New and upcoming changes in France in November 2024

Revision November 5: This article has been updated to reflect that fines for not equipping winter tyres in certain communes will not come into force this winter.

The year is coming to an end, but it does not correspond to a lull in activity in France, as many changes are set to take place in November. 

Below, we cover the most important. 

Remember, November 1 is All Saint’s Day (Toussaint), and is a bank holiday in France. 

Changes may come into force from this date, but many public services will be closed. 

Internal European border checks 

France will implement internal border checks on sea, air, and land routes with six European neighbours from November 1. 

It will affect border crossings with Italy, Spain, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Switzerland for six months, but France may choose to lengthen how long the measures are in place.

People crossing into France may be stopped by border officials and asked to provide valid ID. Below, we cover the valid IDs for groups such as tourists, residents, and visa-holders.

Read more: Tourists, foreign residents: How France’s new Schengen border checks will work

Snow tyre rules 

Drivers in mountainous areas will need to equip cars with snow tyres between November 1 and March 31. 

This year, tyres need to be of a certain type – 3PMSF – or drivers need to be carrying metal snow chains or snow socks in their car’s boot. 

Fines of €135 were widely expected to be levied for non-compliance this winter, after multiple ‘educational periods’ in previous years. 

However, no fines will be handed out, although authorities will continue to inform drivers breaking the rules about the changes.

Read more: Drivers face fines as France tyre ban comes into force

Winter rental truce 

France’s trêve hivernale (winter rental truce) also comes into force between November 1 and March 31. 

During this time, landlords cannot evict tenants, even those in arrears. 

The rules do not apply to squatters, who can still be evicted. 

Minimum wage hike 

France’s minimum wage (Smic) will increase on November 1 to €1,426 net per month. 

The exceptional increase was triggered by recent inflation levels. 

As a result of this exceptional and anticipated increase, the usual January hike to the wage will not take place automatically. 

Read more: Confirmed: France’s minimum wage will increase in November

Pension increase 

Private pensions under the Agirc-Arrco scheme will increase by 1.6% from November, with payments on November 4 being the first to benefit. 

This increase is slightly under inflation levels (1.8%), but has been decided by the social partners who provide the pension. 

Exact increases will depend on current pension levels.

Tobacco-free campaign

November is the ninth Mois Sans Tabac in France, which encourages smokers to go the entire month without smoking and quit using tobacco. 

Nearly 100,000 smokers have already committed to giving up tobacco for the month. More information can be found on the official website for the campaign.

Read more: No increase to tobacco tax in France for 2025, says new government