Winter-proof your car rental
Whether you're driving to the slopes or anticipating some wintry weather on the roads, Avis rental stations have a ready supply of snow tyres, snow chains and ski/snowboard racks to help make your journey that much easier and safer.You can book snow tyres, snow chains and ski/snowboard racks all year round, or add to an existing booking, by calling our reservations hotline.
Snow tyres
Winter tyres are necessary in many countries across the region and required by law during certain times of the year. In some places, these tyres are fitted free of charge, others may charge a fee.Snow chains
Snow chains, required by law through the winter in certain regions, are available to rent at many car hire locations. They can be reserved during the booking process but the option to book is only available at participating branches. Prices vary between countries.Ski racks
Hitting the slopes? A ski rack might prove useful. Available at selected Avis branches, racks can be reserved during the booking process but the option to book is only available at participating branches. Snowboards can also be fitted to our magnetic ski racks. Prices vary between countries.Rules for winter tyres in Europe
Austria
Between 1 November and 15 April it is mandatory to have winter tyres on all car wheels or snow chains on drive wheels. Outside these months the use of winter tyres can be mandatory too. Winter tyres must have a profile of minimum 4mm. Snow chains may be used when conditions require it: the road needs to be entirely covered in snow or black ice. The use of snow chains is not allowed in the Arlberg Tunnel.
Czech Republic
Winter tyres are mandatory between 1 November and 31 March. They need to have the M+S label (Mud & Snow) and a tread depth of minimum 4mm. During the winter months it is also mandatory to carry snow chains in your car. However, you are only allowed to use these in cases of black ice or snow.
Croatia
Winter tyres are mandatory in wintery conditions, need to have a profile of minimum 4mm and show the M+S label (Mud & Snow). Studded tyres are not permitted. Snow chains are mandatory in cases of black ice or when there is more than 5cm of snow.
Finland
Winter tyres are compulsory between 1 December and 1 March. Snow chains are allowed when weather circumstances require it.
France
Winter tyres are not compulsory but it is advisable to use them. On some roads the use of winter tyres can be mandatory (this will be sign-posted). Snow chains can only be used on snow-covered roads. On many mountain passes, the use of snow chains is compulsory, which will also be signposted.
Germany
In wintery conditions, cars must have the appropriate winter equipment. In Germany, this also includes winter tyres, windscreen washer fluid and proper windscreen wipers. Under certain circumstances the use of snow chains can be mandatory (this will be signposted). The same rules apply to 4x4’s. When driving with snow chains, a speed limit of 50 km/h applies.
Italy
On mountain roads, the use of winter equipment (winter tyres and/or snow chains) can be mandatory. If this is the case, it will be signposted. In the Aosta Valley, winter tyres are compulsory between 15 October and 30 April.
Luxembourg
Winter tyres are mandatory between 1 October and 31 March. The recommended thread depth is 4 mm. Snow chains are allowed if there is ice or snow on the roads.
Norway
If wintery conditions require it, the car needs to have the appropriate winter equipment (winter tyres, snow chains or studded tyres). The tread depth has to be minimum 3mm. In cases of black ice or snow, snow chains are mandatory for cars with summer tyres.
Slovenia
Between 1 November and 15 April it is mandatory to use winter tyres with a profile of minimum 3mm in wintery conditions. The use of studded tyres is not allowed. It is mandatory to carry snow chains in your vehicle if it doesn’t have winter tyres.
Slovakia
It is mandatory to use winter tyres with the M+S label (Mud & Snow) in cases of black ice or snow. The use of studded tyres is not allowed. During the winter months, it is mandatory to carry snow chains in your vehicle.
Sweden
Winter equipment (winter tyres, snow chains or studded tyres) is mandatory between 1 December and 1 April if the weather conditions require it. In cases of black ice or snow, the use of snow chains is allowed.
Switzerland
Although winter tyres are not compulsory, it is advisable to use them because you will be fined if you cause nuisance on the road. Snow chains are mandatory when road conditions require them (this will be signposted). When driving with snow chains, the speed limit is 50 km/h. The use of snow chains is not allowed in the Selisberg Tunnel, de St. Gotthard Tunnel and the San Bernardino Tunnel.