Clarifications on when drivers must carry anti-slip agents in their vehicles, as well as for rented vehicles and driving schools, provided by the Ministry of Transport, since the mandatory use period (October – April) begins.

In particular, as emphasized by the Ministry of Infrastructure, the observance of anti-skid equipment (chains, blankets, winter tires) becomes mandatory only if and if there are relevant decisions of the competent authorities (police departments, traffic departments, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection). , because according to article 52 of the COC, which provides that the prevailing weather conditions require drivers to take care to equip the vehicles they drive with appropriate anti-skid equipment.

Thus, when climatic conditions do not require it and due to the lack of relevant decisions of the above competent authorities, drivers are not required to have anti-skid equipment on their vehicles.

However, in any case, drivers must know how to place and use these aids to ensure they are used correctly.

Also, a newer regulation, signed by the Deputy Minister of Transport, M. Papadopoulos, also regulates the issue of the mandatory provision of anti-slip agents when renting cars.

In particular, it is stipulated that in the case of a car rental, if the lessee requests the supply of anti-slip agents and his request is specified in the rental agreement, the rental company is obliged to provide the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, and until requested, this obligation does not exist.

Changing climate conditions, according to Deputy Minister Mr. Papadopoulos, requires all drivers to have the necessary equipment for the safe movement of vehicles on the road network in the event of snowfall, as well as knowledge of their correct use.

It is also reminded of the obligation of future driver instructors to include in the training program the study of the installation of snow chains, as established by the relevant decision of Mr. Papadopoulos.

Snow chains: Installation instructions

• Snow chains are installed on both tires of the vehicle’s drive axle.
• If the vehicle has movement on more than one axle, they are installed in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
• If there are no instructions and the driver has only one pair of skids, then they are installed on the front axle.
• If there is a second pair, they are placed on the rear axle at the same time.
• If the vehicle has twin tires on the drive axle (i.e. 4 tires per axle), these are fitted according to the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions, and if not, they are fitted to the outer tires on each side.
• The installation of traction control devices must be carried out in a suitable and safe place on the roadway and all necessary measures in accordance with the COC (for example, warning triangle, distance) must be taken to ensure the safety of the driver and to avoid causing problems in the movement of other vehicles.