Winter driving in France in 2026: snow, ice and mandatory winter tyres

The "mountain law": understanding it in 2026

Since 1 November 2021, the so-called "mountain law 2" requires drivers in 34 designated departments to have winter equipment between 1 November and 31 March. In 2026, 4 more departments are concerned: the entire Jura, Lozère, Creuse and Cantal.

Accepted equipment

1. All-season tyres marked 3PMSF

Tyres stamped with the mountain pictogram (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) on all 4 wheels. Recognised as equivalent to winter tyres. Drive 12 months a year without swapping — handy in areas neither too cold nor too hot.

2. Winter tyres marked M+S or 3PMSF

Pure winter tyres (M+S + snowflake) are the safest: superior grip on packed snow and ice. Fast wear above 7°C — keep for Nov–Mar.

3. Chains or snow socks

Alternative to winter tyres: carry metal chains or snow socks for 2 drive wheels. Must be present in the vehicle even if not fitted. Obligation to fit them when sign B26 is active.

2026 concerned zones

The 38 departments: all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, PACA (except Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône), mountainous Occitanie, Corsica, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées), Grand Est (Vosges, Doubs, Haute-Saône), Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (Jura, Doubs), and a few isolated departments (partial Saône-et-Loire, Cantal, Lozère, Creuse).

2026 penalties

Since November 2024, penalties are effective: €135 fixed fine for missing winter equipment in the concerned zone during the mandatory period. Vehicle immobilisation possible if driving endangers (heavy snow, ice, slope).

Good winter driving reflexes

Before leaving

Check the weather (Météo-France, Bison Futé), clear all snow from the vehicle (including the roof to avoid flying snow), wait a few minutes for engine warming, leave with a full tank (queues at stations explode during storms).

During the trip

Anticipate: brake gently, lengthen safety distances (x3 on snow, x10 on ice), downshift rather than brake. Uphill: stay in 2nd without jolts. Downhill: use engine braking, never the pedal.

If stuck

If blocked on a snowy road, fit chains before the first difficult bump — not mid-climb. Always keep a blanket, water, torch and phone battery in winter.

Recommended winter kit

Scraper and squeegee, anti-freeze washer fluid, lock de-icer, chains OR snow socks, spare gloves and hat, survival blanket, energy bars. Total budget: €40–80.

Winter tyres: when to fit?

Ideally from 15 October to 15 April. Workshops are saturated in November — book from October. 2026 budget: €400–800 for 4 winter tyres + fitting + summer storage.