Winter Condition Driving

Winter Driving Conditions can be challenging for anyone. Ice, snow or even excess rain on the roads can turn any journey into a potential danger. It is often a requirement in some countries to have snow tyres or snow chains fitted when travelling in adverse weather..

This can be a little confusing as different countries have different rulings on this subject, some countries have a higher risk of snow and ice in comparison to others therefore they require stricter rules. Here is a breakdown of the countries and Winter Condition Driving rules on snow tyres and chain.

If you’re looking for further information on winter driving, check out our ultimate guide to driving in winter.

Winter Condition Driving in Europe

Country	Snow Tyres	Snow Chains
Andorra	No Legal requirement for using snow tyres	When driving in Andorra you should carry snow chains in your vehicle as some road signs will warn you that they are compulsory along some roads
Australia	No Legal requirement for using snow tyres	You should consider winter tyres or chains when heading to the mountains in winter.
Austria	In between the 1st November and the 15th April if the roads are snow or ice coated roads then it will be a legal requirements, your tyres must also have 4mm minimum tread depth.	When travelling in Austria you should carry snow chains and road signs will indicate when they are compulsory, if you do not put them on when road signs indicate you to then you can get a fine or temporary loss of your vehicle.
Belgium	No legal requirement for them at any time of the year	It is never mandatory to have them but you are permitted to use them when it is snowy or icy if you wish
Bulgaria	Also no legal requirement for use	Between the 1st November and the 31st March you have to carry show chains, and just like other countries have to put them on your vehicle when signs indicate
Cyprus	No legal requirement	No legal requirement
Czech Republic	Although there is no legal requirement to use Snow tyres it is however compulsory that you carry them from the 1st November up until the first 1st March	Just like a lot of other European countries you should carry snow chains in your car and use them when signs indicate
Denmark	No legal requirement	You are permitted to use them but there is no legal requirement
Estonia	You are legally required from the 1st December to the 1st March to have snow tyres fitted to your vehicle, if there are extreme weather conditions this period could be extended.	Permitted to use but not mandatory
Finland	If you are driving between the 1st December and 31st March you are required to wear snow tyres	Snow chains are allowed but not required
France	No legal requirement	There are road signs across France which require you to have these on certain roads, thereforeyou must carry them
Germany	It is required that you have snow tyres and if you don't it can result in a fine	They should be carried in your vehicle
Greece	No legal requirement	No legal requirement
Hungary	No legal requirement	You must carry snow chains in your vehicle in Hungary, failure to do so will deem your vehicle unfit to travel on Hungary roads and liable to prosecution
Iceland	Driving in Iceland between 1st November and 14 April you are legally required to use snow tyres	No legal requirement
Ireland	No legal requirement	Permitted for use but not mandatory
Italy	There are no legal requirements for snow tyres but it is recommended that they are used, there may be some road signs that indicate snow chains or tyres are compulsory such as the Val d'Aosta area from the 15th October to the 15th April	There are road signs across Italy which indicate snow chains are compulsary
Latvia	Vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tons between 1st December and 1st March it is legally required to have snow tyres	Permitted for use but no legal requirements
Liechtenstein	No legal requirement	No legal requirement
Lithuania	Between 10th November and the 1st April you legally have to have snow tyres equipped	Permitted for use however not legally required
Luxembourg	No legal requirement	No legal requirement
Netherlands	No legal requirement	Permitted for use when its ice or snow coated roads but not mandatory
New Zealand	No Legal requirement for using snow tyres	You should consider winter tyres or chains when heading to the mountains in winter.
Norway	Not mandatory but highly recommended so thereforea lot of hired vehicles come equipped with them	Permitted but not a mandatory requirement
Poland	No legal requirement	No legal requirement
Portugal	No legal requirement	Snow chains should be carried as road signs sometimes indicate they are compulsory
Romania	From the 1st November until the 31st March and whenever the road is covered in ice or snow it is legally required that you have snow tyres	Harsh weather conditions make snow chains compulsory so you should always carry them
Serbia	Compulsory to have Snow Tyres	Snow chains should be carried
Slovakia	No legal requirement	No Legal requirement
Slovenia	Between the 15th November and the 15th of March it is compulsory to use snow tyres or chains with a minimum 4mm tread depth	You should always carry snow chains when in Slovenia as some road signs indicate they are compulsory
Spain	No legal requirement	Some road signs indicate they must be used and you should carry them at all times
Switzerland	No legal requirement	Snow chains should be carried due to road signs making them compulsory
Sweden	Minimum tread depth of 3mm is required for snow tyres which are legally compulsory during the 1st December to the 31st March and the tyres must be marked with a certified mark, call for details.	No legal requirement
United Kingdom	No legislation requires that you use snow tyres	They are permitted for use but not mandatory

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.