Snow and winter driving safety

When driving to the mountains and the snow, remember that weather conditions can change very quickly. Prepare yourself and your vehicle to manage icy and wet road conditions all day.

Pack properly, drive cautiously, and listen to instructions provided by authorities in the area.

Snow wheel chains

Wheel chains are metal chains that attach to the tyres of your vehicle. They provide extra traction when driving on roads affected by snow or ice.

While there might not be snow or ice on your path when you start your journey, this can change quickly.

Mountain resort staff can refuse you entry if you arrive without snow chains, or the proper preparation.

The resort you are visiting may have information about the closest place to hire snow chains. They may also have a daily weather update on their website. Contact them or check their website for specific information.

Tips for chain fitting:

• Use diamond pattern snow chains.
• Fit chains at fitting bays on level ground. Do not try to fit them while on the mountain path.
• If chains fall off or loosen while driving, pull over to the side of the road, check for damage, and re-fit.
• Ensure wheel chains are suitable to fit your wheels properly.
• Carry a torch, plastic garbage bag and gloves to make fitting easier.

Read more tips for fitting snow chains at Transport Victoria.

Legal requirements for snow chains

There are strict legislative requirements for carrying wheel chains in alpine regions.

When entering an alpine resort during the snow season, you must carry wheel chains in your car. These must be suitable to be attached to your wheels at any time.

Always listen to authorised officers and police officers when visiting an alpine resort. They can ask you to show that you are carrying your wheel chains, or fit them to your car.

Visit Alpine Resorts Victoria to learn more about wheel chain requirements.

Understand the legislation around wheel chains from the Alpine Resorts (Management) Regulations 2020.

Before you leave for the mountain

Whether you are going for a day trip, or a weekend away, prepare for your trip well in advance.

Make a backup plan in case the weather changes restrict your access, and you have to stay for longer than expected.

Tell someone, who is not visiting the mountains with you, where you are going, and how long you will be. They can contact the police if you are away for an unexpectedly long amount of time.

Check the road conditions ahead of time on VicTraffic(opens in a new window).

Safe car conditions

When travelling to the mountains, weather changes may keep you on the road longer than you planned.

Make sure the vehicles you take to the mountains are in good condition, and prepared for any changes in weather.

Tips for preparing your car before you leave:

• Check your tyres are in good condition and full of air.
• Fill your car’s radiator with anti-freeze.
• Diesel vehicles can fill up with alpine diesel mix.
• Check your car battery is in good condition.
• Check your air-conditioning and heating systems properly de-mist and warm the car.

What to pack for your trip

Weather change may keep you longer than you planned. Keep this in mind while you pack for your trip.

Pack for extended cold weather, and take battery packs to keep your phone charged all day.

Tips for what to pack for your snow trip:

• Sunglasses for the glare on the road on wet conditions.
• Shovel to clear the path if required.
• Torch.
• Appropriate warm clothing, and a spare set in case your clothes get wet.
• Additional food and water, in case of delays.
• Navigation other than your phone, such as a map.
• Battery packs for your phone.
• First aid kit.

Driving safely in the mountains

Driving in icy conditions has different risks to driving on dry roads.

Tips for driving in the mountains:

• Drive cautiously with gradual pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin.
• Brake gently and avoid unnecessary gear changes.
• Maintain a safe braking distance from the car in front, especially in poor visibility.
• Pull over when safe to do so and let faster moving vehicles past you.
• Use low gears when going down the mountain.
• Use low beam lights.. High beams are not ideal in high mist areas.
• If you cannot see due to the mist, pull over to a safe spot. Put your hazard lights on, keep your engine running, and wait until the conditions clear.
• Use your vehicle wheel chains when driving over snow or ice.
• Drive slowly when driving over snow, as this reduces the need for braking and potential loss of traction.
• Remove any snow from the top of your vehicle before you start your journey back home.

Black ice

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that is often transparent. It can form on the road in sections that have not been exposed to sunlight. This includes footpaths and roads in the early morning or late night, or in sections that have a lot of tree cover.

Avoid driving over black ice, as it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If you find yourself driving over black ice, allow the car to slowly travel across it without using the accelerator or brake too hard.

Read more tips about driving over black ice at Transport Victoria.