New Road Rules and Old Hassles
Starting this Saturday, November 1, drivers are going to need to pay close attention to their tires. In France, this marks the return of the “Loi Montagne”—a regulation that kicks in every year for four months. Anyone driving through the 34 French mountain departments will need to be equipped with snow tires or carry chains or tire socks in their vehicle.
- This includes all vehicles with four or more wheels: passenger cars, vans, RVs, coaches, buses, and trucks.
This information comes directly from France’s official Service-Public website. If you think swapping your regular tires for snow ones in November and then back again in April is just a way of life, take heart: soon, the hassle of changing tires twice a year might be ancient history for many drivers.
The Tire Revolution: From Fiction to (Almost) Fact
According to Anicet Mbida, speaking on the French morning show “Bonjour ! La Matinale TF1,” a revolution is brewing in the tire world—one that could make life for motorists a whole lot easier.
“The tire is having its revolution. No more socks, no more chains, no more snow, rain, fall, summer, or winter tires… Because in the near future, we’ll have tires that can change shape to guarantee the best grip possible,” the journalist explains, noting that tires will soon be able to analyze road surfaces and adapt themselves for maximum safety according to the weather.
He goes on to say:
“The tires can switch to rain mode. Basically, we’ll reduce the width of the tire to avoid aquaplaning. In fact, these are variable-geometry tires, ones that can get wider or narrower as needed.”
From Rain to Ice: Adapting On the Fly
But tires that can slim down to cut through puddles aren’t just about wet weather. The same adaptive magic could soon help drivers on snowy or icy roads too. Here’s how: these new tires would be capable of extending tiny telescopic studs to boost traction when needed.
“When you’re on black ice, the studs pop out to grip the road better and help you move forward more confidently. And then, as soon as normal grip is restored, the studs retract,” says Anicet Mbida.
Not in Your Garage—Yet
Before you rush out to replace your winter chains with these miracle tires, there’s a catch: they’re not on the market yet. There’s no set release date—and no word on the price, either. So, drivers will need to exercise a little patience before saying their final goodbyes to fiddly chains and awkward tire socks, which, let’s be honest, are never fun to install (especially when your fingers are frozen and you’re late for work).
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
