From 1 November to 31 March, certain mountain municipalities require winter equipment. For a car, check the option of four 3PMSF tyres or carrying removable devices suitable for the driven wheels.
Check the journey, not just the department
The obligations apply in locally defined, signed areas. A mountain department is not necessarily covered in its entirety. Consult local orders and prefecture information for the municipalities you will cross. A temporary requirement indicated by a sign may also apply. Do not rely solely on the weather at departure: terrain and temperature can change along the route.
Choose compatible equipment
The 3PMSF marking identifies tyres recognised as winter equipment under this framework. An M+S marking alone is no longer an equivalent. Chains and snow socks must match tyre dimensions and vehicle constraints. Consult the handbook for fitting and the axle concerned. Some passages may require chains despite winter tyres; seasonal equipment does not override temporary signs.
Practise before travelling
Try fitting the devices in a dry, safe place, using the gloves and light you plan to carry. On the road, choose a suitable area before reaching a difficult slope. Follow the device’s operating limits and remove it when conditions require. If road conditions or visibility make the journey uncertain, choose another route or postpone departure. Check information for the current season.
M+S and 3PMSF are no longer equivalent on their own
Since November 2024, an M+S marking alone has not been sufficient for the winter-tyre alternative to removable devices. Check the Alpine 3PMSF symbol on all four tyres, or carry suitable devices for at least two driven wheels. An ‘all-season’ product name does not replace checking the marking.
Before the 2026–2027 season
The Service Public reminder referenced by the French guide describes the 2025–2026 season. For the next winter, check prefecture orders and the municipalities on your route; the portal does not present that earlier list as confirmation of every forthcoming zone. Also plan a stationary fitting practice and accessible storage for the chains.
Your route crosses several mountain municipalities.
Check the areas covered and restrictions on each road, not only at the destination. Check tyre markings and removable-device compatibility, and practise fitting safely in advance.
What to avoid. A tyre marketed as ‘all-season’ does not by itself establish compliance with the required marking.
Practical checks
- Consult the zones and local orders for the route
- Check the markings on all four tyres
- Check chain compatibility
- Practise fitting while stationary
Common questions
Are all-season tyres always sufficient?
The product name is not enough. Check the 3PMSF marking, the required installation and the rules encountered on the route.
Do four winter tyres override every chain sign?
No. A specific restriction may require chains. Read the sign and any supplementary instructions even if the car has seasonal winter equipment.
Official references
This English translation concerns rules and services in France. It does not make them applicable in another country. Local signs, official instructions, vehicle manuals and contracts may specify your situation. Linked references and service pages are in French.
Prepare your next step
The portal’s tools and administrative service pages are in French. Use them while stationary and refer to the official service for your own case.
Open the matching tool or resource (French)