As of November 1, 2021, 10 million residents of France’s mountainous regions are required to equip their vehicles. Tourists and visitors must also comply with these requirements. They must have winter tires or anti-skid devices, such as snow chains.
In addition, Decree No. 2020-126 of October 16, 2020, will take effect this winter. The Prime Minister ratified it after it was passed by Parliament.
This decree extends the 1985 Mountain Act. Article 27 of Law No. 2016-1888 of December 28, 2016, had already supplemented it. This law aims to modernize, develop, and protect mountain regions.
The Mountain Act and Its Geographic Scope
Since its adoption in 1985, the “Winter Law” (as it is also known) has aimed to balance the protection, development, and urbanization of mountainous areas. With this in mind, it seemed essential to precisely define the affected areas and ensure safe passage through them.
Accordingly, Decree No. 2020-126 of October 16, 2020, assigns this responsibility to the prefects. They ensure compliance with the rules in the six mountain ranges of metropolitan France: the Massif Central, the Vosges, the Jura, the Alps, the Pyrenees, and Corsica. Three mountain ranges in the overseas departments and communities (DROM-COM) are also affected: Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Réunion. Prefects monitor the use of winter tires and anti-skid devices according to the type of vehicle.
More than 48 French departments and 5,500 municipalities are therefore implementing these new measures. Residents, tourists, and visitors must take the necessary precautions.
TIME FRAME AND BENEFITS OF THE NEW MEASURES
These new requirements apply specifically to the winter season, from November 1 through March 31 of each year.
This season is associated with significant road hazards (snow, black ice, etc.), and drivers’ failure to use winter equipment is responsible for many accidents. In fact, on average between 2010 and 2019, the month of December alone accounted for 10% of annual motorist fatalities*.
REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH VEHICLE CATEGORY
The regulations we will have to comply with, effective November 1, 2021, vary depending on the vehicle category.
Therefore, vehicles in categories N1 (passenger cars) and M1 (goods vehicles weighing less than 3.5 metric tons) must be equipped with snow chains or other removable devices on at least two driven wheels, or with at least two winter tires per axle.
Vehicles in categories M2, M3 (public transportation), N2 (freight transport between 3.5 metric tons and 12 metric tons), and N3 (freight transport over 12 metric tons) without a trailer or semi-trailer must have snow chains on at least two drive wheels or winter tires on at least two steering wheels and two drive wheels.
Finally, vehicles in categories N2 (freight transport between 3.5 metric tons and 12 metric tons) and N3 (freight transport exceeding 12 metric tons) with a trailer or semi-trailer must have snow chains on at least two driven wheels.
See our detailed fact sheet on the "Mountain Law"
It should also be noted that, with regard to sign B26, the law remains unchanged. The use of snow chains on mountain passes therefore remains mandatory when there is snow on the road (Article R314-3 of the Highway Code).
THE SOLUTION POLAIRE
Because we know how important road safety is—especially during the winter, when the risk of accidents increases significantly—Polaire has the solution for you.
Polaire is here to help by offering a range of metal, fabric, or hybrid anti-skid products for both individuals and professionals. By using these snow chains and snow socks with your summer or winter tires, you can ensure optimal safety for yourself and your loved ones when driving on snowy roads.
Of course, these anti-skid devices can also be used as an alternative to winter tires for vehicle categories N1, N2, M1, M2, and M3.
Check out our “Winter Gear” category on our website to explore the wide selection available to you!
INDIVIDUALS: SNOW CHAINS
PROFESSIONAL SNOW CHAINS
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS
Of course, if you do not comply with the Mountain Law, you are subject to penalties.
A 4th-class traffic ticket, in the amount of €135, will be issued for failure to carry the mandatory safety equipment required for each vehicle (winter tires and/or snow chains). In addition, your vehicle may be impounded if it causes a roadblock.
So…isn’t it wise to invest in your own safety and that of others?
Choose Polaire now and get ready for winter!