02/11/2021
The Loi Montagne II 2016 (Mountain Law 11 2016) has now come in to effect as of yesterday, 1st November 2021. Key points to know if driving to Val d'Isere;
- the law is valid every year from 1st Nov - 31st March
- designed to improve road safetly and reduce traffic jams caused by accidents or issues on the road from lack of suitable equipment for winter roads.
- 50 departments in France are affected, including the Alps.
- new road signs will be in place to indicate entry and exist from the designated area. The icon used is a chain on a tyre and a winter (heavy tread) tyre.
- the law applies to any road user, local or tourist.
- the law stipulates on designated roads, vehicles must be equipped with either 4 x winter tyres or at least 2 snow chains or socks carried in the vehicle.
- vehicles equipped with studded tyres are exempt.
- all weather (4 season) tyres are accepted.
- the penalty for non compliance is a fine of 135€ and the possible immobilisation of the vehicle and no doubt insurance claims will perhaps be void without the legal tyres in use on the vehicle.
Apparently it is viewed that winter tyres do not wear out quicker than summer tyres, but only if the temperature does not exceed 7 degrees C.
Check your hire car from Geneva or Lyon, Grenoble, Chambery has the right equipment to conform to this new law.