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The town hall de Gérardmer (Vosges), in the north-east of France, announced that it would penalize this winter motorists who drive without the right equipment of winter tires, a year earlier than required by the government.
This comes with the entry into force of the new Mountain Law, which allows the prefectures of 48 mountain departments to require that vehicles be equipped with suitable wintering equipment, but for which a grace period of one year for fines was announced.
The French Interior Ministry said in October that: “Future breaches of the obligation to keep snow chains in one’s boot or to fit winter tires in the departments concerned will not be penalized this winter.
“Information and education campaigns will accompany the introduction of this requirement in the coming weeks. “
Read more: A one-year grace period granted to mandatory winter tires in France
Thus, while vehicles such as cars and motorhomes must since yesterday (November 1) be equipped with four winter tires or, failing that, carry fabric “socks” or snow chains in their trunk for some people. places, most drivers will not be penalized if they do not do so this winter.
From winter 2022, drivers without the necessary equipment could be liable to a fine of € 135 and prevented from continuing their journey.
From today until March 31, your vehicle must be equipped in the mountains with winter tires or have snow chains / socks ⛓ï¸
The key word this year is: pedagogy. We are counting on you for a @RoutePlusSure.
https://t.co/H7plOcSQz1 pic.twitter.com/SCBagAiTBF
– Ministry of Territories & Communities (@Territoire_Gouv) November 1, 2021
However, the mayor of Gérardmer Stessy Speissman does not agree with this grace period, especially since the law first appeared in the government’s official legal publication The Official Journal more than a year.
Mr Speissman said: “I do not understand why the [law] was not made operational immediately. When the speed limit was set at 80 km / h, when seat belts were made compulsory, for example, there was no [period] tolerance.
“Overnight, we were forced to apply these measures.
A municipal decree was therefore published in Gérardmer, allowing the authorities to impose a fine of € 35 on those who do not respect the new rules.
“It’s a question of road safety,” added Mr. Spiessman. “We are tired of seeing our roads blocked by poorly equipped cars, motorhomes or trucks getting in the way. [of traffic…] and which have an impact on our [local] economy.”
What equipment do cars affected by the winter tire rule need?
If a car or van does not have four winter tires, it must carry cloth socks or snow chains in its trunk.
Read more: Recap: the new French law on snow tires begins today, what you need to know
The snow chains or socks must be suitable for at least two “driving” wheels and the driver must know how to mount them if necessary.
People who only occasionally visit the mountains can avoid paying for four new tires by opting for chains instead.
The winter tire requirement does not apply to vehicles fitted with studded tires.
Coaches, buses and heavy goods vehicles without a trailer must also install winter tires or chains, while heavy goods vehicles with a trailer must have chains on at least two of their drive wheels, even if they are also fitted with winter tires.
Winter tires can be identified by an “M + S”, “MS” or “M&S” marking on the sidewall. The “3PMSF†(Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) sign is also an industry standard.
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