Teorio
Snow chains compulsory
Regulatory prohibition Anyone driving a vehicle may use the road only with snow chains.
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When you see the Zeichen
You may only drive on the road if snow chains are fitted to at least two wheels on the driven axle. To put them on, stop in good time at a safe location before the signposted section of road and drive at no more than 50 km/h with snow chains.
Rules
- Zeichen 268 makes snow chains mandatory; winter tyres alone are not sufficient to continue driving.
- The snow chains must be fitted to at least two wheels on the driven axle.
- With snow chains fitted, the maximum speed is 50 km/h, even if a higher speed would otherwise be permitted.
- The snow-chain requirement begins at the sign and generally ends at the corresponding cancellation sign or at the recognisable end of the designated section.
- The snow-chain requirement does not affect any additional situational winter-tyre requirement.
Tips
- Before driving in mountainous regions, check whether the snow chains fit your tyre and wheel size, and practise fitting them beforehand.
- Fit the chains to the driven wheels; for all-wheel-drive vehicles, follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
- Only fit snow chains in a safe car park or designated fitting area, never in the middle of the road.
- After driving a short distance, check that the chains are seated correctly and properly tensioned, if this is specified in the operating instructions.
Common misunderstandings
- The blue circular sign is mistakenly understood as a recommendation. In fact, driving without snow chains on the designated section is prohibited.
- Many learner drivers believe that winter tyres are sufficient. Zeichen 268 additionally requires snow chains.
- It is often assumed that snow chains must always be fitted to all four wheels. At least two wheels on the driven axle are required; the manufacturer's instructions may contain additional requirements.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap is whether you may continue driving with winter tyres but without snow chains: No. In addition, the permitted maximum speed with snow chains is always 50 km/h.
Did you know
Zeichen 268 is particularly common on steep or snow-prone mountain roads, such as those in the German Alps. Its blue circular shape indicates a mandatory instruction, not merely a recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Are all-season or winter tyres sufficient for Zeichen 268?
No. The sign expressly requires snow chains; suitable winter tyres do not replace them. In wintry road conditions, the situational winter-tyre requirement must also be observed.
Which wheels must the snow chains be fitted to?
They must be fitted to at least two wheels on the driven axle. For all-wheel-drive vehicles, the operating instructions must also be followed, as the manufacturer may specify particular axles or fitting chains to all four wheels.
How fast may I drive with snow chains?
With snow chains, you may drive at no more than 50 km/h. A lower speed may be necessary because of the road surface, visibility, bends or the manufacturer's instructions.
May I drive to the sign without carrying snow chains?
Yes, the sign does not generally require you to carry them. From the sign onward, however, you may drive on the affected section only with snow chains already correctly fitted.
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