New snow chain requirements in France

[Mike n Vikki]

Having finally booked a trip to France in late November and planning to head to the South coast or thereabouts, I have just read about the new law requiring 4 winter tyres fitted or snow chains carried when driving "in mountainous areas" in 48 départements. Has anyone found a map defining what roads are covered? I'm particularly wondering if the A75 through the Massif Central might be affected, given that over 50km is at or above 1000m. It's been our preferred route to the South.

 

[Lenny HB]

As the A75 is an Autoroute although it can get blocked (more lightly in February) it will be cleared quick. I've never noticed any snow chain signs on it.
I'm in France at the moment not coming back until 10th Nov., as we might end up in the Pyrenees I put my snow chains in, I have winter tyres on all year.

 

[B-well]

If you travel and unable to comply with the conditions to drive, you will not be permitted to travel further and asked to park up. I have seen several motorhomes being directed to park for not having snow chains , especially in ski areas.
The roads to ski resorts are kept reasonably clear for local traffic and ski tourists, so you may not be days parked up..

 

[Mike n Vikki]

Thought this might be useful. Some surprises, but these are the departements where the local authority can require the use of snow chains / winter tyres.

 

[SandraL]

Ok, fat finger, smiley face was meant to be informative!

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[Mike n Vikki]

However, if you look here:
https://www.securite-routiere.gouv....-en-voiture/equipement-de-la-voiture/nouveaux
the information is quite different.

 

[B-well]

The departments all have roads which have often seen motorists blocked by snow and ice in the past.

The departments are:

Ain, Allier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Ardèche, Ariège, Aude, Aveyron, Cantal, Côte-d’Or, Creuse, Doubs, Drôme, Eure-et-Loir, Gard, Haute-Garonne, Hérault, Isère, Jura, Loire, Haute- Loire, Lot, Lozère, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Nièvre, Puy-de-Dôme, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrénées-Orientales, Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Rhône, Haute-Saône, Saône-et-Loire, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Var, Vaucluse, Haute-Vienne, Vosges, Yonne, Territoire de Belfort. Corse du Sud and Haute-Corse are also affected.
Chains are attached to the driving wheels.. They have to be the right size to fit over the vehicle’s tyres and most modern ones have easy-fit connections.

Speed is limited to 50kph when chains are fitted, and they have to be taken off when the road surface is clear, or they damage the asphalt.

It is likely that departmental decrees will say that chains must be fitted, even if winter tyres are in place for some routes, as they are more efficient, especially when climbing or descending steep gradients.

Fines for not having chains or winter tyres will be fixed by department prefects but the guidelines they have been given are that it will be a fourth category offence, meaning fines of €135 and the possibility of cars being taken off the road.

I am awaiting further information which i believe is being released in November.

 

[yodeli]

From what I've heard on news, no matter chains sign or not. The law changes, and the signs don't at the same speed. A few years back I had to drive my daughter from Toulouse to Paris with snow on the motorway. I was opening the way and cars behind me never tried to overtake me. No engine to clear the road up to Montauban. It took me 2 hours to cover the 40kms distance between my place and Montauban. Something is sure if that was to happen after 1st of November and if caught without snow tyres...I wouldn't be allowed to carry on.