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.
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 |