Snow Chains

This comment is actually untrue for victorian ski resorts. It has been passed through an act of parliament (over 15 years ago) that ALL vehicles entering Alpine resorts must carry chains and use them when directed. Fines last year were $165 and 3 demerit points. I have heard that this year the fine has been increased. You would be mad to not carry them as I have seen 3 foot of snow at victorian resort roads that have even stopped 4WD vehicles with chains on.
In NSW the rules are a bit different. For 4WD vehicles it is at owners discretion but all 2wd vehicles need to carry chanes and fit them when directed. You probably wont need to use them in a 4WD but I have lived and worked in the Vic and NSW resorts for 18 years and occasionally have to fit them. I was actually checked by the Vic Police on Saturday at 7.00 p.m. for chains and it hasnt snowed here for a week. I hope that this clears up any misconceptions. Andy

Hi Bill. No I dont have a vested interest. I manage a business in the snowfields that is not involved in chain hire or sales. I am just stating the facts about law in Vic and nsw. You dont have to follow my advice at all but you may be risking a fine and danger to yourself and other vehicle occupants if you dont use chains as directed. I have seen many vehicles go off alpine roads with and without chains. Some have ended up being fatal accidents and I have been on the scene to 2 bus crashes (both full) with chains fitted going off the side of the road. I have seen heaps of 2 and 4wheel drive vehicles roll off the road in all conditions. The worst time for cars is when the roads are clear of snow but have a wet layer on them. When the temp gets below zero (usually at dusk) the road turns to ice and all cars 2 or 4 WD have a heap of problems. In this situation chains can help but often they dont. The best way to drive in this situation is as slow as you possibly can. No sudden braking and give a gap of 50 metres. It can take 50 metres to stop even when travelling in first.

When fitting chains to 4wd vehicles the law says that you only need to fit 1 set. Front wheels are usually the best as it aids steering and traction. I actually have found that going uphill chains tend to give better traction when fitted to the rear wheels (steering is compromised though). When going downhill fitting to the front wheels usually gives the best results. Fitting 2 sets in icy conditions or deep snow will increase traction and lateral slip tremendously however noone ever does this. I fit 2 sets in extremely muddy conditions as it saves you having to use the whinch.
Hope this helps. Andy

Thommo,

As per my email above, you do NOT have to carry chains in a 4WD in NSW, even during the official snow season. If you are inexperienced at snow/ice driving and feel they would be beneficial, you can CHOOSE to carry them and/or use them. Standard cars must have chains in the vehicle. I have never had to fit chains to a 4WD in NSW.

Victoria is another matter, and they must be carried by all vehicles.