Be careful, if you have to travel through mountain areas from November 1 to March 31, do not forget to put on winter tires or have removable equipment in the trunk.
A consequence of the Mountain Law that has been applied since last year. But after a tolerance period during the first year, violators should be fined for this winter 2022-2023, although no text specifies it yet (see below “What sanctions in case of forgetfulness?”).
• Who is concerned?
In total, 48 French departments are located in mountain ranges. But not everyone is affected by the new obligations. In total, 34 departments apply this winter equipment obligation provided for in the Mountain Law.
Within these departments, each prefect then communicates a list of interested municipalities. For example, in Var, only 28 municipalities out of 153 are subject to the obligation, while in Haute-Savoie, all municipalities are affected.
We have collected here the list communicated last year and that should not undergo major changes this year. Find below through our search engine if it is your municipality:
This map of France facilitates the visualization of the departments classified in the Law of the Mountains. The number of municipalities affected by each department is shown by moving the mouse or finger.
It should be noted that all motorists using the roads of the municipalities in question are supposed to have the mandatory equipment, not just those who live in a mountain area.
These are light and utility vehicles, motor homes, heavy vehicles and coaches. The following signs let you know when you are entering and exiting a mountain area with mandatory equipment.
• What equipment is mandatory?
Two main options: swap your summer tires for “winter tires” (a more correct name than “snow tire” which still exists) or “four seasons”. In all cases, the tire must be marked 3PMSF (for “3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake”, with simply a symbol of three mountain peaks and a snowflake). Only the “M+S” mark is tolerated until 2024.
Alternatively, the Mountain Law authorizes the use of removable equipment such as chains or socks.
• What sanctions in case of forgetfulness?
This is the little surprise of our exchange with Road Safety: there would be, at the moment, no sanction foreseen, despite the tolerance period in 2021-2022 that was to end during this winter season 2022-2023.
“It is customary when creating an obligation, to define a sanction for non-compliance with this obligation. A decision to impose a sanction has not been made to date. If necessary, it will be the subject of a communication”, a spokesman for Road Safety told us.
All the better, with the mild weather of the last few weeks, it is not certain that a large number of concerned motorists have already changed their tires or purchased compatible detachable equipment.
If we were talking about a fine of 135 euros and a possible immobilization of the vehicle, this sanction does not seem to be confirmed at the moment.
Road Safety insists on the objective of this new regulation: “to reinforce the safety of users by reducing the specific risks associated with driving on snowy or icy roads”.
“It is also about avoiding blockage situations in mountainous areas, when vehicles that do not have chains on board to be able to equip themselves or that are not equipped with snow tires, find themselves crossing the tracks, without being able to get out, immobilizing an entire circulation axis. “recalls this service dependent on the Ministry of the Interior.
• What are the consequences in the event of an accident?
If (for the moment) he will not be fined in case of absence from the mandatory winter team, the mark could be quite high in the event of an accident.
In fact, the neoinsurer Leocare warns of the risks in the event of a claim in the areas in question:
“Insurance may not cover damage if the vehicle is not equipped with approved tires or chains in the event of an accident,” explains a spokesperson.
Other things to keep in mind:
“Insurers may request proof that the wheels were equipped with approved tires or chains to cover the accident. If the team is not present, the insurance cannot apply the coverage guarantees of the contract. The same applies to assistance: the Monetary support may not be total if the rules are not respected, ”continues the spokesperson for the neoinsurer.
In case of doubt, do not hesitate to contact your insurer or leave with at least detachable equipment on board.
Source: BFM TV
