Introduced in 2021 in France, Mountain Law II aims to ensure road users’ safety during the winter season.
What does it involve? Are you affected? What equipment is mandatory? What are the risks for drivers who don’t comply with this traffic law? We answer all your questions so you can plan your winter sports holidays safely and in accordance with current regulations.
In short, Mountain Law is a road safety regulation that requires specific equipment for driving in mountainous areas during winter.
The idea behind this law is to prevent accidents, even minor ones, on snowy or icy roads. It helps to improve drivers’ safety and keep traffic flowing smoothly, preventing vehicles from getting stuck on the road and reducing the need for emergency services (firefighters, police, gendarmes, etc.).
Mountain Law does not apply to all of France and is limited to the winter period. Here is all the useful information to know whether you will be subject to Mountain Law obligations during your holiday.
If your vehicle has at least 4 wheels, you are required to equip it with the devices specified in the decree of June 23, 2021, which governs Mountain Law.
Therefore, the vehicles concerned include cars and other passenger vehicles, vans, motorhomes, buses, and heavy trucks.
Mountain Law is in effect every winter from November 1 to March 31. Outside this period, snow tires, chains, textile covers, and other equipment are not mandatory.
However, it is strongly recommended to always have the appropriate devices in your trunk, even if you go skiing in early autumn or spring. Snowfall, ice, and very low temperatures can still occur at high altitudes, and having proper wheel equipment can save you from unpleasant surprises.
All mountain ranges are potentially covered by Mountain Law: Alps, Pyrenees, Jura, Massif Central, and Vosges. However, the final decision lies with the prefect in the 34 departments that make up these ranges (Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Cantal, Hautes-Alpes, Isère, Puy-de-Dôme, etc.).
After consultation between the prefect and local officials, a list of municipalities where Mountain Law applies is established each year for each department. This list is available online and may change from year to year, so check it before you leave, both for the resort where you’ll be staying and for the towns along your route.
On site, signs will indicate the exact mountainous areas (at the entrance and exit of the zones), where you must have the appropriate winter equipment.
All-season tires, snow tires, chains, textile covers: here’s what you need to know to equip your vehicle in accordance with Mountain Law 2025.
Since the 2024–2025 season, regulations regarding the use of snow tires in mountainous areas during winter have become stricter. To comply, your winter tires must now have the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking. Additionally, these tires must be fitted on all four wheels, not just the drive wheels.
Without this marking on your tires, even if your winter tires perform well or you have all-season tires, you must carry removable anti-slip devices in your trunk to equip your vehicle in the affected areas.
If you don’t have winter tires with the 3PMSF marking, you have two options, which must cover at least the two drive wheels:
When buying chains or covers, make sure they fit the tire size of your vehicle.
These mandatory devices may seem inconvenient, but they are essential to prevent slipping and blockages on mountain roads and in departments where winter conditions are harsher. They ensure your safety and that of other road users.
Officially, failure to comply with Mountain Law can result in a fixed fine of 135 euros. However, in many cases, education is prioritized over enforcement, so such penalties remain rare.
On the other hand, without the appropriate devices, drivers may be denied access to a regulated area. Moreover, in case of an accident, insurance may refuse coverage if the vehicle does not comply with Mountain Law.