What to carry
What you must carry in your car in France
A hire car does not always come with these. Check the boot before you drive away. Every item links to the official source it was checked against, with the date.
Required by law
What you must carry in the car
- Warning triangle
- High-visibility vest
The vest must be within reach and worn if you leave a broken-down car on the road. Missing either is a 135 euro fine.
Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Looking to rent a car? Make sure you ask the rental company to show you the equipment is in the car before you leave. Not every hire car comes with it. We earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.
Winter equipment
Tyres and chains are equipment too, and the rules usually apply only between set dates or on signed roads.
Winter tyres
Required where signs say so
In 34 mountain departments from 1 November to 31 March, marked zones require either four winter tyres (3PMSF marking) or snow chains on board. Zones are signed at their entrance.
Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
Snow chains
Required where signs say so
Chains on the drive wheels satisfy the mountain-zone rule if you do not have winter tyres. A specific sign can make chains compulsory on a given road.
Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source