Do I have to carry snow chains in Europe?
I will drive from Germany to Bulgaria through Austria, Hungary and Serbia. I will drive mainly on highways and I don't expect to need snow chains as the roads are usually in good conditions. Am I required to carry snow chains in any of the countries above?
Best Answer
Winter-Equipped Cars in EU
This page provided by Europcar is one of the few centralised information sources I could find on the topic. I also found this tool from Continental, allowing you to mouse-hover over different countries to check for regulation.
Bulgaria
Quoting from Europcar:
There is no legal requirement for the use of snow tires.
You should carry snow chains when travelling in Bulgaria during 1 November and 31 March as road signs across Bulgaria indicate when a snow chain is compulsory.
Hungary
Quoting from Europcar:
There is no legal requirement for the use of snow tires.
There is a legal requirement to carry snow chains when travelling in Hungary. If you fail to do so your vehicle will not be permitted to travel in Hungary.
Serbia
Quoting from Europcar:
Whilst travelling in Serbia it is compulsory to use snow tires.
You should carry snow chains when travelling in Serbia.
Austria Requires Winter Tyres
Austria requires your vehicle to be fitted with winter tyres, between the 1st November and the 15th April, if the road is in wintry conditions. This means that snow chains in the trunk are not enough to be compliant with the regulation. Quoting from the Austrian Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology webpage:
When there is snow, slush or ice on the roads, private cars and goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must be equipped for winter driving conditions with winter tyres fitted on all four wheels. Please remember that as the temperature falls, a road surface that is simply wet can turn into black ice, in which case the winter tyres requirement applies.
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Are snow chains compulsory in Germany?
Germany introduced regulations in 2010 requiring all passenger cars and motorbikes to be fitted with winter tyres or all season tyres on all axles in wintry conditions. Snow chains \u2013 REQUIRED (should be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply).Do you legally need snow chains in France?
From 1 November 2021 until 31 March 2022, several French d\xe9partements, including Ain and Haute-Savoie, will require cars to be equipped with winter tyres or to have snow chains in the boot.Are snow chains compulsory in Spain?
Although it is not mandatory to carry snow chains in vehicles in Spain, they should always be used when the R-412 sign is displayed on a road, unless the car already has winter or all-season tyres. Failure to do so could result in a fine of 200 euros.Are snow chains compulsory in Italy?
Yes, snow tyres or snow chains are required by law throughout your driving area.SNOW CHAINS how they can SAVE your DAY
More answers regarding do I have to carry snow chains in Europe?
Answer 2
You can often rent snow chains from automobile clubs (e.g. ADAC in Germany, or ÖAMTC in Austria). So if you know that you will not need them again it might be cheaper to rent than to buy. This assumes of course that you will return in order to give them back.
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Images: Tatiana Syrikova, Arina Krasnikova, William Fortunato, Анастасия Триббиани