Snow Chains In Austria: Are They Mandatory?

Driving in the snow can be a challenging task, and Austria's winter conditions are no exception. With snowy and icy roads, it's essential to be prepared for the journey ahead. So, is it compulsory to have snow chains when driving in Austria? The answer is a bit nuanced. While it's not mandatory to equip your vehicle with snow chains for the entire winter season, they can become compulsory under specific circumstances.

From November 1st to April 15th, if you encounter snowy or icy roads, you must have either winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two driven wheels. This rule applies to cars and lorries weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. Heavier lorries, buses, and other vehicles are required to have winter tyres on at least one driven axle during this period, regardless of the weather.

Additionally, there may be certain mountain roads or areas with signs indicating that snow chains are mandatory. In such cases, all vehicles, including four-wheel drives, must comply unless specifically exempted.

It's important to note that snow socks, which are allowed in some European countries as an alternative to snow chains, are not permitted in Austria. Only metal snow chains approved according to Austrian or EU standards can be used when snow chains are required.

In conclusion, while snow chains are not always compulsory in Austria, it's essential to carry them in your vehicle during the winter months and be prepared to use them when needed. This will ensure your safety and help you navigate Austria's beautiful but sometimes treacherous winter roads.

When are snow chains mandatory in Austria?

In Austria, snow chains are mandatory when signposted by a blue sign with a snow chain symbol. This sign indicates that all vehicles must use snow chains, even those with winter or studded tyres. Additional conditions or limitations may be displayed on the sign, such as 'in snow and ice' or 'today'.

Snow chains are also compulsory on snowy and slippery mountain roads in the Alpine region, including Austria. This is indicated by the same blue traffic sign with a snow chain symbol. In this case, snow chains must be fitted to the tyres from the sign onwards.

It is important to note that only metal snow chains are permitted in Austria. The use of alternative products, such as snow socks or textile snow chains, is not allowed.

The requirement to carry and use snow chains in Austria applies during the winter period, from 1 November to 15 April. During this time, all vehicles with a maximum permitted weight of over 3.5 tonnes, buses, and any other vehicles based on their designs must carry snow chains. These snow chains must be fitted to at least two of the driven wheels when the road is covered by a continuous layer of snow or ice.

However, there are some exemptions to the requirement. Vehicles that cannot be fitted with snow chains due to their design or specific purpose are exempt. This includes vehicles belonging to law enforcement authorities, the armed forces, or the fire brigade, as well as vehicles designed for a specific purpose that will only be used on snow-free roads. Additionally, class M2 and M3 vehicles (buses) used on public bus services and vehicles being transferred to coach builders or customers on snow-free routes are also exempt.

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

In Austria, the use of snow chains is regulated by signage. A blue sign with a snow chain symbol indicates that all vehicles must use snow chains. If a sign underneath the blue snow chain symbol reads ‘ausgenommen Allradfahrzeuge’, then four-wheel-drive vehicles are exempt from using snow chains in that area. However, it is still advisable to carry snow chains when driving through alpine regions in winter, even with a four-wheel drive. This is because, in Austria, snow chains are mandatory in certain mountain areas and should only be used on snow-covered roads to avoid damaging the road surface.

In addition, between 1st November and 15th 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. This requirement does not apply to vehicles whose construction is such that snow chains cannot be fitted or whose construction and purpose mean they will only ever be used on snow-free roads.

What are the fines for not using snow chains in Austria?

In Austria, 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.

In the event of an accident in wintry conditions, a driver using summer tyres must prove that the accident would still have occurred if winter tyres or snow chains had been fitted. If they cannot prove this, the driver is deemed to be at least partially at fault. There is also a risk that your insurance may not cover damages if you fail to account for wintry conditions.

It is important to note that snow chains are only considered mandatory when signalled by a blue sign with a snow chain. This sign may also include conditions or limitations, such as "in snow and ice" or "today".

What are the rules for snow chains on lorries and buses?

In Austria, different rules apply to lorries and buses over 3.5 tonnes regarding snow chains and winter tyres. From 1 November to 15 April, these vehicles must have winter tyres fitted to at least one driven axle. This requirement applies regardless of the weather conditions or the presence of snow on the roads.

While it is not compulsory to carry snow chains in Austria, it is highly recommended for lorries and buses to carry them when travelling into high-alpine regions. Snow chains are mandatory in certain mountainous areas and on specific roads. They should only be used when the road is covered in snow or ice to avoid damaging the road surface. When the traffic sign "snow chains required" is displayed, all vehicles, including lorries and buses, must fit snow chains to the driving wheels.

It is important to note that only metal snow chains are permitted in Austria. Additionally, snow chains are only allowed when the road is consistently or almost entirely covered in snow or ice.

What are the rules for snow chains on private cars?

In Austria, snow chains are only mandatory on high-altitude snowy mountain roads. They are not required to be carried in your car unless you are travelling to such an area. However, it is a good idea to keep them in the boot if you are making a longer journey and your car is fitted with summer tyres.

Snow chains are not mandatory for private cars up to 3.5 tonnes. However, if you are driving in wintry conditions, you must have winter tyres fitted to all four wheels. This applies to cars and lorries weighing up to 3.5 tonnes between 1 November and 15 April.

As an alternative to winter tyres, snow chains can be fitted to at least two of the driven wheels. However, this is only permitted if the road is covered in a continuous layer of snow or ice.

Only snow chains approved by Austrian ÖNORM V5117 or V5119, or those approved by the EU, are allowed in Austria.

If you are driving a motorhome or car-caravan combination heavier than 3.5 tonnes, you must carry snow chains for at least two driven wheels from 1 November to 15 April.

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