Is carrying a spare tyre required when driving in France?

There are many rules that drivers in France must remember, detailed in the country’s Code de la Route. 

Among these is the requirement to keep certain items in your car at all times, which relate to drivers of both French and foreign-registered vehicles.

These include a reflective jacket, and warning triangles in case of a breakdown. If you do not have these items and are stopped by police, you can face a fine of up to €375.

Read more: What must drivers carry in their cars in France? Are photocopies OK?

Spare tyres are not included in the list of required items. However, drivers are “strongly recommended” to carry a spare wheel and the tools needed to use it. 

If one of the tyres on your vehicle is damaged but you do not have a spare in your car – or one of the solutions below – you must pull over and call roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the nearest garage. 

Alternative options are available

If you do not want to carry a full spare tyre – or do not have the space – it is possible to use a temporary roue galette / roue de secours (temporary compact tyre).

These are smaller than regular tyres, and can be used as a short-term measure, usually to help you get to a garage for a replacement tyre.

However, you cannot drive faster than 80 km/h when you are using these tyres. 

The same speed limit is also recommended when using puncture-roof kits (les kits anti-crevaison). 

These help you temporarily counteract a puncture by covering the hole with a sealant spray, and pumping air into the tyre.

Your final option is to use a puncture-proof tyre (pneu runflat). These tyres have a mechanism in place that allows you to drive for a certain amount of time with a puncture, to help you make it to a garage for a replacement.

You can drive up to 80 kilometres after getting the puncture, but again you should not drive above 80 km/h. 

Read more: How should you dispose of used tyres in France?