Did you know that from 2022, it will be compulsory to equip your vehicle with snow tires in all mountainous regions?
What exactly does this mean? What are the sanctions ? We tell you everything you need to know about the Mountain II law .
WHAT DOES THE ALPES-DE-HAUTE-PROVENCE MOUNTAIN LAW PROPOSE?
Published in the Official Journal on October 18, 2020, decree no. 2020-1264 requires drivers driving in the mountains to equip their vehicle with snow tires, chains or socks for a defined period extending from November 1 to March 31 each year.
The objective of this law: improve the safety of road users and avoid blocking lanes on snowy or icy roads generating more or less significant traffic jams.
Although this legislative text was published in 2020 and came into force in 2021, we are talking about 2022, because the authorities have given motorists a year to prepare.
Thus, while it was possible to travel during the 2021 winter season without suitable equipment, the police will be intransigent during the next winter.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW ON MANDATORY SNOW TIRES IN ALPES-DE-HAUTE-PROVENCE?
In order to give motorists some time, the winter period of 2021 was considered a white year. In fact, the sanction went no further than a simple reminder of the law . The objective being above all to achieve educational and awareness operations to prepare motorists.
However, from November 2022, any offender will be issued a fine corresponding to a 4th class fine of €135 . In addition, if officers believe that the vehicle represents a danger to others, it may be immobilized.
WHAT ARE THE REGIONS CONCERNED BY THE MONTAGNE II LAW?
Obviously, this law concerns mountainous regions located within the national territory. Either the departments of Vosges, Jura, Alps, Massif Central and Pyrenees . We observe 2 types of zones: one total obligation zone and a partial obligation zone .
To warn motorists, new signs are put in place informing of entries and exits from mountain areas requiring the equipping of a suitable device.
In any case, even outside these areas, in the absence of snow tires, it will be obligatory to have the appropriate equipment in your trunk (socks or snow chains).
All vehicles are affected (except those equipped with studded tires): either light vehicles, camper vans, heavy goods vehicles, utility vehicles and coaches.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE EQUIPMENT THAT MEET YOUR NEEDS?
Are you affected by this law? If you live in one of the departments mentioned above, it may be interesting to equip your vehicle with all-season tires . Which will give you real grip, regardless of the condition of the road.
If you do not want to equip your vehicle permanently, it is possible to opt for temporary solutions. You can, in preparation for winter, change your tires and install snow tires during the desired period .
If you are interested in snow chains or snow socks, we advise you to take an interest in our technology. In fact, designed to make life easier for motorists, we offer you a system as intuitive as it is easy to install . For comparison, note that it takes on average 15 to 20 minutes to install standard snow chains compared to 5 minutes thanks to our packaging.
In addition, you should know that while conventional snow chains are only effective on snow and ice, our over-tyre technology patented by the INPI claims total efficiency on bitumen for 150 km . Which offers real driving comfort and prevents you from wasting time equipping and removing your device when entering or leaving compulsory winter tire zones in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and other mountainous regions.
Finally, note: certain vehicles are called “non-chainable”. Which prevents, as you have understood, equipping them with this type of equipment. In this case, test our solution which adapts to these machines. Musher equips all chainable or non-chainable vehicles up to 3.5t .
You want to know more ? Whether you live in the mountains or are planning to go skiing this winter, take an interest in our snow sock system compliant with Mountain Law II regulations . Delivered free of charge within 24 hours, you can test it at home with complete peace of mind before the start of your trip.
Thanks to our high-quality system, you don't have to worry about hitting the road, even if the road is snowy and/or icy.
Discover all the essential car equipment in winter .