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Snow Chain RequirementsAs 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 escort 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 escort 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. Linda, 07/06/1959 - 25/05/2011 It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, It's what you leave behind you when you go.
My Spare Time - Photography
It seems like a case of, if you aint got em you aint going nowhere!
I only ever fitted mine once cos it was too bloody cold. mind you I had a twin steer and they didnt do a lot of good anyway. I had automatic snow chains made by Swish. when you need em the curtains come round ![]() Married to Helen, the woman in & out of my life for the last 29 years. Its been a labour of love!
Early this year I had a load of paper to deliver. The drops where :-
1 about 1:30 drive south of Orleans. (Can't remember what the town is called now) 2 Grenoble 3 Nice 4 Milan. We don't have snow-chains in the yard anymore (assuming we used to). I was given two long lengths of chain (for loads of steel). The boss told me to use the snow curtains if things got that bad, but if I was asked for them, I could show these two bundles of chain. If I got caught out and stuck, they would get me out of trouble but, obviously, only as a last ditch effort ![]() Simon
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HAVE FOUND THSI
AS REGARDS AUSTRIA--[: Auch in Österreich kommt die Winterreifenpflicht 4. Dez, 2007 Ab dem 1. Januar 2008 dürfen in Österreich Pkw und TransÂporter unter 3,5 Tonnen Gesamtgewicht bei winterlichen Straßenverhältnissen voraussichtlich nicht mehr ohne Winterreifen gefahren werden. Unter winterlichen StraßenverÂhältnissen versteht der Gesetzgeber Schnee, Matsch und Eis. Das Gesetz soll zwischen dem 1. November und 15. April gelten. Ohne Winterreifen würden dann Bußgelder und Geldstrafen zwischen 35 und 5000 Euro drohen. Außerdem bestünde die Möglichkeit, dass das Fahrzeug vor Ort aus dem Verkehr gezogen wird. Zusätzlich weist der Reifenhersteller Semperit Reifen darauf hin, dass in der Deutschen liebsÂtem Reiseland für Winterreifen eine Mindestprofiltiefe von vier Millimetern gilt. Eine Pflicht zur Winter-Ausrüstung von Lkw gibt es in Österreich bereits. Die gesetzliche Regelung wird voraussichtlich am 1. Januar nächsten Jahres in Kraft treten]new-law[/url] YOU NEED TO carry snow chains, and the fines can differ from €35--up to€5000 also take note if winter conditions are out side the dates stated above you still need to carry snow chains as they can and will fine you if stopped and checked or when you get caught out by the weather,,, have found this as well LIST The list above is from 14.08.2007, hope that is is of use sorry no translation found at present ,
best thing to do when it snows and you cant drive.
pull up and pull the curtains and get the beers out. never carried snowchains in my life and all the years i travelled to italy over the alps. i did pull the curtains a few times though.
snow chains in italyim sure that snow chains have to be carried between oct 15 and apr 15 [/u]
NEW LIST AS OF NOVEMBER 2008
from Dunlop tyre company, -Winter Rules for Europe Austria Snow chains from 15Nov until 15march for all vehicles over 3.5tn Coach, trucks Tread depth Min 4mm on your winter tyres which you must have on your Drive axle Bosnia Snow chains from 15Nov until15April Minimum 1set for drive axle ,Tyre Tread depth 4mm Min, You must carry a shovel with you as well Bulgaria Snow chains 01Nov until31,March Minimum 1set for the Drive axle, You will be refused entry to Bulgaria if you have NO snow chains, Czech Snow chains to be carried by all vehicles from 7.5tn and higher, speed limit with snow chains on is 50kph Tyre tread 1.6mm MIN Croatia Snow chains to be carried, and when the snow ice is 5cm thick they are to be used shovel is to be carried as well, Tyre tread4.mm Min Entry to Croatia with out the correct winter equipment may be forbidden Estonia Winter Tyres from 15Nov until 28/29 Feb Tyre tread Min3mm Finland Winter tyres from 01DEC until 28Feb Snow chains must be carried Tyre tread 3mm Min, Fines will be adjusted to your Income France Snow chains are to be carried, for use as and when required Germany Winter tyres to be used when the winter weather starts, ,Snow chains to be carried and used when the road requires the use or when the sign Tyre tread min1.6mm Fines for not having the winter equipment start at €20 Fines for being a Hazard to other road users because of this start at€40 and 1POINT ON YOUR LICENCE; they (FINES) can be higher Winter equipment includes having de-icer in your window screen water bottle, shovel, would be handy aswell, Hungary Snow chains to be carried and used when the road conditions require Tyre tread 1.6mm Min Italy Winter Tyres from 15Oct until15April (or as and when the Italian authorities say you must use them)Snow chains must be carried and used when the weather conditions require their use ,Headlights to be on during the day, Tyre tread1,6mmMin. Macedonian Snow chains from 15Oct until15March Tyre tread Min 5mm Norway Winter Tyres from 01Dec until 31March only for Norway ,s transport Snow chains are to be carried and used from16Oct until 30thApril, in certain regions of Norway Tyres tread 3mm Min , Poland Snow chains to be carried and used where required Portugal Snow chains to be used in certain areas in the mountain’s parts of Portugal Romania Snow chains When the roads are snow or ice covered and/or The snow chain sign is posted (as shown in German post) Tyre tread Min 3mm, VEHICLES OVER 12TN may be subject to a driving ban, as and when it is in Force. Russia No winter tyres or snow chains are required apart from in the Ural mountain’s, However, ask those who go or have been there and they will say have both winter tyres and snow chains plus a good night heater(ARTIC —FOX one of the best) Sweden Tyre tread 3mm Min, read the post above, it applies to here as well Switzerland Snow chains must be carried and used when the winter weather requires their use, Tyre tread 1.6mm MIN Fines will be given if you are caught being a hazard to the other road users ,also if found to be using Summer tyres in winter and involved in a accident , then they will press for the highest punishment possible Slovakia Snow chains must be carried in the winter months and used as and when required Tyre tread 1mm Min Slovenia Winter tyres from 15Nov until15March,Snow chains to be carried from 15Nov until 15March (also when the winter weather affects the roads outside these dates)Tyre tread 4mm MIN Turkey Snow chains to be carried in Winter months, Right Ladies and Gentlemen I have put this up but please remember YOU are the one who gets Fined ,I have taken the above from the latest Winter guide, and hope that I have not forgotten any thing Please if you are driving abroad GET the correct Tyres fitted have snow chains if possible TWO SETS; a Shovel, winter salt/grit Warm jacket ,Torch, Flashing light (to be used in event of a breakdown); Food, hot drinks, sleeping bag TO NAME A FEW, if and I have missed any thing then ADD it to the post as it will help us all, AND Furthermore ADR/HAZ has to follow certain rules in the event of bad weather, so listen to the radio ,and CB ;
Re: Snow Chain RequirementsIn Norway you need 7 chains, 1 for the front axle of the tractor, 4 across the drive & 2 for the trailer. If you are stopped without them you will be made to buy them at full price before you continue.
On winter tyres, you will officially need them on the unit & trailer. The frost mark is clearly visible on the tyre sidewall. In practice you'll get away with the unit only (front & drive axle). But if you have an accident you could well find yourself in trouble if you don't have them, I find the authorities are abit more lenient between Oslo & Svenesund, but if you venture into the country be prepared. They are good natured people but the way foreign trucks come to Norway unperpared for winter driving conditions annoys them. On a separate point: DO NOT SPEED IN NORWAY. The fines will make you weep.
Re: Snow Chain RequirementsNew 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)
Re: Snow Chain RequirementsHello anyone. My name is Gary and I am in the US. I happened onto this website and thought I would say hello to drivers in the UK. I have an interest in this which I will explain later. The first thing on my mind is that I was looking through various posts here and seen some talking about warning fellow drivers of police. Don't drivers in the UK use CB Radios?
Re: Snow Chain Requirements
Hardly Gary, the airwaves are just full of kids or annoying twonks who live in council housing estates and ask people who or where they are. The uk used CB radios after Convoy was a box office hit ![]() Married to Helen, the woman in & out of my life for the last 29 years. Its been a labour of love!
Re: Snow Chain RequirementsI would love to haul to Norway, does anyone one know who goes there that I can Subbie for?
Re: Snow Chain Requirements
i live in Ã…ndalsnes,6hours drive north-west from Olso....never seen an GB company ![]()
Re: Snow Chain Requirementstry looking around brevik docks theres a cold pissed off welsh man whos been working out of the dock for 2months for a uk company driving a uk reg truck and tanker delivering natural gas coming in from uk weekly.lovely country but very exspensive looking forward to flying out monday as temp been given is -12?
Re: Snow Chain Requirements
We do, but sprinters only. As for original topic: are these regulations the same for small vans (<3.5t DMC)? That's how I roll http://youtu.be/R15gD35BsiA
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Re: snow chains
Which Make,for which Dimension and whats the Price?
Re: Snow Chain Requirements
FLUCKINGERin Tyrol Good Pay,14 Times a Year when employed in Austria Had always Volvo Artics Only Hard Worker and good Driver employed by that Company.
Re: Snow Chain RequirementsBrilliant informative thread, spend most of my time trucking round all corners of Europe and sometimes beyond, thought I was aware of the various requirements.....obviously not! Thanks for doing the research, more than helpful.
Ps you can't always pull the snow curtains, sometimes you've got to help yourself.
Re: Snow Chain Requirementscheers thanks for the update
Re: Snow Chain Requirementshi, when i done italy in the 80s , we had to carry snow chains oct to march ,but iam one of the old retired ones , so things could have changed
Re: Snow Chain RequirementsThese guys have some good value ones at £199.95 inc vat and a Q&A page with what you need to have in each country: http://www.snow-chains.co.uk/product.as ... deptid=295
Re: Snow Chain RequirementsIf you are coming up here to Norway...
Please bring enough chains, that actually fit your truck...and trailer... If you don't have them, you might get parked up...until the weather change...which might be in may. Or, the police will make you buy massively overpriced chains from the recovery firms. Keep a good bit of weight on the drive axle, especially if you have an euro-spec 4x2 and 3 axle trailer. Not that I really care all that much, but it will make your trip lots better.
Re: Snow Chain Requirements
I know this is from 2011 but now we have control at the border crossings,or so they say,7 Chains are required on a typical Artic lorry,i see them every winter,same old companys stuck on a hill,in a corner going up or down the hill,same old problems,no chains,not enough chains,chains that dont fit,chains that have beed borrowed from a mate who is going south,makes me laugh,but its serious stuff,people do die every year due to lack of good chains, Last edited by chris54 on Sun Oct 05, 2014 12:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Snow Chain RequirementsHi Chris.Not driving related but i see on your site it says North Norway.I'm just curious as to where you are as not many people from North Scandinavia are on the forum.Mike
Re: Snow Chain Requirements
Hi Mike,I have lived in Hammerfest for 15 years and now i am in Alta,love the place,people,nature,snow,winter,lack of traffic,ext Chris
Re: Snow Chain RequirementsHi Chris.Thanks for that,i live near to Gällivare and work part time in the mine [as i'm old i decided i only have to work part time here and still have a good life].''Work to live,not live to work''.
For the last few winters i have been going with and old Dutch colleague to Tromso,Hammerfest and Kirkenes as second driver with a fridge truck occasionally.It helps them with the tacho rules as they load fish back for Holland round the North. As you say. ''love the Life up here''.after living for 30yrs in Holland it really is a ''breath of fresh air''.Mike
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