The fine under the Montagne Act is €135 if you are stopped without winter equipment in a designated municipality between 1 November and 31 March. This may be accompanied by the vehicle being impounded until it complies with the regulations. For Tesla drivers, here’s what’s checked, what’s accepted and how to avoid ever being fined.
Mountain Law fine: the amount and what it penalises
Failure to carry the required equipment constitutes a 4th-class offence: the fixed-sum ‘Montagne’ fine is €135, reduced to €90 for prompt payment and increased to €375 for late payment, in line with the standard scale for this category. Law enforcement officers may also immobilise the vehicle until it is properly equipped. The official rules are summarised on service-public.fr. The requirement applies to the municipalities listed by prefectural decree, whether you are staying there or simply passing through.
What is compliant… and what is no longer compliant
Two solutions are accepted. Either four winter tyres bearing the 3PMSF marking – the symbol of the three-peaked mountain and a snowflake: from November 2024, a simple ‘M S’ marking will no longer suffice. Or, approved metal snow chains or fabric snow socks, carried in the boot and capable of fitting at least two drive wheels. Our Tesla 3PMSF tyre guide explains how to read the sidewall of your tyres.
The case of the ‘snow chains compulsory’ sign
Not to be confused with the ‘Loi Montagne’ (Mountain Law): the round blue sign depicting a tyre fitted with snow chains requires you to actually fit them, even if you are using winter tyres. It is displayed during snowy conditions on certain mountain passes and access roads to ski resorts, and failure to comply is also punishable by a fine. Only chains fitted to the drive wheels ensure you are compliant. This is where chains designed to fit Tesla’s narrow wheel arches really come into their own, as detailed in our Tesla snow chain guide.
How the checks are carried out
Checks are concentrated on access roads to ski resorts and mountain passes, particularly on days when it’s snowing and during peak travel periods. Officers check the markings on the tyre sidewalls or look for the presence of snow chains or tyre socks in the boot. In a Tesla, keep them in the under-boot compartment or the frunk, where they’re easy to show. To avoid any fines under the Montagne Act, also check the start date of the season: the requirement comes into force on 1 November, even in dry weather.
Beyond the Mountain Act fine: the real risk
A €135 fine is a small price to pay compared to the real danger: a car weighing nearly two tonnes skidding downhill or blocking a resort road. A Tesla’s instant torque can cause a wheel to spin in an instant on snow, and without suitable tyres, braking distances are significantly longer. Complete winter wheels, such as the 18-inch PL06 complete winter wheels for the Model 3 (€669.90), sort the problem for the whole season. See also our map of departments covered by the Mountain Law.
The checklist to ensure you never get a fine
- 3PMSF tyres on all four wheels, or approved snow chains carried in the vehicle;
- Prefectural decree checked for each department you pass through – the only way to avoid a ‘Loi Montagne’ fine;
- snow chains tested at the garage, ready to fit before reaching the blue sign;
- equipment accessible in the boot, not under luggage;
- Winter tyre tread depth checked before the season begins.
Frequently asked questions
I’m just passing through – does this apply to me? Yes, the requirement applies as soon as you drive through a listed municipality.
Is it enough to have snow chains in the boot? Yes, under the Mountain Law, provided they are suitable for a two-wheel-drive vehicle.
Do all-season tyres prevent a fine under the Mountain Law? Yes, provided they bear the 3PMSF mark.
And if my caris immobilised? The car must remain stationary until you fit compliant equipment.
Green Drive’s advice
Front snow chains (€429.00) in the boot or 3PMSF tyres are all you need to drive with peace of mind all winter long. All the equipment you need is available in our snow chains and equipment section.
