Every year in mid-November, searches for snow chains double – not because of the snow, but because of the date. From 15 November winter equipment is mandatory in Slovenia and Croatia, and anyone going skiing also needs to know the rules in Austria and Italy. These differ in the details: the minimum tread depth is different, so is the period, and the greatest confusion is about snow socks. Here is an overview for winter 2026/27.
At a glance
| Period | Tread depth | Summer tyres + chains | Snow socks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slovenia | 15 Nov–15 Mar and in winter conditions | at least 3 mm | yes, chains in the car | as a device equivalent to chains (EN 16662-1) |
| Croatia | 15 Nov–15 Apr on designated winter sections | at least 4 mm | yes, chains in the car | as a traction device (uređaj za povećanje prianjanja, EN 16662-1) |
| Austria | 1 Nov–15 Apr in winter conditions | at least 4 mm (winter tyres) | yes, on snow and ice with chains on the driven wheels | no where chains are signposted as mandatory |
| Italy | generally 15 Nov–15 Apr on signposted roads | according to national rules | yes, chains in the car | yes, with EN 16662-1 |
The table is a summary. Rules can change and additional road signs apply on individual roads, so check the official sources before you travel (police, AMZS, HAK, ÖAMTC).
Slovenia
Winter equipment is mandatory from 15 November to 15 March, and outside this period whenever there are winter conditions on the road – when it is snowing or the road is covered with snow or ice. Passenger cars have two options:
- four winter tyres (M+S marking or the snowflake symbol) with at least 3 mm of tread, or
- summer tyres with at least 3 mm of tread and suitable snow chains for the driven wheels in the car.
As well as chains, the regulations also mention devices equivalent to chains. If you are buying snow socks, choose a product for which the manufacturer states the EN 16662-1 standard. Chains must match the size of the tyres on the car – a chain bought for last year’s winter tyres often will not fit the summer tyres.
Croatia
In Croatia, winter equipment is mandatory from 15 November to 15 April on roads designated as winter sections (where it applies regardless of the weather), and elsewhere in winter conditions. The permitted options are:
- winter tyres on all wheels with at least 4 mm of tread, or
- summer tyres with at least 4 mm of tread and, in the car, snow chains or a type-approved traction device for the driven wheels.
Watch the tread depth: a tyre with 3.5 mm is still fine in Slovenia, but no longer in Croatia. On the roads towards Gorski Kotar and Lika, the police check equipment rigorously when it snows.
Austria
Austria has a so-called situational requirement from 1 November to 15 April: in winter conditions the car must have winter tyres, and on a road fully covered with snow or ice, snow chains on at least two driven wheels are also permitted. With snow chains the maximum permitted speed is 50 km/h.
Most important for skiers: at the blue sign with a chain (Schneekettenpflicht), all vehicles must fit chains, including four-wheel-drive ones, unless an additional plate states otherwise. In that case snow socks and other textile traction aids are not allowed – you need steel chains that comply with ÖNORM V 5117. If you have a lowered car or large wheels and head for the Austrian Alps, the right choice is chains mounted from the front of the wheel that meet this standard (how they work).
Italy
In Italy the requirement is tied to road signs and orders issued by road operators; most commonly it applies from 15 November to 15 April (motorways and Alpine roads). Winter tyres or snow chains in the car are required. The Italian ministry has explicitly recognised snow socks to EN 16662-1 as equivalent to chains – so they are enough for the Dolomites or Tarvisio, as long as you do not continue into Austria.
Chains or snow socks?
- Steel chains are durable, valid in all four countries (including at the Austrian mandatory chain sign) and the right choice if you often drive in the mountains. They do, however, need clearance behind the wheel.
- Snow socks are light, quick to fit and do not scratch the wheels. They are a good backup for occasional driving in snow in Slovenia, Croatia and Italy, but not for Austrian roads where chains are mandatory.
- Front-mounted chains are steel chains for cars where conventional chains do not fit – lowered cars, coilovers, 18–22″ wheels.
If you have a lowered car or large wheels, also read the guide Snow chains for lowered cars and large wheels: which ones actually fit?
Pre-winter checklist
- Measure the tread depth – for Croatia and Austria you need at least 4 mm.
- Check the size of the tyres you will fit the chains to, and the vehicle handbook (whether chains are permitted, and in which thickness).
- Fit the chains or socks once at home, not for the first time on a mountain pass.
- For Austria, carry steel chains to ÖNORM V 5117 in the car.
- Put gloves, a kneeling mat and a torch in the boot.
You will find the full range of snow chains and socks in the Winter equipment category. If you are not sure what will fit your car, write to us via the contact form.
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