Winter Roads in Spain: What Drivers Must Know About Chains, Closures, and Cold-Weather Checks

Although many parts of Spain enjoy mild winters, mountain regions can experience sudden snow, ice, and rapidly changing conditions. Each year, the DGT activates winter protocols that include chain requirements, speed restrictions, and staged road closures. When the R-402 “Cadenas obligatorias” sign appears, drivers must stop and fit chains before continuing. Textile snow socks are permitted only where approved, while metal chains remain the most widely accepted option. Winter tyres can also provide a safe alternative.

Spain’s colour-coded road status system guides drivers during severe weather: green for caution, yellow for restrictions, red for mandatory chains, and black for full closures. Conditions can escalate quickly, so checking the DGT map before travelling is essential.

Cold weather places extra strain on vehicles. Tyre pressures fall, batteries fail more often, and visibility can deteriorate rapidly. Checking tyres, lights, wipers, fuel levels, and carrying warm clothing and basic equipment ensures that winter journeys remain safe, legal, and manageable.

Read more about winter driving here.

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