Advice and Equipment for Winter Driving in France
Originally posted on & updated on 3rd November, 2025
As winter approaches, the freshly snow-covered Alps become a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts. Ski resorts in some areas have decided to open earlier this year, offering visitors an extended winter season. However, it’s essential to remember that driving a car in mountainous areas during the winter can be challenging, even if you are equipped with a powerful SUV or a top-of-the-range all-wheel-drive 4x4 vehicle.
In France, there are regulations in place to ensure drivers have the necessary equipment to navigate these conditions safely. In addition to the standard requirements for driving a car in Europe, such as a valid license and insurance, drivers must also ensure they have the appropriate winter equipment, such as snow chains or winter tyres.
It’s essential to check the local weather conditions and road reports before setting out on your journey. Also, be sure to carry extra warm clothing, a first-aid kit, and sufficient food and water in case you become stranded due to adverse weather conditions.
To improve traffic conditions and enhance driver safety on mountainous roads, vehicles must be equipped with winter tyres or chains between November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. What are the vehicles, equipment and areas concerned?
Note that all vehicles are affected. All vehicles with four wheels (or more) are affected by this regulation: family cars, light vehicles, utility vehicles, motorhomes, coaches, buses and heavy goods vehicles.
Which Areas Does it Concern?
The prefects of the 34 departments located in mountain ranges (Alps, Pyrénées, Massif Central, Jura Massif, Vosges) must compile a list of communes where winter equipment is compulsory during the cold months. This list has been created after consulting with the relevant local elected officials. You can consult the prefectural decrees in those departments, and it’s possible to download the full list of communes and municipalities concerned in an Excel file.
Road signs must clearly indicate the entrances and exits to mountainous areas where winter equipment is required. These signs should also indicate the period during which the winter equipment regulation applies, which is from November 1st to March 31st.
What Winter Equipment is Required?
In areas established by the prefects, cars and vehicles will be required to either:
- carry removable anti-slip devices (such as snow chains, recommended for regular use, or textile snow socks for occasional use) that can be fitted to at least two driving wheels
OR
- be fitted with four winter tyres designed for safer driving in snowy or icy conditions
This regulation does not apply to cars and vehicles equipped with stud tyres.
NOTE:
Since last winter, only tyres marked with the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol are considered equivalent to removable anti-slip devices. The 3PMSF symbol features a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake, certifying that the tyre meets European standards for traction on snow or ice.
While other types of winter tyres may still be purchased and used, drivers must also have removable anti-slip devices in the vehicle if using them. Only the 3PMSF marking guarantees reliable winter performance under all conditions, as it is validated by a standardised European traction test.
What about Coaches and Lorries?
Coaches, buses and heavy goods vehicles without trailers or semi-trailers are also subject to these obligations, with the choice between winter chains or tyres. Heavy goods vehicles with trailers or semi-trailers must have snow chains capable of fitting at least two driving wheels, even if they are equipped with winter tyres.
Advice for Drivers in France
Before you embark on your journey, we recommend reading our previous article on driving in France. It provides valuable information about the necessary travel documents, car requirements, general rules for expat drivers in France, and a list of emergency phone numbers.
If you’re heading to a ski resort and will be renting a car for the first time, we suggest brushing up on French road signs, as there may be specific signage you’re not familiar with. Before travelling, ensure you have a valid passport, and review insurance and weather forecasts, especially in mountainous areas. Take your time getting there and enjoy the fun, sun, food, wine and fresh air.
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