Snow Chain Requirements

As it is the time of year when we can expect snow below is information regarding the carrying and use of snow chains in various countries.

1. Is it obligatory to carry snow chains.
2. How many chains/pairs of chains must be carried or used.
3. Fines/penalties for the breaching regulations

Austria

1. Generally not but compulsory to fit them to use certain road sections signposted ‘Schneeketten Vorgeschrieben.’

2. Chains must be fitted to at least two drive wheels on the same axle and must be fitted so the complete surface of the tyre is covered and there is contact at all times between the chain and the road surface.

3. No standard fine as it differs from state to state.

Belgium

1. No but there use is allowed in snowy or icy conditions

2. n/a

3. n/a

Bosnia-Herzegovina

1. Yes, from 1st November until 15th April.

2. One pair to be fitted to the drive axle and a spade must be carried.

3. In winter police can order the driver to fit chains or ■■■■■■ the vehicle to a place where chains can be bought.

Bulgaria

1. Yes, all trucks must carry one pair of chains or entry to the country will be refused.

2. Chains must be fitted to at least two drive wheels when signs indicate.

3. Forbidden to enter the country or forbidden to use a section of road.

Croatia

1. Yes in winter conditions, defined by law as at least 5cm of snow on the road. A spade must also be carried

2. One pair of chains on the drive axle.

3. In winter conditions, as defined above, police can order the driver to fit chains or ■■■■■■ the vehicle to a place where chains can be bought.

Fines:

HRK6000 for companies allowing vehicles on the road without equipment.

HRK1000 for owner drivers.

HRK150 for drivers who has not fitted chains.

Czech Republic

1. No, but they must be used on roads when indicated by signs otherwise that section of road cannot be used.

2. One pair of chains fitted to the drive axle. For vehicles towing trailers two pairs must be used. Maximum speed 50 km/h.

3. No specific details.

Denmark

1. No

2. n/a

3. n/a

Estonia

1. No

2. n/a

3. n/a

Finland

1. No

2. n/a

3. n/a

France

1. Not compulsory but there use is authorised on snow covered roads and compulsory on roads indicated by the sign ‘Equipements Speciaux Obligatoires’

2. Not specified

3. Fine of €135 for non compliance, if not paid within 30 days increases to €375.

Germany

1. No but they must be fitted if signs indicate

2. Chains should be fitted to the drive axle, maximum speed
50km/h

3. For non compliance a fine is imposed, no details of amount.

Hungary

1. No a ‘Mandatory use of snow chains’ sign is placed at the border and only trucks carrying chains to fit at least one drive axle will be permitted entry into Hungary.

2. Chains should be fitted to at least one drive axle, maximum speed 50km/h.

3. Fines are imposed for using chains on ‘dry’ roads.

Ireland

1. No

2. n/a

3. n/a

Italy

1. No but they must be used on snow covered roads if signs indicate.

2. Maximum of one pair of chains per vehicle

3. Fines range from €68 to €275

Latvia

1. No

2. n/a

3. n/a

Lithuania

1. No

2. n/a

3. n/a

Luxembourg

1. No

2. n/a

3. n/a

Netherlands

1. No

2. n/a

3. n/a

Norway

1. If snow and ice covered roads can be expected chains should be carried and the use of chains is compulsory in certain conditions.

2. For combined vehicles were both parts have a maximum permissible weight of greater than 3.5 tonnes at least seven chains must be used., one on the front axle, one on each wheel of the drive axle and two chains on the trailer.

3. No details.

Poland

1. No, however there use is compulsory on roads where signs indicate and only on snow covered roads.

2. Chains must be fitted to at least two drive wheels.

3. Fine of up to PLN 200.

Portugal

1. No, however there use is compulsory on roads where signs indicate and these signs are usually found in mountainous regions.

2. Chains must, when used, be fitted to at least two drive wheels.

3. Fines for disregarding a sign to use chains range from €25 to €125.

Slovakia

1. No, however there use is compulsory on roads where signs indicate ‘Snehove Retaze.’

2. Chains must, when used, be fitted to every wheel of the drive axle.

3. Fines of up to SKR 2000, however if an accident is caused through non use of chains the fines range from SKR 2000 to imprisonment, in the case of fatalities.

Slovenia

1. Yes, compulsory between 15th November and 15th March.

2. Chains must be fitted to all tyres on the drive axle and a spade must also be carried.

3. Not specified.

Spain

1. No, however their use is compulsory on certain sections of road in mountainous regions.

2. Not specified.

3. Not specified.

Sweden

1. No.

2. n/a

3. n/a

Switzerland

1. No, however their use is compulsory on certain sections of road when signposted ‘Chaines a Neige Obligatoires.’ No time period specified as Alpine regions can have summer snowfall.

2. Chains must, when used, be fitted to at least two drive wheels on the same axle.

3. Fine for disregarding a sign to use chains CHF 100.

Turkey

1. Yes.

2. One pair.

3. The driver will be fined and forbidden to move.

Compiled from various sources.