Snow chains

[Rds559]

we have been travelling up and down France and Spain for years but now hear something about needing snow chains France, as anyone heard anything.

 

[PeteH]

Wasnt there a post last week or so about this?.

Here you go: - https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/snow-chains-tyres-compulsory-in-france.207245/

 

[Pete5996]

As I've posted elsewhere, it was only a discussion document and nothing has yet changed. The existing rules apply, ie that certain roads are designated as needing snow chains or socks when circumstances demand. If you are travelling in the mountain areas in winter you'll see this sign, beyond which you need them. Normally there's a layby available at the start and end of these sections

 

[Vipar]

Translation please.

“The route ahead is f*****g slippery”

 

[Rds559]

We nearly always go over the Pyrenees next trip 20 December

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[Jenka]

Going into Andorra last week got stopped and to go any further needed to show snow chains ,I have them so no problem . It is sensible to have them as the weather was sunny and clear an hour down the road .

 

[romany]

so showing my igorance doesn't tires with mountain snowflake symbol winter tires count as suitable without chains

 

[Pete5996]

As far as France is concerned, if the sign says chains obligatory, then chains have to be fitted, winter tyres or not. The winter tyres will certainly help when not on a snow-bound road.

 

[Southdowners]

Winter tyres are brilliant. We've used them when ski-ing in France and when touring Scandinavia... both in deep snow. Never had any issues even using uncleared roads.

 

[Rds559]

Reading about snow chains in France yes you have to have them or just recommend
Yes to have them that means every vehicle in France must have them

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[Coolcats]

so showing my igorance doesn't tires with mountain snowflake symbol winter tires count as suitable without chains

I did not think Snowflakes were allowed on Motorhome Fun

 

[romany]

I did not think Snowflakes were allowed on Motorhome Fun

I thought it was full of em moaning about other snow flakes

 

[romany]

Reading about snow chains in France yes you have to have them or just recommend
Yes to have them that means every vehicle in France must have them

I understood you had to have them only if you travel on certain mountain routes

 

[Onemanandhisdog]

What's the problem, buy some just in case if you are travelling in areas where they may help YOU.

I bought some when heading to Switzerland last year, there had been massive amounts of snow a couple of weeks before I left, some villages only accessible by helicopter. I drove to the campsite on impeccably cleared roads but only got half way up the drive of the campsite before getting stuck and having to put chains on, and I had brand new winter tyres on the van.

I don't understand all the debate, they aren't that expensive and if you are that close to payload limits you need a different van!!

 

[bigtwin]

Winter tyres are brilliant. We've used them when ski-ing in France and when touring Scandinavia... both in deep snow. Never had any issues even using uncleared roads.

They are outstanding aren’t they. You generally just can’t believe how good they are!

Ian

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[B-well]

It is not unusual to be stopped on the Autoroute before ascending the mountain routes and to produce snow chains. Vehicles without are held back until roads are safe to proceed.
Over the years i have witnessed the decline in the number of vehicles struggling and blocking the roads. If you are sensible and not in a hurry pull over rest up and await for another day.
However half term weeks and holiday times thats a different matter all sorts of madness.

 

[Rds559]

We have been over the Pyrenees 5 times in winter 4 over from Oloron-Ssainte-Matie to Java, and 1 over the top in Andorra and cannot remember seeing any signs about snow chains.
It might be different if the Somport tunnel would be closed been over when the snow on the roof tops and side of the road was thick but the roads were clear.
But still can’t find were it says snow chains are compulsory in France.
Will be going over the top on the 20th December

 

[Allanm]

We are in the foothills of the Alps at the moment. Almost every road we have been on has warnings about the importance of carrying winter equipment and some have signs telling you snow chains are obligatory on snow covered roads. Gendarmes and Police will turn back vehicles with no snow chains on certain roads, even if you have snowflake tyres. Very rarely will you be allowed to park up and wait for the road to clear.

 

[Jaws]

What speed would users of snow chains recommend ?

 

[gerry mcg]

What speed would users of snow chains recommend ?

Speed?
normally max recommended speed with chains is 50KPH

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[Jaws]

Speed?
normally max recommended speed with chains is 50KPH

Thank you.. I got my chain about 5th hand ( but never used ! )so I had no paperwork at all with them