A compliant vehicle is not just about the yellow vest and the warning triangle stored in the trunk. In recent years, French regulations have expanded the notion of mandatory equipment well beyond physical accessories, incorporating embedded electronic systems that the driver cannot remove or deactivate. Understanding this distinction between passive equipment and active aids allows for better choices regarding what truly deserves a place in your vehicle.
Mandatory ADAS systems on new vehicles: what the GSR2 regulation requires
The European regulation GSR2 (General Safety Regulation 2) makes it mandatory for all new vehicles sold from July 2024 to be equipped with a series of driver assistance devices. These ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) are not comfort options: their presence is a condition for the vehicle’s approval.
Among these systems are automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, intelligent speed assistance (ISA), and drowsiness detection. On the latest models, an infrared camera monitors the driver’s attention level and triggers an alert if the eyes leave the road for too long.
These technologies are factory calibrated and cannot be permanently deactivated. The driver can suspend certain alerts for the duration of a trip, but the system reactivates upon restarting. For catalogs of parts and products related to automotive maintenance, a useful resource is: https://www.car-system.fr/, which lists various ranges of equipment for vehicles.
The direct consequence for the used car buyer: a new vehicle post-2024 comes equipped with these systems as standard, while an older model does not. The presence or absence of ADAS thus becomes a real selection criterion when making a purchase.
Winter tires and 3PMSF marking: the rules of the Montagne Law
The Montagne Law imposes equipment obligations each year from November 1 to March 31 in municipalities located in mountainous areas. About 34 departments are affected: Alpes, Pyrénées, Massif central, Jura, Vosges, and Corsica.
As of November 1, 2024, only tires bearing the 3PMSF marking (symbol of a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake) are accepted as compliant winter tires. The old M+S markings alone are no longer sufficient. The alternative remains carrying removable anti-slip devices (chains or snow socks) for at least two driving wheels.
Driving without this equipment in a concerned municipality exposes one to a 4th class fine, which is 135 euros. Before each departure to a mountainous area, checking the list of affected municipalities on the departmental prefecture’s website avoids unpleasant surprises during checks.
Check the compliance of your tires
The 3PMSF marking is engraved on the tire’s sidewall. A four-season tire can bear this symbol as long as it has passed standardized snow traction tests. When replacing tires, explicitly requesting this marking at the fitting center ensures regulatory compliance.
Safety equipment to keep in the trunk
Beyond integrated systems, French regulations maintain the obligation to carry certain physical accessories in the vehicle. Their presence can be verified during a roadside check or technical inspection.
- A CE-approved high-visibility vest, accessible from the passenger compartment (not in the trunk), to be worn before exiting the vehicle in case of an emergency stop.
- A certified warning triangle, to be placed at least 30 meters ahead of the vehicle immobilized on the roadway.
- A mutual accident report, which remains the reference document for declaring a claim to the insurance, even though digital versions exist.
- A breathalyzer (chemical or electronic), whose absence has not been penalized by a fine for several years, but which remains theoretically mandatory.
The fire extinguisher: mandatory based on tonnage
For standard passenger vehicles, a fire extinguisher is not mandated by regulations. However, it becomes mandatory for goods transport vehicles beyond a certain tonnage. A portable ABC type extinguisher costs around ten euros and can protect against a fire outbreak, especially in older vehicles or diesel models with high engine heat.
A proposed law put forward by a French deputy aims to make fire extinguishers mandatory in all cars, in response to several vehicle fires on the road. The text has not yet been adopted, but the regulatory trend is moving in that direction.
Everyday car accessories: separating the useful from the superfluous
Auto accessory aisles are overflowing with gadgets. Three categories truly deserve the investment, provided they serve a concrete and regular use.
The dashboard-mounted phone holder prevents smartphone handling while driving, which is penalized by a fine and point deduction. Choosing a model with a suction cup or air vent mount, compatible with the phone size, is sufficient. Models with wireless charging add appreciated comfort on long trips.
A portable tire inflator allows you to reinflate a deflated tire without searching for an equipped gas station. With the gradual disappearance of the spare tire in favor of puncture repair kits, checking tire pressure before a long trip remains the best prevention.
Jump cables or a compact lithium battery booster are helpful in winter when batteries weaken after several days of cold. A compact booster fits in the glove compartment and can start an engine in seconds, without needing a second vehicle.
The line between regulatory equipment and practical accessories shifts each year. ADAS, once reserved for high-end sedans, are now a mandated technical foundation. Winter obligations have tightened with the 3PMSF marking. In the trunk, the trio vest-triangle-report remains the minimum verifiable. Adapting your equipment to your usual journeys, rather than accumulating rarely used accessories, remains the best approach.