Chains or winter tires mandatory: the decree overturned in Puy-de-Dôme

Following the controversy surrounding the mandatory use of snow chains or winter tires on the roads of Puy-de-Dôme, the Clermont-Ferrand Administrative Court has finally ruled on the matter. On Wednesday, it overturned the prefectural decree that imposed this requirement starting November 1st.

This decision was made following a request from a local resident who considered the decree “arbitrary and disproportionate.” It is a victory for the plaintiff, a resident of Puy-de-Dôme, who had requested the annulment of the decree, which she deemed “arbitrary and disproportionate,” given that it applied to the entire road and highway network of the department, and not just to the municipalities located within Puy-de-Dôme.

Update of November 14, 2022:

Snow tires mandatory: no penalties before the end of 2022. According to her, this requirement does not take into account the varying weather conditions in the department.

The administrative court has finally decided to overturn the prefectural decree of October 31st requiring motorists to equip their vehicles with snow tires or chains starting November 1st in the Puy-de-Dôme department. However, this does not end the debate surrounding this measure, which is still in effect in 48 other departments.

The Puy-de-Dôme is not the only department to have been affected by this measure. In total, 48 departments were subject to this requirement imposed by a law of December 2016, which came into effect last fall with an initial one-year grace period for motorists in violation. Some have limited this measure to mountain areas, but others have extended it to their entire territory, such as Cantal, Haute-Loire, Haute-Savoie, and Puy-de-Dôme.

When it comes to winter driving, we immediately think of two things: either we put snow chains on our tires, or we buy special winter tires. But which is better? In terms of reliability, winter tires with the MS brand win. In terms of safety, it’s important to know that snow chains must be fitted correctly to ensure safe driving. Therefore, winter tires offer another advantage over snow chains. If you’re looking for a comparison of tires evaluated in tests conducted primarily by European automobile clubs, go here: TestPneus.fr

Now let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each system.

WINTER TIRES ADVANTAGES

• They have better grip on icy and snowy roads.
• They ensure greater stability and a shorter braking distance.
• The car uses less fuel.

They are quieter.

• DOWNSIDES OF WINTER TIRES
• They are more expensive than chains.

They need to be replaced.

• ADVANTAGES OF SNOW CHAINS
• They are less expensive than winter tires.

You can put them on and take them off as needed.

• DOWNSIDES OF SNOW CHAINS
• They can damage the tire if they are not fitted correctly.
• They can be noisy.
• They can reduce the speed at which the car can be driven safely.

They can be difficult to put on. So, which is the best option? It depends on your needs and budget. If you live in an area where snow and ice are constant, then winter tires are the best option. But if you only need them occasionally, snow chains might be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision