Leading car hire comparison site www.Comparecarhire.co.uk is warning those driving to ski resorts, to be aware of ever changing winter driving rules which not only vary from country to country but also between regions within individual countries.
The latest change is in Luxembourg – a popular spot for drivers heading south for the travel wanting to fill up with cheaper petrol – which changed its laws in October 2012 to make it mandatory in wintery conditions for all vehicles, including those from foreign countries, to have winter tyres fitted, matching a change to German law two years ago.
The company also advises that in Italy car driving regulations are one of three key powers held by provincial governments and they're likely to change at any time.
"We want people to ensure they know the laws of the particular country they are visiting to avoid any costly fines or penalties but most importantly, to stay safe on the roads," advises Andy Hemmington of comparecarhire.co.uk, "Travellers should expect the unexpected in regions where you can experience extremely bad weather such as heavy snowfall. It may make for a good skiing holiday but it also makes for treacherous driving conditions."
In the main Alpine nations carrying snow chains and using them when required (as well as removing them when they no longer are, is a legal requirement.
Austria is currently the only one of the four main Alpine nations country where winter or all season tyres are also required by law between November 1st and April 15th with a minimum tread depth of 3mm when driving in bad weather.
"If using your own vehicle to travel, since it is impossible to determine the exact severity of weather conditions in other countries when you leave the UK, you must ensure you are carrying necessary items such as snow chains in case of sudden weather changes," says Andy Hemmington, "When using hire cars pre-book everything where possible to ensure availability. They will also often be payable locally as opposed to being included in the car hire price so take this into account when budgeting for car hire."
Comparecarhire.co.uk, which compares car hire prices for over 40 suppliers in 15,000 locations worldwide, further advises people planning to rent cars to drive in ski areas research in advance how to fit snow chains and other equipment before you go or ask to be shown, and check the boot of the vehicle for such items before thou drive off.