The normal speed limit on French highways is 130 km/h (just over 80 mph). If you are on a main road outside a built-up area, the speed limit after the law change in 2018 is now 80 km/h, and for closed areas 50 km/h. In case of rain, speed limits are lowered. The tread depth law hasn`t changed in many years and exceeds 75% of the width of tires at 1.6mm, so maybe that`s what caught you. If the tires have been inflated too little, it is very likely that the outer edges are more worn than the middle and anyone who is used to judging the tires can immediately judge whether they are legal or not. In addition, driving at the front of a front-wheel drive car naturally tends to rub the outer edges, even when properly inflated. Illegally parked vehicles can be towed and confiscated, even if they are registered abroad. The owner is responsible for the forfeiture costs and for all 24 hours the vehicle is detained. Great Frances tires. I`ve always had a weakness (no pun intended) for Pirellis and Goodyears.
Even top-notch Michelins had a reputation for being too tough a few years ago. Is that still the case? Sometimes you see the word “rappel” under a speed limit sign on French roads. It`s just a reminder that you`re still in that speed zone and you should already be on the limit. It does not inform you that it is moving to a new limit. In general, a disabled driver can park without time limit on roads where parking is free but limited in time. All vehicles in mountainous areas of France must now be equipped with snow tyres or load-bearing chains. The existence of winter tire requirements is indicated by a sign, an image of which can be seen in the article above. I can`t recommend Allopneus. The tires were not mounted, and despite many calls to them, not from them, I should add, the assembler has just told us that they are out of stock! They were marked as being in stock on the website when I ordered and paid for them over two weeks ago. The mobile assembly service must be completed within three days. Note: Prior to 2020, the law required wearing a set of alcohol tests with at least two disposable testing devices – but that`s no longer the case. It is always recommended to wear one when traveling for safety reasons.
Speed limits will be reduced in the event of rain and other adverse weather conditions, while specific speed limits will apply to certain categories of vehicles, including coaches and cars with trailers. A guy from the village thought he had 4 used tires that he is willing to part with for a little consideration, but says they are not exactly the same size and although he assured me that they were safe and would fit the rims, he was not sure they would be acceptable for the MOT. I left and asked the very nice man at the TÜV center, who assured me that – as far as the technical inspection is concerned, I can mount bicycle wheels, provided they have a reasonable profile. Yes, you must take with you the original V5 registration document (logbook) to prove that you are the rightful owner of the vehicle. Read more: Review: France`s new snow tire law starts, what you need to know Yes, that`s what`s recommended, Ian, but it`s only if your front tires are also in good condition (front-wheel drive) that these tires need to eliminate water so that the rear wheels can keep up in everyday driving conditions. ABS helps to turn anyway. It also depends on whether the front and rear designs are different (I think where the original query began) and whether the tires are asymmetrical or directional. It is not good to wear those in the front and back, because they are just as dangerous. Admittedly, the route of used tires is not advisable because you do not know if these tires have been blocked, etc. etc. It`s best to look at the vehicle`s manual and see what it recommends. The survey also found that only 15% of drivers had winter (or year-round) tires, and even in mountainous areas, only 23% of drivers had tires that fit them.
I also wonder if worn front tires are “safer” because they make themselves felt in everyday life in a way that worn rear tires may not have. ABS is of no use as soon as the rear of the car moves laterally. I had Star Performer winter tires on a 2×4 🙂 So I don`t know anything about 4×4, but I didn`t like the performance in the rain at all. While they were good in the snow, I found them quite slippery in wet weather. Not good. Often it`s more about uneven wear – that is, you can have enough profile through the markers and – due to poor balance – not enough elsewhere. IMHO, you need to do regular checks (every three months or so) around different parts of each tire with a tread gauge (cheap like chips). If they look uneven, have the wheels balanced at a local repair shop or tire store. [:)] When asking how French tire prices compare to their UK counterparts, it may be helpful to check out comparison websites.
Restrictions and restrictions are indicated by road signs or yellow lines on the sidewalk. A solid yellow line indicates that stopping and parking are prohibited. A yellow line crossed out indicates that parking is prohibited. Winter tyres are not required by law in France, but snow chains must be fitted to vehicles using snowy roads in mountainous areas in accordance with local signs or road conditions. Therefore, if you visit in winter, it is recommended to take them with you. Interesting – I`m trying to buy 4 tires for my Freelander with 18″ wheels – it`s not that simple. I`m tempted to buy winter tyres, but anything made in Europe costs around 200 euros each, making it a big investment. We don`t have a lot of snow, but we do have ice and a lot of mud and leaves. I fitted Alpine tyres on the front wheels of my Saab last winter and I was very satisfied. Does anyone here have experience with Chinese/Korean winter tires on 4×4? In the snow, at a speed of 50 km/h at a temperature of -5°C, a car equipped with winter tyres gains about 30 metres of braking. Conversely, the braking performance of tires deteriorates with rising temperatures. The new tires have a tread depth of about 8-9 mm, which allows the car to grip better in rain or snow.
Motorists are advised to consider changing tires when the tread depth reaches about 3 mm. I can`t agree with Weedon, as far as balance is concerned, I`m afraid. Even well-known quality brand tires can be clearly unbalanced and I have not noticed any improvement or deterioration for many years. In addition, the wheels themselves are not always perfect, in difficult cases, completely removing a tire and remounting it in a different position can make the difference between a successful balance and not. Some try to save a few pennies by simply balancing the fronts, but that`s a false economy because while you may not feel out of balance, it`s still there to run your rear suspension and shock absorbers to death. Not often, but I`ve seen cars on the road where a heavily unbalanced rear wheel bounced so hard it almost went off the road, but the driver seemed completely ignorant of what was going on! If your tires wear out faster in any part of the tire, ask them to be balanced and have the tracking checked. I hope that helps. TyreComp/QuelPneu`s results suggest that tires are slightly cheaper in France, but it depends on the type of tire you choose.
1.6mm may be the legal minimum, but your tires will beat their best times, especially in wet conditions. ROSPA recommends a minimum tread depth of 3 mm. While it`s understandable that most fit a new pair of tires on the front wheels, it`s almost universally accepted that they should be mounted at the rear, especially on a front-wheel drive car where the change in weight when braking makes the rear very light with the resulting risk of skidding and loss of control. The best plan is to spin your tires so they all wear out at a similar rate, and then replace all 4 at the same time. The depth of the tire tread is equally important. In the UK/France it is 1.6mm above the 3/4 centre strip of the tyre and recommended at 4mm in winter Honestly, I change mine or rotate it 3mm anyway as below as you don`t get rid of the water and more or less ride on slicks – great in dry weather but no rain! If you look at the tire, you will see the TWI mark on the sidewall, which corresponds to a piece of raised rubber in the tire. If this is comparable to tread, your attempts are at the legal limit. Also check the side walls for dents or cuts that could lead to a puncture. Some parts of the country insist on winter tires and/or chains even in winter It is illegal to tow another motor vehicle unless there is a breakdown or accident and the distance to be covered is short.