Snow Chains in France - Rules, Requirements & What to Carry

France is the most popular ski destination for UK drivers, and since 2021 it has had some of the most significant winter driving laws in Europe. If you are heading to the Alps, Pyrenees, or any of France's mountain regions, you need to understand the Loi Montagne — the Mountain Law — before you travel.

Do you need snow chains in France?

Yes — snow chains or qualifying winter tyres are now compulsory in designated mountain areas of France between 1 November and 31 March each year. This law, known as the Loi Montagne (Mountain Law), was introduced in November 2021 and covers 48 French departments across six mountain regions:

• The Alps (including Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère — home to Chamonix, Val d'Isère, Courchevel and the major French resorts)
• The Pyrenees
• The Massif Central
• The Jura
• The Vosges
• Corsica

The law applies to all vehicles with four or more wheels — including UK-registered vehicles, motorhomes, vans, and hire cars — whether you are a resident, tourist, or just passing through.

What exactly is required under the Loi Montagne?

Within the designated zones (indicated by roadside signs — a rectangular white sign with a red border showing a tyre and chain), you must have one of the following:

• Winter tyres* (marked 3PMSF — the alpine snowflake symbol) fitted to all four wheels; or
• Snow chains or snow socks* carried in the vehicle and available for fitting on at least two drive wheels

Note: Winter tyres and snow socks are not always acceptable substitutes for snow chains, for example when there’s lots of snow municipalities can and do insist on proper metal snow chains in all cases, therefore that’s the safest choice.

Important: from 1 November 2024, tyres marked only with 'M+S' (Mud & Snow) are no longer accepted as qualifying winter tyres. Only tyres bearing the 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) symbol meet the requirement. If your tyres are only M+S-marked, you must carry chains regardless.

Even if you have qualifying winter tyres fitted, there are some mountain roads where snow chains must be fitted when signs indicate — look for the blue chain sign (chain symbol on a blue background), which means chains must be fitted unless the road has been cleared.

Special rules for specific vehicle types

• Motorhomes and campervans: treated as light vehicles — the same rules apply as for cars.
• HGVs without a trailer: may choose between winter tyres or chains.
• HGVs with a trailer: must carry snow chains for at least two drive wheels even if equipped with winter tyres.
• Coaches and buses: must have winter tyres or chains.
• In heavy snow, all vehicles must have snow chains not just socks or winter tyres.

How strictly is it enforced?

Enforcement is real and increasing. Roadside checks are carried out, particularly at the entrance to mountain zones and after snowfall. The penalty for non-compliance is a fine of €135 and your vehicle can be immobilised — meaning you will not be going anywhere until you are equipped. In heavy snowfall, vehicles without the correct equipment may simply be turned back at the start of the mountain road.

The law applies even if you are just transiting through a mountain zone on your way to another country — for example, driving through the French Alps to reach an Italian or Swiss resort.

Snow socks in France

Snow socks are generally accepted in France under the Loi Montagne as an alternative to chains — they count as a 'removable anti-slip device'. However, they do not provide the same level of traction as metal chains, particularly on steep or icy roads, and in severe conditions local authorities may still turn back vehicles equipped only with socks. Our recommendation: if your travel plans involve high-altitude roads or steep resort access routes, carry metal chains.

How widespread is the requirement?

The requirement covers a very significant portion of the roads that UK ski holiday drivers use. If you are heading to any of the major French Alpine resorts — Chamonix, Val d'Isère, Les Arcs, Méribel, Tignes, Alpe d'Huez, Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne, Morzine — you will be driving through a designated zone. The same applies to the Pyrenees resorts (Les Angles, Font Romeu, La Mongie) and to many roads crossing the Massif Central and Vosges.

The zones are well signposted, but it is safer to assume you need chains than to assume you do not.

Required accessories for UK drivers in France

The Crit'Air vignette (environmental sticker) is required to enter low-emission zones in major French cities. You can apply for one at certificat-air.gouv.fr. Most UK drivers heading straight for the mountains will not need one, but if your route passes through Paris, Lyon, Grenoble or other large cities, check before you travel.

Other things to know for France

• Drive on the right. Priority is to the right at junctions unless signs indicate otherwise.
• Speed limits: 130km/h on motorways (110km/h in rain), 80km/h on single carriageways, 50km/h in towns. Speed limit with snow chains fitted is 50km/h (30mph).
• Motorway tolls: France has an extensive toll road network. You can pay by card at most booths. A télépéage tag (e.g. Liber-t) speeds things up considerably.
• Alcohol limit:05% blood alcohol (stricter than the UK's 0.08%). Effectively, do not drink and drive.
• Mobile phones: Handheld use is illegal. Hands-free is permitted but earphones in both ears are not.
• Radar detectors: Illegal in France — including GPS units with speed camera alerts. Sat nav speed camera features must be disabled.

Info Resources

securite-routiere.gouv.fr Loi Montagne — official winter equipment rules (Sécurité Routière)The French government's official road safety site explaining the mountain law, which departments it covers, and what equipment is required. In French but authoritative.
service-public.fr Winter mountain holidays — driving requirements. French government's public service portal, with an English-language summary of the winter tyre and chain requirement from 1 November to 31 March.
theaa.com Driving in Europe in winter — The AA's guide to winter driving across Europe, covering snow chains, winter tyres, and what UK drivers need to carry. Updated regularly.
rac.co.uk Driving abroad in winter — RAC guideThe RAC's country-by-country breakdown of winter driving requirements across Europe, including France, with chain and winter tyre rules clearly summarised.

Disclaimer: Drivers should verify current requirements for areas you plan to travel through before departure. While this information is intended to be accurate for 2026-27 based on regulations at the time of writing, snow chain and winter tyre laws in Europe do change and are often determined by authorities at a local/regional level meaning variations can occur. As in 2025-26, when many areas reverted to 'metal snow chains only' suspending the acceptance of Winter tyres or snow socks, the rules can change fast with the weather.

These countries are listed because they are most common destinations for UK skiiers, snow boarders and Winter holidaymakers. We may expand on the countries listed in future - please let us know if there's a country you want us to add.