National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2009

26   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 on or after 1 June and before 11 October in any year must use snow chains on the tyres of the motor vehicle when directed to do so by a designated officer or by a notice erected in the park or given to the park user.

 

Maximum penalty: 30 penalty units.

(3)  In this clause:

designated officer, in relation to a park, means:

(a)  a national parks officer, 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.

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designated 'snow and ice' risk sections are:

• Alpine Way – Thredbo to Tom Grogin (Road BEYOND Thredbo)
• Kosciuszko Road within the National Park boundary (Road to Perisher)
• Guthega Road within the National Park boundary

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

Snow chains - RTA

• Snow chains are recommended by the RTA when driving in poor snow conditions to assist drivers and reduce accidents.
• When driving in the Alpine Region, the RTA has identified possible snow and ice risk sections with yellow lane line marking and signposting.

• National Park regulations state that all vehicles (except four wheel drive vehicles) entering the National Park must carry chains when driving through designated 'snow and ice' risk sections. Snow and ice risk sections are identified by black and yellow signs within the Kosciuszko National Park. The current designated 'snow and ice' risk sections are:
  • Alpine Way – Thredbo to Tom Grogin
  • Kosciuszko Road within the National Park boundary
  • Guthega Road within the National Park boundary
• When directed by signs or an authorised officer, fit the chains to the vehicles driving wheels. Generally, this will be at special chain fitting bays along the route.
• Make sure you fit the chains to the driving wheels, which are the back wheels on rear wheel drive cars and front wheels on front wheel drive cars. If in doubt, check in the car user’s manual or your service provider.
• Make sure the chains you buy or hire are suitable for the wheel diameter and tyre size of your vehicle. If possible, practise fitting the chains in good conditions, so that you understand how to fit the chains and won't be placed in a difficult situation in bad weather conditions.
• To be effective, some part of the chain must be in contact with the road surface at all times. Some types of snow chains, such as certain ladder chains, should not be used as the spacing between the chain ‘rungs’ can be excessive and allow the bare tyre contact with the road surface.
• Tyre pressure should be 25 PSI or higher when using chains. Tyre manufactures recommend that cars with radial tyres shouldn't travel faster than 40 km/h when fitted with chains. Stop and check the tension of the chains after driving about 200 metres.
• Remove the chains immediately when you are told it's safe to do so.
• Random chain inspections will take place throughout the ski season and fines exceeding $300 will be issued to drivers who fail to comply with National Park regulations on the use of snow chains.
• Chain bays are located on Kosciuszko Road at:
  • Sawpit Creek
  • Wilsons Valley
  • Dainers Gap
  • Prussian Creek
• Chain bays are located on the Alpine Way at:
  • Penderlea
  • Thredbo Diggings
  • Ranger Station

4WD vehicles

• Although excluded from the requirements to carry and fit chains, the RTA recommends that persons driving 4WD vehicles (which include off-road vehicles, all wheel drive vehicles and sports utilities), except those fitted with winter tyres, carry snow chains and fit them when directed. They will assist you in driving on ice and snow by improving your vehicle’s traction with the slippery road. You may also need them in the event of extreme weather conditions.
• If carrying snow chains, check in the vehicle’s user’s manual or with your service provider to which wheels they should be fitted.
• Winter tyres are specifically designed for driving on roads affected by snow or ice. They provide performance equivalent to snow chains on 4WD vehicles when driving on snow, and a better performance than standard tyres when driving on clear roads in cold conditions. Although they are sometimes known as ‘snow tyres’, they should not be confused with ‘snow and mud tyres’ that are commonly fitted to off-road vehicles. They can be identified by a standard logo showing a snow flake and a mountain (see right).
• As an alternative to snow chains, 4WD vehicles not fitted with winter tyres may be fitted with snow traction devices, such as items made from textiles, that comply with the Austrian Standard ONORM V5121.1.