Winter Roads: Chains, Closures, and Cold-Weather Checks

While much of Spain enjoys mild winters, the country’s mountain regions can experience sudden and severe weather. Each year the DGT activates special winter protocols, closing roads, enforcing chain requirements, and issuing real-time warnings to drivers. Knowing what to expect — and how to prepare — ensures that winter journeys are both legal and safe.

Understanding Snow Chain Requirements

Snow chains are not optional on certain Spanish mountain roads during winter. When conditions worsen, specific signs indicate that chains must be fitted before continuing. These include:

• R-402: Cadenas obligatorias — snow chains mandatory.
• R-301 / R-302 speed reductions — often applied alongside chain requirements.
• Cierre total/partial — total or partial closures of affected routes.
• Prohibido el paso a camiones o autobuses — restrictions for heavy vehicles.

Drivers must stop and fit chains before passing the sign. Continuing without them can result in fines, but more importantly, it places you — and other drivers — at serious risk. Chains should be fitted and tested slowly before resuming your journey.

Some modern vehicles may use approved textile ‘snow socks’, but only where allowed; metal chains remain the standard on most Spanish roads. Winter tyres, if approved, also offer a safe alternative.

Road Closure Levels in Spain

Spain uses a colour-coded road status system during winter:

• Green: Traffic is allowed but caution is needed.
• Yellow: Restrictions for heavy vehicles; chains recommended.
• Red: Chains mandatory; no heavy vehicles allowed.
• Black: Road closed to all traffic due to extreme conditions.

Before travelling, drivers should check the DGT map or local traffic bulletins. Mountain passes can change from green to red within minutes as weather fronts move in.

Essential Cold-Weather Vehicle Checks

Cold conditions affect your car more than you might expect. Before any winter journey, make sure to check:

• Tyres: tread depth and pressure (cold temperatures reduce pressure).
• Lights: shorter days mean lights are used more; keep lenses clean.
• Battery: winter is the peak season for failures.
• Wipers and screen wash: frozen or smeared windscreens can be dangerous.
• Fuel: never attempt a winter mountain route with a low tank.

Carrying gloves, a torch, a reflective vest, and a warm layer is also advisable — especially if chain fitting becomes necessary. Strange though it sounds, a bag of cat litter is also a good idea to carry in the boot, as this can act as grit to provide traction in an emergency.

A Safer Winter Journey

Winter driving in Spain is manageable with preparation and awareness. Understanding chain requirements, recognising closure signs, and performing cold-weather checks ensures that even in challenging conditions, you can travel safely and legally. With the right preparation, winter roads need not be a source of stress — simply another part of driving with confidence.