When you get behind the wheel in France, your car must be just as compliant as you are. Driving test examiners know this well: several questions focus on mandatory equipment, tires, brakes, and lights. This guide provides the exact rules, with explained terminology.

Mandatory equipment on board

Two items must always be present in your vehicle. Their absence is penalized.

• The high-visibility vest (fluorescent yellow vest): it must be stored within easy reach, inside the passenger compartment (not in the trunk). You must put it on before exiting the vehicle in case of an emergency stop on the road. "High visibility" means it reflects headlight beams.
• The warning triangle: a reflective red triangle that you unfold to warn other drivers of a stationary hazard.

Failure to have one OR the other, or failing to use them in case of breakdown, is an offense punishable by a fixed fine of €135 (4th-class contravention).

Good to know: The breathalyzer (the small device for measuring blood alcohol level) has no longer been mandatory on board since 2020. The law initially provided for a penalty, but it was removed. Don't be misled by old exam questions: today, no breathalyzer is required in the car.

The triangle: exactly where to place it

In case of a forced stop (breakdown, accident), the triangle must be placed on the roadway, approximately 30 meters ahead of your vehicle, to give others time to slow down.

• On normal roads: approximately 30 m.
• On highways or expressways, where speeds are high: place it as far back as possible (up to 150–200 m if feasible without danger), always behind the safety barrier.
• Never install the triangle if your own safety is threatened (blind corner, heavy traffic). The golden rule: vest first, secure yourself behind the barrier, then place the triangle if possible.

Tires: legal tread depth

Tires are your only contact with the road. The law sets a minimum tread depth (grooves) of 1.6 mm across the entire tread surface.

• Below 1.6 mm, the tire is considered bald: this is dangerous (aquaplaning, increased braking distance) and is penalized by a €135 fine per non-compliant tire.
• Wear indicators (small bumps at the bottom of the grooves) show when this limit is reached.
• Experts practically recommend changing tires at 3 mm for rain conditions, but the legal threshold remains 1.6 mm.

Also check the pressure regularly: an under-inflated tire overheats, wears unevenly, and increases fuel consumption.

Winter equipment: the Mountain Law

Since November 1, 2021, the Mountain Law requires special equipment in certain mountain zones, from November 1 to March 31 each year.

These zones are marked by signs B58 (start of obligation) and B59 (end of obligation). They are located in designated massifs: Alps, Massif Central, Corsica, Jura, Pyrenees, Vosges.

In these zones, from November 1 to March 31, your vehicle must have either:

• snow chains or snow socks (metallic or textile) ready to be fitted on at least two drive wheels;
• OR winter tires (marked 3PMSF, the small mountain pictogram with a snowflake; tires marked only "M+S" are no longer accepted as of November 1, 2024; the 3PMSF marking is now required).

The goal is to prevent road blockages due to bad weather. Note: in practice, during the implementation phase, penalties often remain educational, but the prescribed fine is €135, and law enforcement can immobilize the vehicle if it is not equipped.

Lights: which ones to use and when

Mastering your lights is a classic exam topic. Here is the essentials:

• Dipped headlights (low beams): basic lights for driving at night or in poor visibility when other road users are present. They illuminate about 30 m without dazzling.
• Main beam headlights (high beams): illuminate up to 100 m. Use them at night, on clear roads outside built-up areas, when you are not meeting or following anyone. You must switch back to dipped headlights as soon as a vehicle approaches from the opposite direction or when you are following someone, to avoid dazzling them.
• Front fog lights: permitted in fog, snow, or heavy rain.
• Rear fog lights: only in thick fog or heavy snowfall — never in rain alone, as they dazzle drivers behind you.
• Position lights (side lights): insufficient on their own for driving; used to signal a stationary vehicle.

In well-lit built-up areas, drive with dipped headlights, not high beams.

Brakes

The braking system must be in perfect condition: this is a major technical inspection point. Remember:

• Service brake (the pedal): slows down and stops the vehicle.
• Parking brake (handbrake or electric): immobilizes the vehicle when stopped.
• A brake warning light on the dashboard indicates a problem (fluid level, worn pads, ABS). Do not ignore it.
• ABS prevents wheels from locking during emergency braking: press hard and do not release.

Faulty brakes, like bald tires or non-compliant lights, can lead to a re-inspection during the technical check and immobilization of the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

• High-visibility vest + warning triangle: mandatory on board; absence or non-use = €135. The vest is stored inside the passenger compartment.
• The breathalyzer is no longer mandatory in the car since 2020.
• Triangle: placed ~30 m ahead (further on highways); never at the risk of your safety.
• Tires: minimum tread depth 1.6 mm; below this, €135 per tire.
• Mountain Law: from Nov 1 to Mar 31, zones marked B58, chains/socks or winter tires 3PMSF are mandatory.
• High beams only on clear roads with no other users; switch back to dipped beams as soon as you meet or follow someone.