Snow Chain Requirements

New byelaw in Slovakia from 20th Nov 2009 (few changes)

  1. Snow chains compulsory for goods vehicles >12t, for at least one of vehicle’s driving axles, between 15th Nov and 31st Mar (new thing). Recommended for others as traffic sign can require you to use them (no change).
  2. the way it’s worded and I understand is that the chains must be fitted to all wheel of the driving axle. However, most people only carry a pair and get away with it.
  3. fines have gone up recently and are now paid in euros (which the country’s currency now). 67 is the min fine you can be given (but can be cut to half under certain conditions)

Winter tyres have to be on when driving on snow or ice. (=summer tyres on snow: stop and wait. or let the police fine you and tow you away)
Min tread depth on winter tyres is 3mm (new thing, as opposed to 1.6mm on summer ones).
Winter tyres can have one level lower speed rating - in this case a reminding sticker/note with tyres’ max speed has to be placed into driver’s field of vision. And the speed cannot be exceeded. (also new thing)