Britons issued urgent travel warning of massive fines when driving in France next month

It warns that any vehicles driven in certain mountain regions during the coming months must be fitted with winter tyres or chains.

The warning is being issued ahead of the winter, which France defines as being between November 1 and March 31.

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Drivers can be slapped with a fine if they do not comply with the laws, with the FCDO urging motorists to check before they travel to France.

This includes checking what type of vehicles this applies to, what type of tyre or chain should be fitted and where in France these rules apply.

The rules were first introduced on November 1, 2021, although fines were launched more recently in a bid to improve road safety in mountainous areas.

All vehicles with four of more wheels are required to use snow tyres including light vehicles, passenger cars, campervans, coaches, buses and HGVs.

According to the French public services website, the prefects of the 34 departments located in mountainous massifs must draw up a list where winter tyres or chains are mandatory.

It notes that the mountainous regions include the Alps, Corsica, Central Massif, Jurassien Massif, Pyrenees and Vosges Massif.

Motorists driving through the region will see red and black signs noting when the vehicles require winter tyres or snow chains.

Vehicles will be required to have metal snow chains or snow socks suitable for fitting at least two driving wheels in the trunk of their vehicles.

They could also be instructed to have four winter tyres, mounted on at least two wheels of each axle.

According to Connexion France, drivers using tyres without the 3PMSF logo could face a fine worth €135 (£112) in certain areas for not complying with the rules.

These tyres are designed to stay flexible in temperatures below seven degrees, as well as retain their grip on snow, slush, wet roads and asphalt.

Alongside the new update from the FCDO, tourists heading to the continent should be warned that terrorists are very likely to attempt to carry out attacks in France.

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It warns that terror attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by tourists and foreign nationals like shopping centres, nightlife venues and cultural events.

The warning also states that industrial action can take place across the country at frequent times which can lead to disruptions and delays on roads and public transport.