Hi all,

In a couple of weeks i'll be driving down to Rome through Abruzzo on the E80/A25 - what will the weather be en route - should i carry snow chains for that road?

I've never used or had the need for snow chains before??


Thanks

http://img.poliziadistato.it/docs/02...11_Abruzzo.pdf

According to this you need to have chains onboard only from Torano to Pescara on the A25.
In Lazio, only on SS4 and SS17.

Is it likely i'll have to use them?

sorry but your post made be laugh out loud yesterday afternoon i was sitting outside on my terrace with a glass of wine sunbathing!!!!!!

Presume you are close to the A25 E80?

I asked my neighbours what the road was like and they said it was likely to have snow at this time of year.
They were more bothered about the route past L'aquila the A24?? But we're taking the route further south time.
So, in two weeks - you dont think i'll need them?
I'll buy some anyway - just dont like the thought of having to use them or drive to Rome in the snow with our 2 year old.

Just a minute, don't you live in Le Marche? Somewhere near Civitanova Marche? If so, you may well be planning to go south on the A14? From Porto Sant'Elpidio onwards you will need snowchains or winter tyres (by law), Since this is relatively new legislation there are allegedly regular checks and you will be fined a minimum EUR80 if caught. Note though that there's no obligation to know how to use them.

Really? Didn't know that - i drove down there last week.

Haven't got any snow chains but i'll sort some out this week.

I don't know anyone who has used snow chains and where i live you don't really see the signs for chains.

You were (just) OK - that legislation only came into effect te day before yesterday! Full details can be found on this site

As you will see comparing that to the Abruzzo site, Le Marche (especially Provincia di Ancona) is rather hot on chains.

I've driven on the A25 hundreds of times, including the depths of winter going skiing in Roccaraso and I’ve never had to use snow chains yet. Matter of fact in 30+ years of driving tens of thousands of Km every year all over Italy I cannot recall ever needing chains on an autostrada. The problem comes usually when you get off the autostrada. Having said that from about now on I carry chains, a shovel, a short handled broom and a sleeping bag permanently in the car. My Canadian friends also carry a couple of candles and some matches.
I once fitted chains on my Fiat 128 sport to drive on the M5 in UK; I think it was in about 1982.

We've had to use them several time on the Torino/Milano, Brennero, and Udine/Tarvisio though not in recent years. A torch is a must.

As someone else said, if you do buy them, have a practice. A couple of days ago, our elderly neighbour spent an afternoon trying to figure them out. I don't think he succeeded.

The italian gov are doing everything and anything for extra money these days so i'd be wary. Saying that, the last 3 years travelling from rome to pescara every winter i have never used winter tyres or carried chains and never been stopped.
The weather at the moment is fine, and you shouldn't find any snow on the motorways - but i think if you are stopped without special tyres or chains you will get a multa...
The police one time didn't like the noise my boyfriends car made on the road, it's just a regular 1.9 Q2 alfa 147 jtd (no ferrari!) so they took off 10 points from his license and of course....multa multa!

Better to be safe than sorry is my advice!

OK, thanks for the advice. Just interested to know really - what the chance of having to use them is.

My neighbour was round on Saturday morning so i had a practice with his. No too difficult but i suppose it would be harder when its dark and snowing.

I might get the snow socks but ive read they aren't approved yet. I did see some the other day that said 'certified' but not sure if they'd qualify. They are a lot easier to fit.

Would the police be ok if i had snow socks rather than chains?

No, they have not been approved. Would they let you off? Who knows.

I doubt you will have to fit them, just carry them along with you as a "just in case" measure That way you're covered from the polizia.