Winter tyres in Haute-Savoie: the Mountain Law, and fitting at your door
Compulsory from 1 November to 31 March
Every autumn, tyre centres have weeks of waiting. We come and fit your winter tyres at home or at work, in Thonon, the Chablais and around Annemasse, 7 days a week by appointment.
What the Mountain Law says
Since winter 2021, in France's mountain departments, vehicles must be winter-equipped from 1 November to 31 March. In Haute-Savoie the rule applies to the whole department, so also along the lake and around Annemasse, not just in the ski resorts.
Two ways to comply:
- Four winter or all-season tyres with the 3PMSF marking (the three-peak mountain with a snowflake). Since 1 November 2024, the "M+S" marking alone is no longer enough.
- Or snow chains or socks in the boot, for at least two driving wheels, to be fitted as soon as the road is snowy.
The law provides for a €135 fine. The first seasons were enforced with leniency; check what applies this winter. Beyond the fine, it is about safety: on cold, wet or snowy roads a winter tyre stops shorter and holds the line better than a summer tyre.
Winter, all-season or chains?
- Winter tyres (3PMSF): the best choice if you drive up to the resorts regularly or early in the morning on icy roads. The rubber stays soft below 7 °C.
- All-season tyres (3PMSF): a compromise if you mostly drive in the lowlands, around Annemasse or along the lake. Legal all year, one set of tyres, but less capable than a true winter tyre in snow.
- Chains or socks: the cheapest legal option, but you have to fit them at the roadside, in the cold, when the snow comes. Not practical day to day.
Our advice: winter tyres if you go to the mountains several times a season, all-season otherwise. Either way we offer three price ranges.
Recognising an approved tyre
Look at the sidewall: the 3PMSF symbol (a three-peak mountain with a snowflake inside) is moulded into the rubber, often next to "M+S". Check the wear too: below 4 mm of tread a winter tyre loses much of its grip in snow. Not sure? Send us a photo of the sidewall on WhatsApp.
Our winter offer
We supply winter and all-season tyres of all brands and sizes and fit them at your door: fitting, balancing, valves and pressures included, from €25 per tyre. Send us your tyre size to get three all-inclusive options.
Demand is high from mid-October to late November: book early to choose your slot. In spring we come back to refit your summer tyres, from 1 April.
We answer
Frequently asked questions
Are winter tyres compulsory everywhere in Haute-Savoie?
Yes. The rule applies to the whole department from 1 November to 31 March, including Thonon, Évian and Annemasse. Road signs remind you at the department borders.
Are all-season tyres enough?
Yes, provided they carry the 3PMSF marking (mountain + snowflake). An all-season tyre marked only "M+S" has not been accepted since 1 November 2024.
Can I fit only two winter tyres?
No. The law requires four approved tyres, and it is a safety issue too: with only two winter tyres the car can become unstable when braking or cornering.
Are chains in the boot enough?
Yes, legally, if they cover at least two driving wheels. But you must fit them as soon as the road is snowy, at the roadside and in the cold.
When should I refit summer tyres?
The rule ends on 31 March. Once temperatures stay above 7 °C, usually in April, summer tyres perform better and wear more slowly.
What we do
Our other services
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Mobile tyre fitting
We supply and fit new tyres at your home or workplace: fitting, balancing, valves and pressures, in our workshop van.
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Puncture repair
Nail, screw, flat tyre in the morning: we come and check and repair the tyre on site when possible, otherwise we replace it.
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Company fleets
Company cars, vans, ride-hailing drivers, tradespeople: we equip your whole fleet in your car park, without taking your staff off the road.
Thonon · Chablais · Annemasse
We come and fit your tyres, wherever you are
Get a quote within minutes from your tyre size, pick a slot any day of the week, and our workshop van comes to your door.