Since 2021, it has become mandatory for motorists using certain mountain roads to have snow equipment for tires. After a blank year during which the only sanction imposed by the police was a reminder of the law, it is now no longer possible to invoke a lack of knowledge of the legislation in force.
We tell you everything you need to know about Mountain Loire law.
WHAT IS THE MONTAGNE LOIRE LAW?
The objective of the Loire Mountain law : prevent accidents and traffic jams on snowy and icy roads. This especially concerns certain municipalities and certain mountain roads which often pose problems.
Thus, by implementing this type of law, the government wishes to draw the attention of motorists to the benefits of anti-snow equipment. Both for their own safety and for that of other users.
We have, in fact, observed that certain sections sometimes generate significant blocking situations linked to snow and ice which could have easily been avoided thanks to specific equipment (snow socks or snow chains).
WHICH COMMUNITIES ARE CONCERNED BY THE MONTAGNE LOIRE LAW?
If you live in the Loire department, you will be aware that part of the region is mountainous. This concerns 193 municipalities spread across the entire department ( complete list of Loire towns concerned ).
By observing the map, we notice that only the municipalities located in the center of the department escape the Mountain Loire law .
Please note: signs have been put in place to inform motorists of the entrances and exits to the traffic zones. snow tire compulsory in the Loire in winter (panels B58 and B59). You therefore know precisely when it will be necessary to install your anti-snow equipment and when to remove it.
HOW TO BE COMPLIANT WITH THE MONTAGNE LOIRE LAW?
You live in one of the municipalities affected by the Loire Mountain law ? Do you have to go there during the winter season? In this case, you must carry snow tires, chains or snow socks.
To note : It is not obligatory to equip your anti-snow devices outside the areas provided for this purpose without risk of ice or snowfall . Having this type of equipment in your car to present it to the police in the event of an inspection is sufficient. In addition, this obligation to wear anti-snow equipment occurs every year between the 1st November and March 31.
That being said, you must now purchase the equipment required by law. This may be snow socks or snow chains , depending on your convenience, to equip your drive wheels.
Obviously, this does not concern cars equipped with 4 winter tires or studded tires. Only heavy goods vehicles with trailers or semi-trailers must install snow chains on their drive wheels (even if they are equipped with winter tires).
COMPULSORY SNOW TIRE IN THE LOIRE: COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS
Obviously, each technology has its advantages and disadvantages.
Thus, the snow chains are very effective on snow and ice, but quite long to install (between 15 and 20 minutes). In addition, they must be removed once on asphalt. Not to mention that some vehicles are non-chainable.
There Snow sock , for its part, is appreciated for its simplicity of use and installation. Still, you will need around 10-15 minutes to install it. In addition, it is less effective than chains on heavily icy and snowy roads. It must also be removed once on dry bitumen.
3rd possibility: the installation of snow tires . This is obviously the most effective solution for peace of mind throughout the winter season. We also advise all people residing in the department and affected by the mandatory snow tire law in the Loire to be interested in it. However, this requires calling a garage and storing your other tires in a secure area.
MONTAGNE LOIRE LAW: FOCUS ON MUSHER TECHNOLOGY
In order to meet the needs of people who are looking for a solution that is both efficient and simple to install, we have developed a very innovative over-tire technology adapted to the mandatory snow tire law in the Loire .
Intuitive installation system (5 minutes to install), efficiency on snow and ice with the possibility of driving for 150 km on dry asphalt, mounting possible on all types of vehicles (even non-chainable ones)… our technology offers many advantages .
Do you want to know more about our technology patented by INPI ? Contact us without delay.
Please note that we offer, as a bonus, a 2-year warranty and free delivery.
Discover the regulations in force in the neighboring department: Rhones .