Winter driving: equip your car and drive safely

Q: Are winter tyres compulsory?

It depends on the country and area. In Germany and Austria they are compulsory in wintry conditions. In France, the loi Montagne requires winter equipment from 1 November to 31 March in designated mountain municipalities. Elsewhere the obligation may be shown by road signs.

Q: How do I drive on snow and ice?

Drive slowly, greatly increase your following distance (twice as much or more), avoid sudden movements of the wheel, brake and accelerator, and anticipate black ice on bridges and shaded areas.

Snow, ice, darkness falling early: winter changes everything at the wheel. Here's how to prepare the car, adapt your driving and react if the unexpected happens.

General guidance only. Winter rules (tyres, chains, areas concerned) are seasonal, local and change over time. This advice was compiled carefully but may have changed since it was last updated. AcciZen provides it "as is", on a best-effort basis. Check the obligations of the country and region before you travel.

Before you set off

Tyres: winter or all-season tyres in good condition; chains or snow socks in the boot if you're heading to the mountains.
Visibility: wiper blades in good condition, anti-freeze screenwash, clean and correctly aimed headlights.
Battery and fluids: cold drains the battery; check it, along with the coolant anti-freeze.
Before moving off: clear all the windows and the roof, not just a porthole in front of the driver.
Weather and fuel: check the forecast and road conditions, and leave with a good level of fuel.

Winter tyres and chains: what the law says

The rules are seasonal and local — the detail is in our Equipment & rules by country guide. In short:

Germany, Austria: winter tyres compulsory in wintry conditions.
France: loi Montagne — winter equipment from 1 November to 31 March in designated mountain municipalities.
Italy, Switzerland: obligation shown by road signs depending on the road.

At the wheel, on snow and ice

Ease off. Braking distance can double or more on a slippery road.
Be gentle. Accelerate, brake and steer progressively; sudden inputs break traction.
Anticipate. Watch for black ice on bridges, shaded areas and early in the morning.
Keep your distance. Leave a big gap to the vehicle ahead and brake early.
Be seen. Switch your lights on; use fog lights only in genuinely poor visibility.

The winter kit to keep in the car

A scraper and de-icer, gloves, hat and a blanket, a torch, chains if needed, a small shovel, water and a snack, a phone charger, and of course the legally required vest and warning triangle.

If you break down or crash in the cold

Make yourself safe: vest, triangle, and stand behind the barrier where possible.
Call the emergency services on 112 if anyone is hurt or there's a hazard.
Stay visible and warm while you wait for help.
Document the scene (photos, place, time): AcciZen guides you, even in bad weather.

Frequently asked questions

Are winter tyres compulsory?

It depends on the country and area. Compulsory in wintry conditions in Germany and Austria; in France the loi Montagne requires winter equipment from 1 November to 31 March in designated municipalities. Elsewhere the obligation may be shown by signs. See the detail by country →

How do I drive on snow and ice?

Drive slowly, greatly increase your following distance, avoid sudden movements and anticipate black ice on bridges and shaded areas.

What should I keep in the car in winter?

A scraper and de-icer, gloves and a blanket, a torch, chains if needed, anti-freeze screenwash, water, a phone charger, plus the legally required vest and warning triangle.

If winter turns bad, AcciZen stays by your side.

Sliding off the road, a knock on the ice: AcciZen guides you step by step — safety, photos, place, a file for your insurer — even when conditions are tough. Free, no sign-up, in 6 languages.

Open AcciZen

Last updated: June 2026.

Read this guide: Français · English

← All "Driving in Europe" guides