Snow Chains & Studded Tyres

BeardyGit

Afternoon all. Hoping some of the members who hang out here can set me on the right track on this one. Aside from the debate about whether or not they're needed, where does one stand legally when deciding to fit studded tyres to a vehicle?

Is it actually illegal?

Also, how is the use of snow chains legislated for here in the republic? Lots of misinformation doing the rounds, so thought I'd ask those who I guess should be in the know, or will know how to become in the know on this one....

Thanks,

Gil

Corcioch

Dont know about the legality of it . . . .but try getting the flippin things!!!




We ( the bosses ) tried to purchase studded tyres for Ice etc a few weeks ago when the weather got really bad and worse was forecast, for fitting to the Patrol Cars in my station.

Our skipper was even on to Pirelli in the UK . . . .Not a hope, they just couldn't be got . . .


Snow chains are only of use when there is 2" of snow or more according to the Garages we contacted here and in the Uk.


The legal requirments for wheels and tyres are all laid down in the Construction, Equipment and Use Of Vehicle Regulations under the Road Traffic Act. I dont have a copy of it handy but you could find it online if you go looking.

BeardyGit

I can't find any reference to either chains or studs. Maybe I'm just not doing the search thing properly. I've ordered 400 of these studs for next winter....in February as far as the weather boffins are predicting....

http://www.maxigripicestuds.com/

jake59

Gil_Dub wrote: »

I can't find any reference to either chains or studs. Maybe I'm just not doing the search thing properly. I've ordered 400 of these studs for next winter....in February as far as the weather boffins are predicting....

http://www.maxigripicestuds.com/

check out the auto sock.google "auto sock" and see the demo on their website. seems to do the job.

Del2005

Gil_Dub wrote: »

I can't find any reference to either chains or studs. Maybe I'm just not doing the search thing properly. I've ordered 400 of these studs for next winter....in February as far as the weather boffins are predicting....

http://www.maxigripicestuds.com/

I've heard cars driving on normal roads with studs in and it would drive me mad if I had to drive a car with them. They also eat the road and would wear out unless used on ice/snow

Just buy winter tyres as they are designed to grip in cold conditions. Studs and chains will help you get traction on ice or snow, but once it's lost nothing will stop you and that's the most important bit.

BeardyGit

Thanks lads for the suggestions. I looked at the Autosock, and I'm very familiar with Winter tyres, having a couple of winters driving experience in Finland.

Fact is, I know what I want. The reason for posting here was I reckoned one of our resident Gardaí might have had occasion to look into the relevant legislation. Any of my efforts have failed to indicate studs are actually illegal....

In any event, the studs I've bought are removable and should be useable for many winters worth of driving. My own tyres on the discovery were superb this winter, and only let me down where studs or chains would have come into their own.

Cheers all,

Gil