UK Foreign Office changes ‘fine threat’ travel guidance for France

Official guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been updated for anyone planning to travel to France. The FCDO provides regular updates for international travel to any of 226 nations and territories in a bid to help people stay safe and make informed decisions.

On Tuesday afternoon, October 1, advice for France was changed for the millions of people who visit the European nation from the UK each year alone. A new seasonal alert has been issued on Gov.uk.

The update reads: “Winter tyres and chains. Vehicles driven in certain mountain regions during the winter period (1 November to 31 March) must be fitted with winter tyres or chains. You could receive a fine if you do not comply.

“Visit the French public services website for more information (in English) about: what type of vehicle this applies to, what type of tyre or chain should be fitted, where in France these rules apply.”

Part of a link provided within the alert explains: “In order to improve road traffic in mountainous regions and the safety of users, it is mandatory to equip your vehicle with winter tires or to have snow chains or socks, from 1 November to March 31 in selected mountain areas.” It adds that the rule came into force back in November 2021.

Guidance continues: “All vehicles with four or more wheels are covered by this obligation: light vehicles, commercial vehicles, campers, coaches, buses and heavy goods vehicles. The prefects of the 34 departments located in mountainous massifs (Alps, Corsica, Central Massif, Jurassien Massif, Pyrenees, Vosges Massif) must draw up a list of municipalities in which vehicle equipment becomes compulsory during the winter period.

“This list shall be drawn up with and after consultation with the local elected representatives concerned.” For the avoidance of doubt, road signs will indicate the entrances and exits of areas where the rules apply.