In Montenegro, during the winter period from November 15 to April 1, vehicles must be equipped with winter tires on all wheels and carry winter equipment
In winter, Montenegro can see substantial snowfall, especially in its mountain regions, making driving conditions hazardous and difficult. For this reason, many drivers use snow chains.
Snow chains can be fitted to the front or rear wheels, depending on the vehicle type and road conditions. They provide additional grip between the tire and the road surface, allowing for better vehicle control on snow-covered and icy roads.
In Montenegro, there is a mandatory requirement to use snow chains in winter on certain stretches of road, including some mountain roads. Drivers planning a trip into Montenegro's mountain regions in winter should therefore make sure they carry a full set of snow chains in the trunk.
Snow chains are an important piece of equipment that improves vehicle handling during the winter months. They are designed to provide additional traction between the tires and the road surface in snow and ice, making driving safer. However, to achieve their full effectiveness, the chains must be correctly selected and properly fitted to the vehicle.
It should be kept in mind, however, that using snow chains can limit the vehicle's driving speed and affect ride comfort. In addition, in some cases snow chains can damage the road surface, so drivers should exercise caution when using them.
Correctly fitted snow chains provide not only improved traction but also greater road safety. They help reduce the risk of skidding and loss of vehicle control in difficult winter weather conditions.
Here are a few steps to help you choose the right snow chains:
Determine the chain type:
There are several types of snow chains, and the right choice depends on the vehicle type and the conditions of use. For example, some chains are suitable only for front-wheel-drive vehicles, while others can be fitted to all wheels.
Determine the wheel size:
Wheel size is an important factor when choosing snow chains. Different chain types fit different wheel sizes, so you need to make sure the chains you select match the size of your wheels.
Check the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations:
Vehicle manufacturers often provide recommendations on the types of chains suitable for a particular model. These recommendations can be found in the vehicle's owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.
Check the legal requirements:
Article 132 of Montenegro's Law on Road Traffic Safety ("Official Gazette of Montenegro", No. 33/2012, 58/2014, 14/2017) stipulates that, between 15 November and 1 April, vehicles taking part in road traffic under winter conditions must have winter tires fitted on all wheels and must also meet other winter-equipment requirements.
The Rulebook on the Detailed Conditions to Be Met by Vehicles in Road Traffic ("Official Gazette of Montenegro", No. 2/2015) governs the winter equipment of passenger cars and trucks with a maximum permissible mass of up to 3.5 tonnes. A vehicle's winter equipment must include winter tires on all wheels, as well as snow chains ready to be fitted to at least two drive wheels. In addition to the winter equipment listed above, a shovel is also a mandatory part of the winter equipment for light buses, heavy-duty buses, medium-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks, with the exception of vehicles used in public urban transport.
Fit the chains correctly:
Snow chains must be fitted in accordance with the instructions supplied with them. Incorrect fitting can damage the tires, wheels, or vehicle body, as well as certain components of the chassis.
In short, the use of snow chains in winter in Montenegro is an important safety measure for drivers. They provide additional traction and improve vehicle handling on snow-covered and icy roads.