessary to change your tires to enter an area. It is stated that ” the obligation will concern light and utility vehicles, motor homes, heavy goods vehicles and coaches circulating in the areas established by the prefects. As such, their drivers must: have removable non-slip devices in their trunk (metal or textile snow chains) enabling at least two driving wheels to be fitted “. It will therefore be quite possible to move around the municipalities subject to the Mountain Law with chains or socks, even if these are only in the trunk of the car. You must then be able to install them as soon as necessary.
What sanctions?
Anyway, all light and utility vehicles, as well as motor homes, trucks without trailers and coaches will be affected by this measure. For their part, heavy goods vehicles with trailers must have snow chains enabling at least two drive wheels to be fitted, even if they are fitted with winter tires. On the other hand, vehicles fitted with studded tires are not covered by this new law. On the other hand, in the event of a control, no sanction will be applied this year, the police being called upon to demonstrate their pedagogy from November 1 to March 31, in order to give road users time to make their arrangements. . And for good reason, the authorities and professionals in the sector already fear a shortage of snow tires, while drivers rush to car centers. The first penalties will therefore fall at the end of 2022, the offenders then risking a fine of 135 €, as well as immobilization of the vehicle.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Winter tires: are we going to see stock shortages?
Where to store your summer tires in winter?
Winter tires compulsory: motorhomes also affected?
