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Snow chains or winter
tyres - why you need them and where they are mandatory.
Information on winter tyres and snowchains in Austria, France, Germany,
Italy, Norway, Spain and Switzerland..
Make sure you Drive Alive! Drive on the
right!
In order to increase the amount of grip when the
roads are icy or snow-covered winter tyres or snow chains are fitted. This is
common practice in many European countries where snow and ice is either
long-lasting, or where altitude means heavy falls of snow are common-place.
This page gives an overview of winter driving
requirements in Europe. Every country has different rules, laws and regulations,
so click the country links on the right to find out all you need to know about
winter driving and other motoring laws.
A road is always less predictable in winter than
in hot weather; whether it's snowy, icy or just wet, the surface always gives
less grip than in summer.
Because of the specific form of a winter tyre, which is designed to displace the
water passing under the tyre, a winter tyre reduces the risk of aquaplaning, as
well as improving grip in more extreme conditions. A winter tyre gives much
better adherence and excellent traction, because it has a deeper tread than a
summer tyre. A winter tyre is made of special silica rubber compounds, which are
better adapted to the cold and enable better braking.
Snow chains are intended as a temporary measure
to ensure the vehicle continues to progress when roads are covered with snow or
ice. They are not mandatory on a country-wide basis, but you must carry and fit
chains when conditions demand. The police can stop you and forbid you from
travelling further if you do not have chains and fit them when required. Many
countries have road signs indicating roadside bays where you should stop and fit
snow chains. If snowchains are fitted you should travel at no more than 30 mph
and should remove them as soon as possible to avoid damaging the road service.
Snow chains should always be fitted to the driving wheels, and to the front
wheels of 4x4s.
However, many countries have excellent facilities
for clearing snow and ice from roads, so even when travelling to high Alpine
resorts it is only at times of heavy snowfall that you are likely to need to
stop and fit your chains. Apart from the issue of legality, it would be foolish
to venture into the mountains in winter without a set of chains.
If you are likely to cover much distance on
treacherous roads, even in the UK, but feel that a complete set of winter tyres
is too high an expense, you might consider a reputable brand of retreaded winter
tyre.
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All information on this page is provided as a
service to our clients. It is intended as a guide to the more important rules
for the different countries to which we offer driving holidays. It is not meant
to be a comprehensive document. We try and keep the information on this page
up-to-date, but we cannot be held responsible in any way for any consequences
arising from any inaccuracies. If you find a mistake or would like to send us
some additional information, please email
us. Your co-operation is appreciated.
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