Starting November 1, the “winter period” returns to the roads. If winter only begins on December 21, in fact it is from November 1 that it is once again mandatory to have winter equipment if you travel to certain municipalities in 34 departments, until March 31.
The list of affected municipalities, with total obligation (in the entire territory of the municipality) or partial (only in a part of the municipality) is available on this specific page of the Road Safety website.
Also find our search engine to find out if any municipality is interested.
The “3PMSF” mandatory this year
Several options to choose from. The first: change to winter or 4-season tires. The main change this year is that tires with only the M+S (“Mud+Snow”) brand will no longer be tolerated this year. Only those marked “3PMSF” (a snowflake on the symbol of a three-peaked mountain) will be accepted, as in the photo below.
“It is important to equip yourself with the right winter tyres. This year the 3PMSF mark, a European certification label that guarantees performance in winter conditions, has been made mandatory. The 3PMSF 4-season tire is also a good compromise for drivers on the road. occasionally to the mountains, which allows them to travel safely throughout France in winter,” explains Allopneus marketing director Coralie Masselot.
Another option: have removable equipment, such as chains or snow socks. Without a doubt ideal for more occasional use, if you do not plan to drive many times on the roads in question.
Important clarification: in the absence of snow or ice, removable devices (chains or snow socks) must be kept on board the vehicle, road safety specifies.
The 7°C trigger
This obligation will not give rise, however, to verbalizations. The idea is rather to raise awareness among those who are not used to these winter conditions and who may find themselves trapped when going to a ski resort, for example, causing significant traffic jams.
Tire distribution professionals have also noted a certain awareness, after three years, of the “Mountain Law II” that applies in France:
“Motorists have been waiting more for their equipment since September, at Allopneus we are witnessing a peak in sales of winter tires of more than 50% compared to last year,” underlines Coralie Masselot.
If the period between November 1 and March 31 corresponds to the legal period, the 7°C threshold must be taken into account. From the moment the temperature drops below this level, summer tires lose their effectiveness and we can also have the reflection of suitable tires, not only in the departments affected by the obligation.
What budget?
But what budget should you have to equip yourself? Bridgestone, for example, recommends its high-end Turanza 4-season tire, sold at an average unit price of €85.90. Or, in the mid-range, a Firestone Multiseason Gen 02 for about 61 euros.
As for winter tires, their Blizzak 6 sells for just over 100 euros each. In the mid-range, the Firestone Winterhawk 4 can act as a compromise, for 63.70 euros.
An important budget, but one that will also translate into a longer useful life if you opt for winter tires thanks to alternating them with summer tires.
Tips for driving on snow-covered roads
Bridgestone also gives some tips for driving in the mountains in winter, starting with carefully checking the condition of your tires before setting off.
“On winter tires, the snow indicators, recognizable by a scale on the sidewalls, indicate the height of the rubber. Reaching these indicators means that 4 mm of rubber remains and that the tire is no longer sufficiently effective in snow “, notes the Japanese manufacturer.
Even equipped with winter tyres, it is recommended to have a set of snow chains for two-wheel drive vehicles in case of heavy snowfall on the access road to the resort, for example, especially if it has not yet been installed. passed the snowplow. A snow plow that is also prohibited from overtaking, as a reminder.
Finally, you must adapt your speed, accelerate gently without spinning the wheels and increase safety distances, especially on downhills.
Also, don’t forget to stock up on antifreeze windshield washer fluid, which can be useful to counteract salt deposited on the roads.
Source: BFM TV
