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Winter tyre time in France?

Drivers in mountain areas are ready to fit winter tyres – which give extra grip in the cold – but they are mandatory only on certain roads where cold weather equipment is required.

Even though the tyres are not obligatory, insurers might refuse to pay out for accidents in mountain zones if a vehicle is not properly equipped. They will do the same if the winter tyres/snowchains are not on the driving wheels.

Tyres marked 3PMSF or M+S are for winter and should be fitted once temperatures fall below 7C, when ordinary tyres lose efficiency.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
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