Overview
- The obligation applies from November 1 to March 31 in designated zones across 34 departments, covering thousands of communes.
- Vehicles must use 3PMSF‑certified winter or all‑season tyres on all four wheels, or carry chains or textile socks, with M+S‑only tyres no longer accepted.
- Gendarmes and prefectures plan regular controls focused on awareness, as formal verbalisation under the €135 penalty framework is not in effect.
- Garages in affected areas report surging demand and long waits for fittings, with some shops handling around 30 tyre changes per day.
- Insurers have warned they may refuse coverage when required equipment is absent, while industry talk of adaptive, shape‑shifting tyres remains for the future and not yet available.