Winter tires and snow chains are compulsory in France

In France, new regulations for winter truck tires will come into force from November 1, 2021. The regulations apply in mountain regions and for trucks with a permissible total weight of 3.5 tons or more. Trucks without a trailer or semi-trailer, including those with a gross vehicle weight of less than 3.5 tons, must have at least two snow chains that can be attached to the drive axles.

Alternatively, the purchase of snow chains can be replaced by fitting four winter tires on two drive axles and two steering axles. However, if the truck is towing a trailer or semi-trailer, snow chains are essential, even if winter tires are fitted.

The new rules apply from November 1st to March 31st in French mountain regions. The list of these regions will be drawn up after consultation with the municipal representatives concerned.

When buying winter tyres, we recommend taking into account the winter tire regulation in Germany, which will apply from October 2024. This stipulates that only tires with the symbol of a mountain with a snowflake, the 3PMSF symbol (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake), are considered winter tires within the meaning of the new regulation. Tires with the M+S label (Mud and Snow) and a manufacturing date up to the end of 2017 will be recognized as winter tires within a transitional period until September 30, 2024. According to this, winter tires must always bear the snowflake symbol.