Rules for winter tyres in Italy and France

5 March, 2020 | Update: 20/03/2024

Just as each country has its own traffic regulations, so each country has its own regulations concerning the use of winter tyres. Or you going on a winter sports holiday? Or will you be driving through the mountains on your way to a somewhat warmer destination? Then is it important that you are well prepared for your journey, having the correct tyres on your vehicle. I am happy to let you know just what the regulations are regarding winter tyres in France and Italy.

• When are winter tyres compulsory in France?
• Winter tyres compulsory in mountainous regions
• Do I need snow chains?
• What specifications must my winter tyres meet in France?
• Can I drive in France with all season tyres?
• Wintersports campsites in France

• Regulations for winter tyres in Italy
• When are winter tyres compulsory in Italy?
• Tyre type and tread depth
• Winter tyres banned from driving in the summer?
• Wintersports campsites in Italy

When are winter tyres mandatory in France?

In general, winter tyres are only mandatory in France between 1 November and 31 March if so indicated on traffic signs along the road. If you are going on a winter sports holiday somewhere in France or crossing through the country on your way to another holiday address, then whether or not winter tyres are mandatory largely depends on your route.

Because it is not feasible to replace summer tyres en route, we advise you to leave home with your winter tyres already on if you expect that you will be driving in mountainous areas where it might snow.

Winter tyres compulsory in mountainous regions

In specific areas, winter tyres are mandatory in any case during the period between 1 November and 31 March. This is indicated by a traffic sign (see below). This applies to the French Alps, the Massif Central, the Jura Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Vosges or the mountainous regions of Corsica. If you drive through one of these areas, then your vehicle must be fitted with four winter tyres marked with M+S, MS or M&S, or the Alpine symbol (3PMSF) and one of the M+S marks.

Please note: as from 1 November 2024, if you do not have snow chains, only tyres with the Alpine symbol will be permitted. If you have tyres that only have an M+S mark, then as from this date you must always have snow chains with you. Under conditions of snow and ice, these snow chains must be installed on at least two driven wheels.
Make sure that your snow chains are in the vehicle ready to use and that you have practiced installing them.

Do I need snow chains?

If you are going on a winter sports holiday and heading for the snow, there is a good chance that you will need to take along snow chains. This applies to, for example, the Mont Blanc area and the Mont Blanc Tunnel. This requirement is indicated by a blue sign that depicts a tire with snow chains on it. If there is a second sign below this that says ‘pneus à neige admis’ (snow tyres allowed), then it is sufficient to simply have winter tyres.

Also important to know: you can only use snow chains on snow-covered roads! Otherwise the asphalt will be torn up.

What specifications must my winter tyres meet in France?

Your winter tyres must have a profile that is at least 3.5 mm deep. This is mandatory. A winter tyre must also be marked with M+S, MS or M&S, which is an abbreviation for mud and snow and, as from 1 November 2024, if you do not have snow chains, only tyres with the Alpine symbol will be permitted.

Can I drive in France with all season tyres?

The regulations on this are not entirely clear. In any case, by default, all-season tyres are not regarded as winter tyres. Official winter tyres with the Alpine symbol (3PMSF) and a M+S mark on the vehicle are the safest choice. Then you are fine with regard to safety and any legislation.

This is also handy if you are driving through Luxembourg to get to France, since winter tyres are mandatory in Luxembourg.

Winter sports campsites in France

When are winter tyres mandatory in Italy?

In Italy the obligation to use winter tyres is not regulated uniformly at all. As a rule, you can assume that, from 15 November to 15 April, you may only drive with winter tyres in Italy, but the individual provinces themselves determine whether winter tyres are mandatory or not. In the Aosta Valley, the obligation even begins as from 15 October.

Regulations for winter tyres in Italy

If you see a sign with ‘obbligo di pneumatici invernali o catene a bordo’, then you must have winter tyres on or have snow chains available in the vehicle. This can be confusing, especially if you are simply passing through.

Useful to know:

• In any case, between 15 October and 15 April, winter tyres are mandatory in the Aosta Valley. It is wise to have snow chains available in the vehicle as well.
• In South Tyrol, the municipality of Bolzano and on the Brenner motorway, winter tyres are mandatory between 15 November and 15 April. Be sure to take snow chains along on the Brenner motorway during this period.

Tyre type and tread depth

Naturally it is important that you do not slip on the Italian roads. For Italy, your winter tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm, but it is preferable to have more profile on your tires! Here, too, winter tyres with an M+S mark will suffice. Please note: not at all tyres with the M+S mark are winter tyres.

In conclusion, we recommend using winter tyres in winter conditions. Official winter tyres with the Alpine symbol (3PMSF) and an M+S mark on the vehicle continue to be the safest choice. That way everyone is safe on the road!

Winter tyres prohibited in the summer?

For quite some time there has been discussion as to whether winter tyres are prohibited in the summer in Italy. However, there is no general ban on driving in Italy in the summer with winter tyres. Please do note that the winter tyres are designed for the maximum permitted speed of the vehicle.

In principle, in the summer, it is not permitted to drive with tyres with a speed rating that is lower than that of the vehicle, especially not between 15 May and 14 October. In the winter, winter tyres with a lower speed rating may be used. If you use winter tyres with a speed rating that is lower than that of your vehicle, you must place in view on the dashboard a corresponding sticker with the maximum speed. In this way, the driver can see how fast he may drive the vehicle.

Wintersports campsites in Italy

Are you planning a winter sports holiday to Austria and Switzerland? Then read our blog about the rules for winter tyres in Austria and Switzerland.