Laws for Chains in the Kosciuszko National park

National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002

(Division 3)

25   Use of snow chains in Kosciuszko National Park

(1)  A person travelling by motor vehicle on any designated snow/ice risk road within Kosciuszko National Park at any time on or after 1 June and before 11 October in any year must carry snow chains suitable for use on the tyres of the motor vehicle.

Maximum penalty: 30 penalty units.

(2)  A person travelling by motor vehicle within Kosciuszko National Park between 1 June and 10 October in any year must use snow chains on the tyres of the motor vehicle when directed to do so by an authorised officer or by a notice erected in the park or given to the park user.

Maximum penalty: 30 penalty units.

(3)  In this clause:

authorised officer, in relation to a park, means:
(a)  an officer or employee of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, or

(b)  a person who is authorised by the park authority to exercise the powers conferred by this clause, or
(c)  a police officer.

designated snow/ice risk road means a road on which there is a sign, erected by or on behalf of the Director-General, requiring snow chains to be carried on the road.

motor vehicle does not include a four-wheel drive vehicle.


Further to our discussion this morning, I have spoken to the RTA and can now confirm there is no change to the requirement to carry chains this season ie. 4WD and AWD vehicles are exempt from carrying chains.( drivers can fit chains to 4WD and AWD if they wish but it is not a mandatory requirement to carry chains)
For your information the Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road were exised out of the Park on the 17 May 04 and are now the responsibility of the RTA.,for this season the "designated road sections" remain the same, chains must be carried on the Kosciuszko Road and on the Alpine Way between Thredbo and the Park boundary at Khancoban during the Winter season.