British expats and motorists warned of fines for breaking little-known European driving law
The laws are in operation until March
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Motorists are being warned of hefty fines and other consequences they could face if they do not abide by French driving laws.
With Christmas getting closer, many UK drivers will be looking to travel, with some potentially opting to visit Europe and soak up the winter weather.
Over five million British motorists drive in France every year, with warnings being issued for winter driving laws.
From November 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, drivers must ensure their vehicles have winter tyres or snow chains equipped in certain mountainous areas.
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This law was first unveiled on November 1, 2021, in a bid to improve traffic on roads and boost safety for motorists.
According to the French Republic website, vehicles must either have metal snow chains or snow socks in their trunk allowing at least two wheels to be fitted.
They can either do that or equip four winter tyres, mounted on at least two wheels of each axle.
However, the obligation does not apply to vehicles equipped with studded tyres.
The penalty for non-compliance is €135 or £117 and the “immobilisation” of their vehicle.
Almost 50 areas are affected by the changes in mountain ranges including the Alps, Corsica, Massif Central, Jura Massif, Pyrenees and Vosges Massif.
Drivers will know when they are entering an area with these requirements with red entrance signs and black signs to signal that these are no longer required.
Buses, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) without trailers and coaches must have chains or winter tyres and are subject to stricter measures.
Currently, winter tyres are defined as those with the universal standard “M and S” marking – meaning mud and snow.
The laws will be tightened next year, meaning the winter tyres must be marked as “3PMSF”, meaning "three peak mountain snowflake".
To allow motorists to adapt to the new changes, no sanctions will be applied during the 2023-2024 winter season.
Similar laws are in place for other European countries, with many nations using signs depicting snow chains to make drivers aware of the changes.
In Germany, people are required to have winter tyres on snowy or icy roads, which are usually necessary from October to April, although drivers are urged to check the legislation where they are visiting.
Snow tyres or snow chains are regulated by regions and municipalities between November 15 and April 15, according to Michelin.
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Snow chains are also a requirement in other European countries
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In Belgium, studded tyres are permitted between November 1 and March 31, depending on the road conditions.