which changes for motorists!

November is coming, the opportunity for Auto Plus to take an overview of everything that is changing for French motorists from the 1st.

Start of the winter break, increase in the minimum wage by 2% or even launch of the “Month Without Tobacco”, certain things are changing and appearing in France for this month of November 2024. However, you are on Auto Plus.fr, so let’s look at what which changes for French motorists. Change of speed limit on certain sections, return of the Mountain law… there will be changes for November!

Return of the Mountain law!

Who says November 1, says return of the Mountain law in 34 French departments. Remember, since 2021, from November 1 to March 31 of the following year, it is compulsory in mountainous regions (Alps, Corsica, Massif Central, Jura massif, Pyrenees, Vosges massif) to equip your car with snow tires or to have socks or even snow chains. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk a fine of €135. Please note, however, that since the start of the introduction of the Mountain Law, no fines have been issued for non-compliance with the Mountain Law. To see if this will still be the case this year. When in doubt, it’s better to have the right equipment.
Please note, it is important to note that the Mountain law is changing this year! If, concerning winter tires and all-season tires, the M+S (Mud and Snow) and 3PMSF (3 Peaks Mountain Snow Flake, corresponding to the logo comprising a mountain and a snowflake) approvals were authorized last year for the 2023-2024 season, this will no longer be the case for the 2024-2025 season.

In fact, from now on, only 3PMSF approval will be authorized. All-season tires or snow tires bearing only the M+S designation will no longer be authorized under the Mountain Law.

Surtax on Chinese electric vehicles!

It’s official, since October 30, electric vehicles from China will be taxed in Europe. The amount of this tax could rise up to 35,3 % depending on the brands. In reality, the tax will be different depending on the amount of subsidies received by manufacturers. Vehicles from the SAIC group, owner among others of MG Motor, will be taxed at the rate of 35,3 %Geely to 18,8 %BYD to 17 % and the Teslas produced in the Shanghai Gigafactory to the tune of 7,8 %. The objective of this tax, according to the European Union, is to protect the European market from the massive arrival of Chinese electric vehicles in Europe. Indeed, Brussels believes that European manufacturers are facing unfair practices compared to Chinese manufacturers.
For its part, China denounces this measure, considering that this new tax is a “unjust and unreasonable protectionist practice” and promises retaliatory measures. A measure which is not unanimous in Europe since certain member states such as Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and even Slovenia voted against this surcharge.

Indeed, in Germany, local manufacturers fear that this surcharge does not affect their market share in the middle country. One thing is certain, in November, the prices of Chinese vehicles sold in France should see an increase in their sales price.

The arrival of new speed limits on certain sections

If the lowering of the speed limit on the Paris ring road is still happening today grind your teethbe aware that reductions are also planned in France and in particular on the Ile-de-France network. Indeed, initially, on the A86between Saint-Denis and La Courneuve, i.e. a 5 km stretch of asphalt, the speed will go from 90 km/h to 70 km/h. Same on a 4 km portion of the A4 motorway between Saint-Maurice and Charenton-le-Pont, the speed will also increase from 90 km/h to 70 km/h. Obviously, this change in limitation will be effective in both directions of traffic, whether on the A86 and the A4.
This change is only temporary, because This is actually a one-year experiment.. The aim is to calculate the impact of this new speed limit on the reduction of noise pollution as well as the improvement or not of air quality in the surrounding area. Certainly, if it is proven that this experiment has had a positive impact on these two factors, it could be that other major roads will see their speed limits lowered.

Any other changes to plan?

Indeed, several other changes are expected for this month of November 2024. In the coming days, the purchase of fuel may be restricted in certain departments due to Halloween celebrations in the territory. In the departments of Sarthe and Alpes-Maritimes, it will be prohibited to purchase and transport fuel at retail. The authorities fear excesses during the Halloween party. Regarding the Alpes-Maritimes, the restrictions began on October 30 and are expected to end today, October 31. However, in Sarthe, these restrictions began on October 29 and are expected to end much later, on November 4.
On the farmers’ side, new actions are planned for November 15. Different farmers unions call for major mobilizations in France. If the latter were to be as significant as the previous ones, traffic in the area would once again be seriously disrupted.

Happy November!