Snow Chains In Austria: What's The Law?

Snow chains are a legal requirement in Austria under certain conditions. From November 1 to April 15, vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, buses, and certain other vehicles must carry snow chains that can be fitted to at least two driven wheels. This rule applies to roads covered in snow or ice, and the chains must be used in a way that does not damage the road surface. Additionally, when the blue sign indicating that snow chains are required is posted, all vehicles must use them, regardless of their weight. However, there is some confusion regarding the acceptance of alternative products such as snow socks, with ongoing legal disputes over their legality.

Snow chains are mandatory in certain mountain areas

The use of snow chains is only permitted when they are necessary, i.e. when the road is covered by a continuous layer of snow or ice. They must be attached so as not to damage the road surface.

The following categories of vehicles are exempt from this requirement:

• Vehicles whose design means they cannot be fitted with snow chains.
• Vehicles designed to perform a specific purpose that means they will only be used when the roads are free of snow and ice.
• Class M2 and M3 vehicles (buses) used on public bus services.
• Vehicles being transferred to coach builders or customers, provided that the route used for the journey is free of snow.

It is important to note that the use of winter tyres is also mandatory in Austria during the same period for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, winter tyres are mandatory from 1st November to 15th March.

If you are driving in Austria during the winter, it is crucial to be prepared for snowy and icy conditions. Always check the local weather forecast and road conditions before setting out on your journey.

They must be fitted to at least two drive wheels

In Austria, snow chains are a legal requirement for certain vehicles during the winter period, which is defined as between November 1 and April 15. All lorries with a maximum permitted (laden) weight of over 3.5 tonnes, all buses, and any other vehicles based on their designs, must carry snow chains that can be fitted to at least two of the driven wheels. This means that drivers of these vehicles are required to have snow chains in their possession and be prepared to fit them when necessary.

The relevant legislation, section 102 of the Kraftfahrgesetz (KFG), specifies that snow chains must only be used when they are necessary, namely when the road is covered by a continuous or near-continuous layer of snow or ice. When in use, snow chains must be attached in a way that does not damage the road surface. This typically means that snow chains are only permitted on roads that are entirely snow or ice-covered.

It is worth noting that there are exemptions to the requirement. Vehicles that are designed in a way that prevents the fitting of snow chains are exempt. Additionally, vehicles with a specific purpose that restricts their use to snow-free roads are also exempt. Class M2 and M3 vehicles (buses) used for public transport are also not required to carry snow chains. Finally, vehicles being transferred to coach builders or customers are exempt, provided that the route used for the journey is free of snow.

The requirement to carry and use snow chains when necessary aims to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users during Austria's winter months. By having snow chains fitted to at least two drive wheels, vehicles can gain better traction and stability on snowy and icy roads, reducing the risk of accidents.

Only use them when the road is covered by snow or ice

In Austria, snow chains are only permitted when the road is covered by a more or less continuous layer of snow or ice. When in use, they must be attached in a way that does not damage the road surface.

The use of snow chains is indicated by a blue traffic sign. This means that from this point onwards, traction aids must be fitted to the tyres. In Austria, only metal snow chains are permitted.

If you are driving a vehicle that weighs less than 3.5 tonnes, you may use snow chains as an alternative to winter tyres when the road is covered in snow or ice. The snow chains must be fitted to at least two drive wheels.

If you are driving a motorhome or car-caravan that weighs more than 3.5 tonnes, you are required to carry snow chains for at least two drive wheels from 1 November to 15 April.

It is important to note that you should only use snow chains when they are necessary. If you encounter a stretch of road that is free of snow, you should remove the snow chains to avoid damaging the road surface.

They must be approved by Austrian ÖNORM V5117 or V5119, or by the EU

In Austria, only snow chains approved by Austrian ÖNORM V5117 or V5119, or those approved by the EU, are allowed. This means that snow chains must meet the requirements set out in either of these two Austrian standards or those set by the EU. The relevant standards specify the design and performance requirements that snow chains must meet to be approved for use in Austria.

The Austrian ÖNORM V5117 standard was replaced by the new EU standard, EN16662-1, in 2020. This new standard sets more stringent requirements for snow chains and other traction products than the old national standard. For example, it mandates a hill-drive traction test that was absent from the old standard. Despite this, the old standard, which only applied to metal chains, is still referenced in Austrian legislation. This has caused confusion for drivers and manufacturers of alternative traction products, such as snow socks.

The Austrian Ministry of Climate Action and Energy has stated that AutoSock, a textile traction device, is an accepted traction device but must not be used when snow chains are mandatory. This decision has been disputed by the manufacturer, who argues that AutoSock meets the requirements of the new EU standard, which does not discriminate between different materials. The dispute is ongoing, with the manufacturer appealing to the Administrative Court in Austria to clarify the jurisdiction and reach a decision.

In the meantime, the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology maintains that only metal snow chains are permitted where snow chains are mandatory. This means that, until the legal situation is clarified, drivers in Austria must use snow chains approved by either Austrian ÖNORM V5117 or V5119, or by the EU.

You may be fined for not using them

In Austria, snow chains are a legal requirement for certain vehicles during the winter period, which is defined as between November 1 and April 15. All lorries with a maximum permitted (laden) weight of over 3.5 tonnes, all buses, and any other vehicles based on their designs, must carry snow chains that can be fitted to at least two of the driven wheels. If you are caught without the necessary equipment, you may be fined.

The fine for driving in winter conditions without winter tyres or snow chains is €35. If other road users are endangered as a result, fines of up to €5,000 may be imposed. To ensure your safety and that of other road users, it is better to be safe than sorry when travelling to Austria in winter. Make sure you have winter tyres and possibly snow chains.

In addition, it is important to note that snow chains must only be used when they are necessary. When in use, they must be attached in a way that does not damage the road surface. This means that snow chains can only be used when the road is covered by a more or less continuous layer of snow or ice.

There are some exemptions to the requirement to carry snow chains. These include vehicles whose design means they cannot be fitted with snow chains, vehicles that are designed to perform a specific purpose that means they will only be used when the roads are free of snow and ice, and class M2 and M3 vehicles (buses) used on public bus services.

It is worth noting that there is some confusion regarding the acceptance of alternative products to snow chains in Austria. While some sources indicate that only metal snow chains are permitted, others suggest that textile alternatives, such as AutoSock, are allowed as long as they comply with the relevant standards. This discrepancy is due to the Austrian legislation referring to a withdrawn standard that only applied to metal snow chains. The current European standard, EN16662-1:2020, sets minimum safety, traction, and durability standards for all products, regardless of the material they are made of. Despite this, the Austrian Ministry of Climate Action and Energy has stated that AutoSock does not meet the snow chain requirements and must not be used when snow chains are mandatory.

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