The Mountain Act, 1 November: this is the date on which the requirement for winter equipment comes back into force in mountain municipalities designated by prefectural order. Until 31 March, your Tesla must be fitted with winter tyres or carry snow chains or snow socks whilst driving in these areas. Here’s what changes on that date and how to comply, even if you’re running late.
Mountain Law, 1 November: what this means in practice
The decree of 16 October 2020 set out the framework: from 1 November to 31 March, in areas marked by signs at the entrance and exit, a light vehicle must either be fitted with four winter tyres or carry anti-skid devices for at least two drive wheels. The text is available at legifrance.gouv.fr. The requirement applies even in good weather and even if the road is dry: it is the equipment fitted that counts, not the condition of the road surface.
On the evening of 31 October: a five-minute check
Before the deadline, give your Tesla a quick check-over. On each tyre sidewall, look for the symbol of the three-peaked mountain and the snowflake: from November 2024, only this 3PMSF marking will make a tyre a legally compliant winter tyre; the simple ‘M S’ marking is no longer sufficient. Measure the tread depth, check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, and make sure your boot contains your snow chains or snow socks if you’re driving on summer tyres. The Tesla 2026 Mountain Law guide details all the options.
Not ready yet? Last-minute solutions
Workshop fitting slots are fully booked by the end of October. If your winter tyres haven’t been delivered yet, the immediate solution is to place anti-skid devices in the boot: these are sufficient to comply with the Mountain Law from 1 November, provided they are suitable for the size of your tyres. Front-mounted snow chains for Tesla (€429.00) are fitted to the outer side of the wheel, without going round the back of the tyre – a real advantage given the tight wheel arches. Check the product details for the correct size and standard before setting off.
Winter tyres: the all-season solution
Anti-skid devices are a stopgap, but they have to be fitted whilst stationary, in the cold, and you’ll need to drive at reduced speed. If you drive in the mountains regularly, a set of complete winter wheels is simpler: fitted once in October, they’ll keep you compliant right through to spring without you having to give it a second thought. On the Model Y, the 19-inch PL06 complete winter wheel kit (€849.90) is the most popular entry-level option; the Model Y Standard Rear-Wheel Drive 2025 models have dedicated 18-inch kits.
Does this apply to you?
The ‘Loi Montagne’ law, which comes into force on 1 November, does not apply across the whole of France: only the municipalities listed by the prefects of 34 departments are affected, in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Jura, the Vosges and Corsica. A journey to and from work on the plains is not covered, but a weekend skiing trip is. Our map of the departments covered by the 1 November Mountain Law helps you to find out whether your route passes through an area marked with signs.
Mountain Law 1 November: the checklist
- four tyres marked 3PMSF, or anti-skid devices in the boot;
- tread depth and tyre pressure checked when the tyres are cold;
- gloves, a head torch and a knee pad for fitting tyres at night;
- Route checked: signposted areas and charging points;
- invoice or product information sheet to hand in case of a check.
Also bear in mind the end of the season: the ‘Loi Montagne’ (1 November) period ends on 31 March, but late snow in April can catch you out. Don’t fit your summer tyres back on too early if you go skiing in the spring.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1 November Mountain Law apply throughout France? No, only in municipalities designated by prefectural order, which are indicated by road signs.
What are the penalties for not having the correct equipment? A fine of €135 and possible immobilisation of the vehicle; full details can be found in our article on fines under the Mountain Law.
Are all-season tyres sufficient? Yes, provided they carry the 3PMSF marking.
Until when? Up to and including 31 March.
Green Drive’s advice
1 November comes as no surprise: ideally, you should have fitted your winter tyres beforehand and keep anti-skid equipment in the boot for snowy days. Snow chains and other equipment can be found in our snow chains and equipment section.
