Use of tyres with the M+S label is to be banned in mountainous areas of France from November as a road safety law comes into full effect, with fines for non-compliance.
The Loi Montagne 2, which made the use of either snow chains, auto socks or all season tyres mandatory for winter driving in mountainous areas from November 1, 2021, included a three-year period of tolerance for tyres with the M+S label.
During this period of tolerance, police could stop drivers to check their tyres and remind them of the law if they did not have the correct ones fitted.
The ban is effective for the winter season, which runs from November 1 to March 31 each year.
What is an M+S tyre?
The M+S label stands for ‘Mud + Snow’. It is typically marked on the side of a tyre along with a logo depicting a mountain and a snowflake.
However, M+S is a declarative label applied by the manufacturer and not the accepted norm for mountainous area
The accepted norm for all-season, or snow, tyres is 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snowflake), which is marked along with a logo depicting three mountains and a snowflake.
When the period of tolerance for these tyres comes to an end on November 1, drivers using them in certain areas could face a fine of €135. However, they will not be subject to a points deduction from their licence.