At present, winter tyres are not compulsory in France. But from 1 November, some French motorists will have to comply with the new rules for driving in winter: the Mountain Law 2.
What does it say? When and how should you equip your vehicle to comply? Pirelli tells you all about these new requirements, and helps you choose the right tyres for your vehicle and your needs.
What the Mountain Law 2 says
The Mountain Law 2 of 28 December 2016 is a law for the modernisation, development and protection of mountain territories that has modified the highway code. Its implementing decree, which came into force on 18 October 2020, makes special equipment adapted to winter driving compulsory from 2021 in certain mountain areas from 1 November to 31 March of the following year.
It aims above all to increase the safety of road users, but also to improve traffic conditions in winter, in particular by avoiding blockages during snowy periods, such as the "chassé-croisé".
The areas concerned
The Loi Montagne 2 will apply in the French mountainous massifs (Alps, Corsica, Massif Central, Massif Jurassien, Pyrenees, Massif Vosgien), which concerns 48 departments.
Within these departments, it is the prefects who will designate by decree the communes in which obligations will apply.
What equipment is required to comply with the law?
All private vehicles (light vehicles and light commercial vehicles), heavy goods vehicles or buses entering the zone concerned must either have non-removable devices (equip the wheels with 4 "Winter" or "All Season" tyres), or removable anti-skid devices (metal or textile snow chains) allowing at least two driving wheels to be equipped.
What is at risk?
If you are driving in a zone concerned by the Loi Montagne 2 and your vehicle is not equipped with suitable equipment when you are checked, the law provides for a fine of €135 and possible immobilisation of the vehicle.
Pirelli solutions
Our two ranges, Winter and All Season, comply with the new regulations and both have the 3PMSF marking, which, unlike the simple M+S marking (for Mud+Snow, mud and snow), certifies the performance of the tyre on snow and ice thanks to a standardised test. Make sure that this marking is present on the sidewall of the tyre, otherwise your vehicle will not be considered as being equipped with a winter device. However, please note that the M+S marking is tolerated until 1 November 2024.
If you are likely to encounter severe winter conditions (cold, snow, black ice, etc.), we recommend that you double up on your equipment:
- 4 summer tyres from 1 April to 31 October
- 4 winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March
If you wish to store your summer tyres throughout the winter period in order to be able to reuse them the following year, Pirelli offers you a storage service, which ensures the storage and safekeeping of your winter or summer tyres until the next season.
The material used in winter tyres is designed to provide optimum grip and high traction in both wet and dry conditions, thus reducing the risk of aquaplaning. If you are looking for the best snow tyres or, more generally, winter tyres capable of safely withstanding the lowest temperatures and the most adverse weather conditions, Pirelli's offer will satisfy your requirements.
If you occasionally encounter winter conditions and have to drive through departments affected by the Loi Montagne 2, we recommend a single set of 4 All Season tyres.
This particular type of tyre is suitable for all seasons and perfectly combines the specific characteristics of summer and winter tyres. The result is a unique solution that can be used all year round. The best All Season tyres are mainly characterised by two aspects: ease of use and functionality.
