Renting a Car with Winter Tires and Snow Chains

In most countries where there is heavy snowfall in the winter (i.e., the mountainous regions of Europe), winter tires are required or, at the very least, strongly recommended. Where they are required, rental cars are equipped with these tires in the winter, because otherwise the car is not allowed on the road there. Even where there is no legal requirement, it is advisable to rent a car with winter tires.

Snow chains are almost never included as standard with a rental car, but if you’re renting a car for a winter sports trip, it’s best to order them as well. Sometimes you simply need extra traction, and snow chains are a lifesaver. In fact, on some roads in winter sports areas, snow chains are mandatory—even if you’re already driving on winter tires!

Winter Regulations in Different Countries

The rules regarding winter equipment for a (rental) car vary widely. That’s why we’ve compiled a list here of what the law says about the use of winter tires and snow chains in popular winter sports destinations.

Switzerland

It might surprise you, but winter tires aren’t required in Switzerland. There’s a catch, though: if an accident occurs in winter conditions and involves a car that isn’t equipped for winter, the driver of that car can be held liable. In other words: don’t hit the road in a rental car without winter tires in Switzerland during the winter. Incidentally, most rental cars in Switzerland are equipped with winter tires during the winter months, even though they aren’t required by law. But not all rental cars! So be sure to pay close attention to this when renting a car in Switzerland, or select the “Winter Tires” option in the drop-down menu. That way, you’ll only see cars for rent that come standard with winter tires.

It’s also not mandatory in Switzerland to carry snow chains, but they are required on some roads. Don’t assume you can drive past the snow chain sign just because you’re driving on winter tires. The Swiss police enforce this strictly, especially during heavy snowfall. If you’re renting a car for winter sports in Switzerland, you’ll almost certainly need to order snow chains as well. If you check the “Snow Chains” option in the drop-down menu, you’ll only see rental cars where those chains are already included in the price. Not many rental cars come standard with snow chains, so it’s worth comparing the difference between renting a car with snow chains included and renting one where they’re an extra option.

Austria

In Austria, winter tires are mandatory from November 1 through April 15 “when winter conditions prevail”—that is, snow, slush, and black ice. It goes without saying that you can’t avoid those “winter conditions” if you’re renting a car in Austria for a winter sports trip. In fact, you want it to snow—that’s why you’re there, isn’t it? Incidentally, in Austria as well, most rental cars are equipped with winter tires as standard during the aforementioned period.

Just like in Switzerland, there are roads where snow chains are mandatory, so it’s advisable to order them as an extra when renting a car during the winter months. Otherwise, you run the risk of simply not being able to reach certain destinations. Snow chains are almost never included in the price but are offered as an additional option.

Germany

In Germany, you are required to drive on tires “suitable for the weather conditions” at all times. This means you must use winter tires in freezing rain, snow, and on wet road surfaces that are freezing over. You can encounter these conditions throughout most of Germany during the winter, especially in the winter sports regions in the south of the country. So here, too, the rule applies: if you rent a car in Germany during the winter, make sure it’s equipped with winter tires. For most of the rental cars we offer in Germany during the winter season, these tires are included in the price.

When renting a car in Germany, snow chains are almost never included as standard but are available as an option. In mountainous areas, you may come across a sign stating that snow chains are mandatory. If you plan to take scenic drives through the mountains during your winter vacation in Germany, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter such a sign. It would be a shame if you couldn’t drive that beautiful mountain route just because you forgot to order snow chains when booking your rental car, wouldn’t it?

France

From November 1 through March 31, winter tires or snow chains are required in certain parts of France. This is indicated by a white sign showing a car tire with snow chains in a case (meaning you must have the chains with you) and a winter tire. You’ll see these signs throughout large parts of the French Alps, the Jura, the Vosges, the French Pyrenees, and the Massif Central.

This sign therefore indicates that your rental car must be equipped with winter tires or, if you’re driving on other tires, you must carry snow chains with you. But be aware: even in France, there are roads where snow chains are mandatory in winter, regardless of whether you’re driving on winter tires or not. A round, blue sign featuring a white tire with a snow chain indicates this. Only if the sign includes the phrase “Pneus neige admis” may you drive on winter tires without snow chains.

Winter tires and snow chains are by no means included with all rental cars in France. So be sure to check this carefully if you’re renting a car for a winter sports vacation in France.

Italy

Just like in France, signs in Italy indicate that you must drive on winter tires or carry snow chains in your rental car. In Italy’s mountainous regions, this requirement usually applies between November 15 and April 15 (sometimes as early as October 15). The text on the signs reads: obbligo di pneumatici invernali o catene a bordo (winter tires or snow chains required). Please note: in the Aosta Valley, winter tires are mandatory on all roads from mid-October through mid-April, regardless of whether there are signs indicating this requirement.

If you’re driving a rental car through Italy’s winter sports regions, you’ll undoubtedly encounter roads where snow chains are required, whether you’re driving on winter tires or not. So the same rule applies in Italy: if you rent a car in the winter to drive through the mountains, be sure to order snow chains as well. You don’t want to run into any surprises, such as being unable to take a certain route because snow chains are required.

How do I know if snow chains are required?

In all of the countries listed above, the mandatory use of snow chains is indicated by a round blue sign featuring a white tire with a snow chain.

Practice putting snow chains on your rental car

You probably know that every type of car feels a little different. The same goes for putting on snow chains. Even if you’ve done it before, it’s a good idea to practice putting snow chains on your rental car “dry”—that is, before you actually need them.

Usually, you’ll need to move the car a short distance to wrap the chain completely around the tire. Then, fasten the chain and tighten it. The correct tension is very important. Don’t make it too loose, because parts of the chain could hit the rental car and cause damage. But don’t make it too tight either, because that can damage the tires or cause the chain to break. Drive 50 to 100 meters and then check to make sure the snow chains are still properly secured around the tires.

You must not drive faster than 50 km/h with snow chains.

Scandinavia

The Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Sweden, are becoming increasingly popular as winter sports destinations, not least because snow conditions there are much more reliable.

In Norway, winter tires are not required, but in winter conditions, the tires on your rental car must provide sufficient traction on the road. From November 1 through the first Sunday after Easter, the minimum tread depth is 3 mm. When there is snow or ice on the road, snow chains are required unless you are driving on winter tires.

In Sweden, winter tires are required from December 1 through March 31 in winter conditions. You may use snow chains if there is snow or ice on the road.

The wording is slightly different, but it amounts to the same thing: if you rent a car in Norway or Sweden during the winter, make sure it’s equipped with winter tires. Many rental cars in those countries come standard with winter tires in the winter, but again: that doesn’t apply to all the cars we offer for rent.

So, if you’re driving on winter tires in Norway and Sweden, you’re never required to use snow chains. Still, this option can be helpful, especially if you’re driving your rental car to remote areas in the mountains. It gives you that little bit of extra traction on snowy roads, ensuring you arrive safely at your destination.

Rental Car with Snow Chains: Where and When to Pay?

Snow chains are usually not included in the price of a rental car. You can, however, add this option to your reservation and pay for it on-site to the local rental company. We’ll tell you in the price overview how much you’ll need to pay (approximately). Even if you rent a car with snow chains included, while you’ll see the total price, you’ll usually have to pay for the chains on-site.