Driving to Winter Resorts in Europe
Driving in Europe during the winter find you encountering more severe road conditions than you are used to in the UK.
It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure it is fully equipped for the road conditions and that it can be controlled correctly in these adverse weather conditions.
Drivers can be fined in europe if it is found that they were involved in an accident where it was as a consequence of not adapting the vehicle for the weather conditions, such as winter tyres or even snow chains.
Regulations Re: Snow Tyres & Chains
| Country | Winter Tyres | Snow Chains |
| Andorra | R | C |
| Austria | C(1) | C(7) |
| Finland | M(3) | P |
| France | - | C |
| Germany | R(4) | C |
| Italy | R(4) | C(8) |
| Norway | R | C |
| Sweden | C(6) | R |
| Switzerland | R(2) | C |
| UK | - | P |
C = Compulsory. Chains should be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply.
M = Mandatory
P = Permitted
R = Recommended
Notes
- All vehicles driving on snow covered roads must have winter tyres (or all-season tyres marked M&S) during the winter period (from 1 November to 15 April) and also if roads have a covering of snow, slush or ice outside these dates. Tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 4mm.
- Snow tyres are not compulsory but vehicles not equipped to travel through snow and which impede traffic are liable to a fine.
- From 1 December to the end of February unless otherwise indicated by road signs. Tyres must be marked M&S on the sidewall. Spiked tyres may be used from 1 November to the first monday after Easter.
- As the weather cannot be predicted and because snow chains may not be used in slushy/icy conditions it is recommended that visitors fit winter tyres to their vehicle. Winter tyres (or 'all year' tyres) must bear the mark M&S or the snowflake symbol on the side wall.
- Snow chains must be fitted on at least two drive wheels. In any country snow chains may only be used where there's sufficient snow covering to avoid any possibility of damage to the road surface. You may be find if damage is caused.
- Winter tyres, marked M&S (with or without spikes), with a tread depth of at least 3mm are compulsory from 1 December until 31 March for Swedish registered vehicles and trailers and also for foreign registered vehicles.
- Must be carried – and used when advised by local signs.
M&S = Mud and Snow
Source: The AA
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