Snow Chains and Winter Tyres
Requirements in the main winter resorts
In any country the driver is responsible for equipping and controlling his vehicle correctly. Drivers may be liable to a fine if they impede the normal flow of traffic or cause an accident as a consequence of not adapting their vehicle (tyres/snow chains) to suit the prevailing weather and road conditions.
Road conditions in winter in many resorts will be much more severe than anything encountered in the UK - we only recommend driving in extreme winter conditions if the driver is confident and the vehicle suitably equipped.
Winter tyre and snow chain requirements
The information in the table below applies to vehicles not exceeding 3500kg only.
This chart shows only specific winter requirements and should be read in conjunction with the general compulsory equipment chart and the general touring tips for the country of interest.
Tyre tread
Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. Where winter tyres are fitted a minimum tread depth of 3mm is required in most countries (the Czech Republic now requires 4mm). For other tyres, while the legal minimum is 1.6mm the AA recommends at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring, and certainly no less than 2mm.
| Country |
Winter tyres |
Snow chains(5) |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra |
R | C |
| Austria |
R(1) | R(7) |
| Denmark |
– | R |
| Finland |
M(3) | P(5) |
| France |
– | C |
| Germany |
R(4) | C |
| Great Britain |
– | P |
| Italy |
R | C |
| Norway |
R | C |
| Sweden |
R(6) | C |
| Switzerland |
R | C |
key
P = Permitted
R = Recommended
M = Mandatory
C = Should be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply.
notes
(1) - Winter tyres are compulsory for residents from 1 November to 15 April and if roads have a covering of snow, slush or ice outside these dates.
(2) - Only in an emergency and if road entirely or almost entirely covered with snow or ice.
(3) - 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.
(4) - Winter tyres (or 'all year' tyres) must bear the mark M&S or the snowflake symbol on the side wall.
(5) - 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. A fine may be imposed if damage is caused.
(6) - Winter tyres, marked M+S (with or without spikes), are compulsory from 1 December until 31 March for Swedish registered vehicles and trailers but this regulation does not apply to foreign registered vehicles.
(7) - Must be used between 1 November and 15 April on snow/ice covered roads if winter tyres not fitted.
General advice about tyres
We also recommend reading our general advice about tyres which includes a section about winter tyres/all season tyres.
Snow chains can be purchased from AA Travelshops (Dover & Eurotunnel, Folkstone)
Winter Fuel Spec's
In very cold conditions wax crystals can form in diesel, block the fuel filter and prevent fuel flow.
The European quality standard for diesel fuel includes winter requirements specific to each country which ensure that fuel is suited to the local climate. Fuel capable of operation down to at least -20C is normal in the popular winter resort destinations.
By comparison the specification for winter diesel sold in the UK ensures operation down to a minimum temperature of - 15C.
So called 'cold flow' additives are not required nor are they recommended.
You should avoid carrying UK spec diesel fuel, i.e. in a spare can, as this doesn't have the same extreme low temperature capability.
Other products & services
Related information
23 february 2009