Snow Chains Snow How

In the UK we have no legal requirement for vehicles to carry snow chains or any other traction aid during the winter. As a consequence of this, we have at least one or two instances during the winter when a snowfall causes absolute chaos on the roads.

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In areas of Europe where they are more used to snowfalls it is a legal requirement to be prepared for such occurrences, particularly in alpine regions. So if operators are planning to visit France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy or any of the Scandinavian countries they should be aware that there are certain areas where snow chains or other traction aids must be carried and without which they may be refused entry.

Below is a general guide as to where snow chains must be carried, but there are many regional variations within some countries.

• Austria From 1st Nov - 15th April
• Bosnia From 15th Nov - 15th April
• Bulgaria From 1st Nov - 31st March
• Croatia Varies
• Finland Use snow tyres
• France Varies
• Germany Indicated by traffic sign 268
• Italy Varies
• Macedonia From 15th October - 15th March
• Norway, Troms and Finnmark - From 16th October - 30th April and during appropriate weather
• Poland Indicated by appropriate traffic sign
• Portugal In mountain regions & as indicated by appropriate at traffic signs Romania Indicated by appropriate traffic signs and when roads are covered with snow or ice
• Switzerland Indicated by appropriate traffic sign
• Slovakia Throughout winter
• Slovenia From 15th Nov - 15th March and during wintery situations
• Czech Rep Commercial vehicles over 7,5t GW
• Turkey Throughout winter
• Hungary Varies

SNOWCHAINS AND AUTOSOCKS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH TRP

Now available through TRP - a comprehensive range of snow chains from Pewag, one of the worlds leading snow chain manufacturers for over eighty years and responsible for many new product designs and innovations.

Also available is AutoSock, a newly developed tyre cover, aimed at increasing tyre-to-road friction when driving on icy or snowy roads. The product is tested and approved by international research institutions and leading car manufacturers. It is also certified by TÜV and ÖNorm V5121.

Lightweight, simple to store and easy to fit and remove even in cold and difficult weather, Autosock is comfortable while driving to a maximum speed 50 km/h and does not cause noise or vibration. Autosock is also self-centering, reusable and machine washable, recyclable and suitable for use with all vehicles with low clearance between the tyre and the body, as well as with all electronic safety systems (ESP, ABS).
 

Snow Chains for commercial vehicles

Cervino	For light-duty snow removal and similar applications. Easy mounting and handling.
Austro Super	Classic chain for professional use. For particularly heavy-duty operations. Square grip links for increased grip.
Studded Ladder	The chain for severe ice. Specially designed for Scandinavia.