Teorio
Chains
When you see the sign
The sign indicates an area provided for fitting or removing snow chains. Enter only if you need to use the chain-fitting area, and slow down early so you can enter in a controlled manner.
Rules
- Sign 780 indicates a place where snow chains can be fitted or removed.
- The sign is a location sign and does not require you to fit snow chains.
- You must assess for yourself whether the vehicle has sufficient traction; the vehicle must not be driven without sufficient grip for the conditions.
- The sign does not, in itself, permit ordinary parking or extended stays in the chain-fitting area.
Tips
- Slow down well in advance, signal and check the traffic behind you before turning into the area.
- Fit snow chains before driving onto a steep or slippery section where the tyres alone do not provide sufficient grip.
- Practise fitting the chains at home, and check and retighten them after driving a short distance.
- Remove the chains when you reach a road surface clear of snow and ice, because driving with chains on a hard surface can damage the chains, tyres and road.
Common misconceptions
- Many people think the sign means that snow chains are compulsory from this point. It only shows where chains can be fitted or removed.
- Some people regard the area as an ordinary rest or parking area, even though it is intended for work involving snow chains.
- The sign must not be confused with a direction sign; it indicates a function at the location, not a destination or a choice of lane.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign mean?
- AIt shows a place where chains can be fitted or removed.
- BIt shows which lane you should choose further ahead.
- CIt shows a parking area for a longer stay.
- DIt shows that chains are mandatory further along the road.
Medium
You encounter this sign in winter conditions, but the car has sufficient grip without chains. What should you do?
- AYou must change lanes before passing the area.
- BYou should park in the area until the conditions improve.
- CYou may continue driving without fitting chains.
- DYou must stop and fit chains before continuing.
Hard
What can you conclude with certainty from this sign alone?
- AThat you must choose a specific lane towards the destination shown.
- BThat you must fit chains before you can continue on the road.
- CThat you may stop to work on chains, but not that ordinary parking is permitted.
- DThat you may park for a longer stay even if you are not going to work on chains.
Theory test tip
The most common trap is to interpret Sign 780 as requiring snow chains. In the theory test, the correct main meaning is that the sign identifies a place where chains can be fitted or removed.
Did you know
Chain-fitting areas are found especially at mountain passes and before steep sections subject to winter conditions, so that chains can be fitted in a safer place before the vehicle encounters the most difficult road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to fit snow chains when I see Sign 780?
No, the sign does not require you to use snow chains. However, you must ensure that the car has sufficient traction, and you should not continue if the conditions make driving unsafe.
Can I park in a chain-fitting area?
The sign does not, in itself, permit ordinary parking. The area should be kept available for vehicles that need to fit or remove snow chains, and other signs or road markings may restrict stopping and parking.
Are ordinary passenger cars required to carry snow chains?
There is no general requirement to carry snow chains in an ordinary passenger car. However, the driver is still responsible for ensuring that the vehicle has sufficient traction for the conditions.
Why is the chain-fitting area often located before an uphill section?
Chains should be fitted before the vehicle loses traction or comes to a stop on the hill. The location makes it possible to stop without blocking the carriageway on the demanding section.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
