Generally snow chains must be carried in the European Alps from 1st November to 1st April. Spot checks are carried out and during periods of heavy snowfall vehicles without chains will be refused access to the mountainside. Each country has slight variations in regulations, as shown below:
Andorra
Snow chains – MANDATORY (should be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply).
Austria
Between 1 November and 15 April snow chains are MANDATORY (should be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply).
France
Snow chains – MANDATORY, must be fitted to vehicles using snow-covered roads. (Should be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply).
Germany
Snow chains – MANDATORY (should be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply).
Any vehicles incorrectly equipped that are found to impede the flow of traffic are liable to be fined
Italy
Snow chains – MANDATORY - Between October and 15 April or, at other times if conditions dictate
Switzerland
Vehicles not equipped to travel through snow and ice and which impede traffic flow are liable to a fine.
Snow chains - MANDATORY (should be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply).