Commercial Chains

Commercial Vehicles

When do I need to use snow chains in mainland Europe?

Legislation about the use of snow chains on commercial vehicles varies from country to country. Truck and coach operators travelling across mainland Europe need to ensure they comply with the legislation of each country. Drivers may be fined or refused entry to a country if they do not comply with the required legislation.

A good rule-of-thumb is that chains should be carried from November to April, anywhere it snows (especially hilly or mountainous regions).

Snow chains are required as detailed below:

• Austria
  Snow chains should be fitted to at least two drive tyres on snow covered roads
• Belgium
  Snow chains should only be used on snow and ice covered roads
• Finland
  Snow chains must be carried in the vehicle, but should only be used on snow and ice covered roads
• France
  Snow chains must be carried in the vehicle and used according to relevant road signs
• Germany
  Snow chains are required on snow covered roads
  Chains must be fitted to drive axles
• Norway
  Commercial vehicles exceeding 3,500kg are required to carry at least 3 chains, of which one must fit to the front (steering) wheel and 2 must fit on the drive wheels
  Combination vehicles (truck and trailer, where both exceed 3,500kgs) are required to carry at least 7 snow chains on the vehicle. One on the front wheel, 4 on the drive wheels and 2 on the trailer.
• Italy
  Snow chains must be carried in the vehicle and used according to local road signs
• Switzerland
  Snow chains are required on roads marked with the sign 'Chaines a neige obligatoires'
• Sweden
  Snow chains are recommended in Sweden

For more detailed information please contact the relevant country's automobile authority