{"id":46462,"date":"2026-10-26T14:56:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T13:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greendrive-accessories.com\/blog\/?p=46460"},"modified":"2026-09-23T20:15:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T18:15:30","slug":"departments-covered-by-mountain-act-handy-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greendrive-accessories.com\/blog\/language\/en\/departments-covered-by-mountain-act-handy-map\/","title":{"rendered":"Departments covered by the Mountain Act: a handy map for your Tesla"},"content":{"rendered":"

The departments covered by the Loi Montagne do not cover the whole of France, and this is precisely what catches many Tesla drivers out. The requirement for winter equipment applies on a town-by-town basis, in accordance with a prefect\u2019s order, from 1 November to 31 March. Here\u2019s how to find out if your route is affected, mountain range by mountain range.<\/p>\n

\"D\u00e9partements<\/p>\n

Departments covered by the \u2018Loi Montagne\u2019: how the list is drawn up<\/h2>\n

The 2020 decree set out the principle, but it is the prefects who designate the relevant municipalities in each department located within a mountain range. In total, 34 departments have issued a decree. Some apply the requirement to a large part of their territory, whilst others apply it only to a few high-altitude municipalities. Signs mark the entry and exit points of the zone, and the list may change from one winter to the next when a prefect revises their order. Details and up-to-date traffic conditions can be found at bison-fute.gouv.fr<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Alps: the heart of the requirement<\/h2>\n

Unsurprisingly, the Alps account for the vast majority of the municipalities affected. Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Is\u00e8re, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes are all part of the \u2018Loi Montagne\u2019 departments, either in whole or in part. Do not rely on altitude or the presence of snow on the road: it is the decree that applies, even on a dry, sunny November morning. For a Tesla owner travelling up to go skiing from Lyon, Paris or Marseille, the question therefore does not arise: the access roads to the major resorts are, in practice, always included, and from the valley onwards, your car must be fitted with or carry snow chains.<\/p>\n

The Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Jura, the Vosges and Corsica<\/h2>\n

The other mountain ranges are equally affected. For example: the Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es, Ari\u00e8ge and Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es-Orientales in the south-west; Puy-de-D\u00f4me, Cantal, Loz\u00e8re and Haute-Loire in the Massif Central; Doubs, Jura and Ain in the Jura Mountains; the Vosges and Haut-Rhin in the east; and the two Corsican departments. The exact boundaries of the \u2018Loi Montagne\u2019 departments vary from one decree to another: always check the boundaries for your destination.<\/p>\n

Check before you set off<\/h2>\n

Your Tesla\u2019s sat-nav does not flag areas where the law applies. Before setting off, check the decree published by the prefecture of the department you will be travelling through \u2013 not just that of your destination: simply driving through an affected municipality is enough to bring the law into force for you. Also be wary of alternative routes suggested in the event of a traffic jam, as these sometimes take you over secondary mountain passes. The issue also arises on the return journey: a late departure from a ski resort, following a snowfall, often involves driving on an ungraded road all the way down to the valley. Our guide to the 2026 Mountain Law<\/a> sets out the requirements in detail.<\/p>\n

\"Roues<\/p>\n

Departments covered by the Mountain Law: what equipment you need depending on your route<\/h2>\n

For a one-off trip, having approved snow<\/a> chains or snow socks in the boot is sufficient: front snow chains<\/a> (\u20ac429.00) are suitable for the tight wheel arches on Teslas. If you live in one of the \u2018Loi Montagne\u2019 departments or travel there every week, 3PMSF-approved winter tyres are essential, for example the 19-inch PL06 complete winter wheels<\/a> (\u20ac849.90). Our winter tyre and snow chain<\/a> comparison will help you make up your mind.<\/p>\n