Thread: Are snow chains MANDATORY in NSW on 4WD

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong; but I believe it is optional (however recommended) to carry chains.

From the NSW RTA - Safe driving in the snow
"4WD vehicles
Although excluded from the requirements to carry and fit chains, the RTA recommends that persons driving 4WD vehicles (which include off-road vehicles, all wheel drive vehicles and sports utilities), except those fitted with winter tyres, carry snow chains and fit them when directed. They will assist you in driving on ice and snow by improving your vehicle’s traction with the slippery road. You may also need them in the event of extreme weather conditions.
If carrying snow chains, check in the vehicle’s user’s manual or with your service provider to which wheels they should be fitted.
Winter tyres are specifically designed for driving on roads affected by snow or ice. They provide performance equivalent to snow chains on 4WD vehicles when driving on snow, and a better performance than standard tyres when driving on clear roads in cold conditions. Although they are sometimes known as ‘snow tyres’, they should not be confused with ‘snow and mud tyres’ that are commonly fitted to off-road vehicles. They can be identified by a standard logo showing a snow flake and a mountain (see right).
As an alternative to snow chains, 4WD vehicles not fitted with winter tyres may be fitted with snow traction devices, such as items made from textiles, that comply with the Austrian Standard ONORM V5121.1."

Advise you print the page and carry it lest you find a coppa with less than accurate knowledge.

Thank you very much guys, relevant details printed and highlighted, will be in glovebox.

Even though snow chains may not be mandatary, Police and possibly other authorised persons can stop you proceeding if they determine a road is dangerous without snow chains. This is the case at Brown Mountain at present, with the police requiring all vehicles to use chains to continue.

Also, there are often temporary signs in alpine areas which state snow chains must be carried on a particular route. I assume this sign would over ride any general legislation.


Erich

I am in WA, no snow here but have been interested lately to learn about snow driving techniques, what is required, what tyres work best?
low range what gear etc, can anyone give me tips, thanks

Originally Posted by Bundalene

Even though snow chains may not be mandatary, Police and possibly other authorised persons can stop you proceeding if they determine a road is dangerous without snow chains. This is the case at Brown Mountain at present, with the police requiring all vehicles to use chains to continue.

Also, there are often temporary signs in alpine areas which state snow chains must be carried on a particular route. I assume this sign would over ride any general legislation.

Erich

Yes we all know that there's the Law and then there's what the coppa thinks is the law that he (sic) acts upon.

While you may be strictly within the Law not to carry or fit them, in the snow and sleet is not the time to be arguing the finer points of Law, lest you be charged with failing to comply with a Lawful instruction of a Police officer.

You won't have any issue running from Tumut to Cooma - they will have the snow plough out real early in the morning if they need to as it's the opening of the ski season. It's been out the last two days in a row.

I'm driving through there tomorrow so I'll send you a PM with my mobile number if you want to call me around lunch - I'll be able to let you know what it's like.


Cheers
Chris

Originally Posted by cewilson

I'm driving through there tomorrow so I'll send you a PM with my mobile number if you want to call me around lunch - I'll be able to let you know what it's like.

Lucky bugger