Winter tyres or snow chains: what is compulsory in the French mountains?
Short answer
From 1 November to 31 March, in the mountain municipalities designated by prefectoral order, across 34 départements, a car must have either four winter tyres marked with the 3PMSF alpine symbol, or snow chains or snow socks in the boot, to be fitted on at least two driving wheels. Tyres marked M+S alone have no longer been enough since 1 November 2024.
In detail
The start of the zone is marked by the B58 sign and the end by the B59 sign. Savoie and Haute-Savoie, home to Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Val d'Isère, Megève and Chamonix, are covered. The rule is article D314-8 of the French Highway Code, under the Mountain Act.
In February 2026, the French government stated that the requirement is, for now, applied as guidance, with no specific penalty. The "snow chains compulsory" sign (B26), put up when the road is snowy, is enforced, however: chains must then be fitted, even on winter tyres.
Our vehicles that drive up to the resorts run on 3PMSF winter tyres with chains on board, included in the price; our chauffeurs are used to snow. For a family with skis and luggage, the V-Class takes up to 7 passengers.
Find out more: Private chauffeur, French Alps ski resorts
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