Snow Chains In Austria: Are They Necessary?

Snow chains are required in Austria between 1 November and 15 April. All lorries with a maximum permitted 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. Snow chains are mandatory in certain mountain areas and should only be used on snow-covered roads to avoid damaging the road surface.

When are snow chains mandatory in Austria?

Snow chains are mandatory in certain areas of Austria, and there are strict rules about when and where they should be used.

From 1 November to 15 April, all passenger cars, station wagons, and trucks up to 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with winter tyres on all wheels or have snow chains mounted on the drive wheels. Snow chains are only permitted as an alternative to winter tyres if the road is completely covered in snow or ice. If the snow or ice covering is broken, you can still use snow chains, but only if the road surface will not be damaged.

If you are driving a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes, such as a motorhome, lorry, or bus, you must carry snow chains for at least two drive wheels during the winter period. These vehicles are exempt from the requirement to carry snow chains: vehicles that cannot be fitted with snow chains due to their design; vehicles that, due to their design and purpose, will only be used on snow-free roads; buses providing a scheduled public transport service; and vehicles being transferred to coach builders or customers, provided the route is free of snow.

You will know that snow chains are mandatory because there will be a blue sign displaying snow chains. Sometimes there will be additional conditions displayed, such as "in snow and ice" or "today". Always pay attention to the signs.

When do I need to use snow chains in Austria?

In Austria, snow chains are mandatory in certain situations and locations. From November 1 to April 15, passenger cars, station wagons, and trucks up to 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with winter tyres on all wheels or have snow chains mounted on the drive wheels.

Snow chains are only permitted as an alternative to winter tyres if the pavement is completely covered with snow or ice. Even then, the use of snow chains is subject to restrictions to prevent damage to the road surface. If the snow or ice-covered surface is only insignificantly broken, snow chains should not be used.

Outside of the specified winter period, snow chains should be used when roads are covered with snow, slush, or ice. Additionally, if you see a blue sign indicating snow chains, all vehicles must use them, regardless of whether they have winter or studded tyres. These signs may include conditions or limitations, such as "in snow and ice" or "today," so it is important to pay close attention.

It is important to note that snow chains must be approved by Austrian ÖNORM V5117, V5119, or be EU-approved. They should be installed on the driven wheels, and the speed limit when using snow chains is 50 km/h.

Are snow chains mandatory for four-wheel-drive vehicles?)

In Austria, snow chains are mandatory for four-wheel-drive vehicles in certain situations. If a sign underneath the blue snow chain symbol reads 'ausgenommen Allradfahrzeuge', four-wheel-drive vehicles are exempt from using snow chains in that area. However, it is still recommended to carry snow chains when driving through alpine regions in winter, even with a four-wheel drive.

From 1 November to 15 April, all vehicles in Austria with a maximum gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with winter tyres on all wheels or have snow chains mounted on the drive wheels. Snow chains are only permitted if the road is completely covered in snow or ice, or if the snow/ice-covered surface is only insignificantly broken and the road surface will not be damaged by the chains.

Snow chains must be fitted to at least two drive wheels. They are only allowed to be used on snow-covered roads to avoid damaging the road surface.

It is important to note that driving with snow chains has speed restrictions. When using snow chains, the maximum allowed speed is 50 km/h. Additionally, your braking distance will be longer than usual.

What type of snow chains should I use?

In Austria, you can only use snow chains that comply with the ÖNORM V5117, V5119 or are EU-approved. Snow chains must be installed on the driven wheels.

Snow chains are mandatory in certain mountain areas in Austria and should only be used on snow-covered roads to avoid damaging the road surface. They must be attached so as not to damage the road surface. If the road is completely covered in snow or ice, you may use snow chains as an alternative to winter tyres, provided your vehicle weighs less than 3.5 tonnes. The snow chains must be fitted to at least two drive wheels.

If you see a blue sign with snow chains, all vehicles must use snow chains, even those with winter or studded tyres. Sometimes there are conditions or limitations displayed below or above the sign, such as 'in snow and ice' or 'today'. Always pay close attention to the signs.

If you are driving a campervan or a car-caravan combination weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, you are required to carry snow chains from 1 November to 15 April. This applies to at least two driven wheels.

If you are driving a 4x4, you may be exempt from using snow chains in certain areas. However, it is still advisable to carry snow chains when driving through alpine regions in winter.

What are the penalties for not using snow chains?

In Austria, snow chains are compulsory on snowy and slippery mountain roads. If you are driving in winter conditions, between November 1 and April 15, and your vehicle weighs less than 3.5 tonnes, you must have either winter tyres or snow chains.

If you fail to comply with the rules for winter tyres or snow chains, you can face fines. Driving in winter road conditions without winter tyres or snow chains incurs a fine of €35. If other road users are endangered as a result, fines of up to €5,000 may be imposed. If you are in an accident in winter conditions and are driving with summer tyres, your insurance may not cover the damages.

In the case of an accident, there is a reverse burden of proof. This means that anyone who has an accident while driving with summer tyres must prove that the accident would still have happened if winter tyres or chains had been fitted. Otherwise, the driver is deemed to be at least partially at fault.

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