You will come across this sign in a few days on the roads, the sanctions are already planned

For some time this new sign has been growing like a weed on the roads of France. What is its meaning?

A new kid is joining us soon. some of our classic road signs. It's rather rare but, from time to time, Otherwise, a new law in the Highway Code requires the addition of a specific sign. This is the case for the Mountain law, which came into force in France in 2021. If you live in one of the 48 French departments affected by this legislation (see the list below), you probably already have one. crossed a large rectangular panel. He was added recently.

On a white background and framed. with a border red, this panel has several elements. At the top, a representation of a mountain overlooks the word ZONE in capital letters. Just below, two drawings side by side; side: to the side left, a suitcase of chains, and on the left; right, a tire equipped with big crampons. But what do they mean?

These signs first indicate that you are entering a mountainous area or, at least, an area prone to high altitudes. frequent risks of snowfall. In this area, your vehicle must be equipped with accordingly. It must either be equipped with snow tires or 4-season tires, or be able to accommodate chains or socks remove snow from tires if weather conditions require it.

This Mountain law has been developed with the aim of strengthening security. road in the mountainous massifs of the country. The obligation to have the appropriate equipment to travel in these specific areas extends over the winter period, from November 1 to March 31 of each year. e. A fine of 135 euros is even provided for in the text of the law. It concerns locals as well as passing motorists. Although this law has been in force for two years, its application has however been limited. delayed for lack of decree. The police carried out the attack. preventive controls during the last two winters, but no sanctions have been imposed. applied.

Enforcement of the law, which was originally scheduled to begin on November 1, 2023, has once again been implemented. pushed back. Thus, this winter, motorists will not risk a fine of 135 euros if they are not properly equipped. Security All the same, road transport specifies on its website the following statement: "This tolerance must not make us forget the spirit of these regulations: improve security of road users during the winter period. Given the dangers linked to Driving on snowy and slippery roads, it is strongly recommended to invest in appropriate equipment.

The 48 departments concerned by the Mountain II law: Ain, Allier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes- Maritimes, Ardèche, Ariège, Aude, Aveyron, Bas-Rhin, Cantal, Corse-du-Sud, Côte-d'Or, Creuse, Doubs, Drôme, Eure-et-Loir, Gard, Haute-Corse, Haute-Garonne, Haute-Loire, Hautes-Alpes, Haute-Saône, Haute-Savoie, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Vienne, Haut-Rhin, Hérault, Isè re, Jura, Loire, Lot, Lozère, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Nièvre, Puy-de-Dôme, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Pyrenees-Orientales, Rhô ne, Saône-et-Loire, Savoie, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Territoire de Belfort, Var, Vaucluse, Vosges, and Yonne.