Snowy mountain passes, icy serpentines and unexpected onset of winter – anyone spending their winter holiday in the European Alpine regions shouldn’t just think about skis and warm clothing. Many popular travel destinations have strict regulations that drivers need to be aware of. Anyone traveling without the right equipment risks more than just dangerous situations.
Where the blue sign becomes mandatory
The obligation to use snow chains is indicated in all winter sports countries by a uniform traffic sign: a round, blue sign with a white tire symbol on which snow chains can be seen. From this mark onwards, all vehicles – including those with four-wheel drive – must have snow chains fitted on at least two drive wheels. As information from schneeketten.org shows, under no circumstances may you continue driving with summer tires only, even if an additional sign allows driving with winter or all-season tires.
In most countries there is also a maximum speed of 50 km/h as soon as snow chains are installed. Important to know: traction aids are not full-fledged snow chains and are not sufficient if snow chains are required on a route. So anyone driving to wintery regions should find out in advance about the specific regulations in the individual countries, because the differences are significant.
Austria: Strict rules and high penalties
Austria is one of the countries with the strictest regulations. From November 1st to April 15th of the following year, a situational winter equipment requirement applies. This means: As soon as winter road conditions prevail – i.e. slush, snow-covered or icy roads – winter tires or, alternatively, summer tires with snow chains must be installed on at least two drive wheels. As the ADAC emphasizes in a guide, violations can be expensive: non-compliance can result in a fine of up to 5,000 euros.
The certification of snow chains is particularly important for Austria. Only specially marked chains that comply with ÖNORM V5117 or the EU standard may be used. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must carry snow chains with them throughout the winter, even if there is no acute requirement for snow chains. Anyone who uses older snow chains should be able to prove that they are identical to the Austrian standard – otherwise they will only be viewed as starting aids and do not meet the legal requirements.
Italy and Switzerland: Note regional differences
In Italy the regulations are not uniform across the country – each province can issue its own regulations. In the province of South Tyrol, a general, weather-independent winter equipment requirement applies on the A22 Brenner motorway and in the area of the municipality of Bolzano from November 15th to April 15th. In the Aosta Valley this period even extends from October 15th to April 15th. If you don’t have winter tires or snow chains with you, you can expect fines of up to 345 euros. Italian road transport companies also have the right to take a vehicle out of circulation until it has the appropriate winter equipment.
There is no general snow chain requirement in Switzerland, but on winter roads with appropriate signage, at least two snow chains are required on the drive axle. Exceptions can be made for four-wheel drive vehicles, which will be indicated by an additional sign “4×4 excluded”. Unlike in Austria, textile snow chains are also permitted in Switzerland as an alternative to metal chains, provided they are of high quality and appropriately certified. Anyone driving with unsuitable tires and obstructing traffic will receive a fine of around 90 euros. In the event of accidents with summer tires on winter roads, there is a risk of significant shared liability.
Other countries with snow chain regulations
Winter vacationers in other European countries should also be prepared. In France, the use of winter tires may be mandatory, and on some roads snow chains are compulsory, which is signaled by traffic signs. A special regulation applies to trucks over 3.5 tons in French mountain regions from November 1st to March 31st: at least two snow chains must be carried, which can be attached to the drive axles.
In Norway, winter tires and snow chains are required from November 1st to May 1st. There is a strict obligation to carry vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in particular. In Slovenia, vehicles without winter tires must carry snow chains from November 15th to March 15th. Croatia has introduced a general snow chain requirement in the mountain regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar. In Hungary you can also be turned away at the border if you do not have snow chains in your vehicle.
D. Maier / editorial team finanzen.net