Winter tyres and snow chains in Andorra with a rental car (2026-27)
According to the Government of Andorra and its Department of Mobility, checked on 30 October 2026, from 1 November to 15 May, special equipment must be used on snowy, partly snowy or icy roads, and drivers must carry snow chains or similar devices ready to use unless the car has winter tyres or M+S tyres; in the red snow phase, chains are compulsory for all vehicles.
Both pages are in Catalan: our English translation is under each quote.
Local orders and road signs come first. We quote governments, police forces and road safety agencies word for word, with the date we checked them; this is information, not legal advice. Before you drive, check the signs on your route and ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
At a glance
| Obligation | Yes, on set dates – chains on board unless winter or M+S tyres |
|---|---|
| Period | 1 November – 15 May |
| Snow chains | On board unless winter or M+S tyres; compulsory for all in the red phase |
| Rental cars | Not covered by the official pages: ask the rental company |
| Checked | 30 October 2026 |
What the official sources say
When the rule applies
Tal com indica l'article 74 del Codi de circulació, la utilització de pneumàtics de claus està autoritzada a partir del dia 1 de novembre i fins al 15 de maig de cada any.
Our translation: As article 74 of the Traffic Code says, studded tyres may be used from 1 November to 15 May each year.
D'altra banda, en aquest mateix període, també regula l'obligació d'utlitzar equipaments especials en situacions on la calçada estigui nevada, parcialment nevada, o gelada i de dur a punt per ser utilitzats cadenes de neu o accessoris similars, llevat que circulin amb pneumàtics d'hivern o pneumàtics tipus M+S.
Our translation: In the same period, it also sets the obligation to use special equipment when the road is snowy, partly snowy or icy, and to carry snow chains or similar devices ready to use, unless the car has winter tyres or M+S tyres.
Source: Govern d'Andorra: Informació sobre els pneumàtics (Government of Andorra), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Snow chains
FASE GROGA Indica presència de neu a la carretera. En aquesta fase és obligatori l’ús de pneumàtics especials o equipaments.
Our translation: YELLOW PHASE: there is snow on the road. In this phase special tyres or equipment are mandatory.
FASE TARONJA Indica presència de gel i, per tant, perill a la carretera. És obligatori l’ús de cadenes per a tots els vehicles de més de 3 tones i mitja.
Our translation: ORANGE PHASE: there is ice and so danger on the road. Chains are mandatory for all vehicles over three and a half tonnes.
FASE VERMELLA Indica condicions molt adverses a la carretera. És obligatori l’ús de cadenes per a tots els vehicles.
Our translation: RED PHASE: very bad conditions on the road. Chains are mandatory for all vehicles.
Source: Departament de Mobilitat: Colors de la Neu (Andorra Department of Mobility), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
With a rental car
The official pages we read do not say whether rental cars come with winter tyres or chains. Ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
Hire a car in Andorra
Hiring a car in Andorra this winter? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Before you book, ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
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Questions
Do you need snow chains in Andorra?
The Government of Andorra and its Department of Mobility say (our translation from Catalan): “In the same period, it also sets the obligation to use special equipment when the road is snowy, partly snowy or icy, and to carry snow chains or similar devices ready to use, unless the car has winter tyres or M+S tyres.” “RED PHASE: very bad conditions on the road. Chains are mandatory for all vehicles.”
Are winter tyres mandatory in Andorra?
Winter tyres or chains on board. The Government of Andorra says (our translation from Catalan): “In the same period, it also sets the obligation to use special equipment when the road is snowy, partly snowy or icy, and to carry snow chains or similar devices ready to use, unless the car has winter tyres or M+S tyres.”
Does a rental car in Andorra come with winter tyres or snow chains?
The official pages we read do not say whether rental cars come with winter tyres or chains. Ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
Where does this answer come from?
From the official pages of the Government of Andorra and its Department of Mobility, read on 30 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page (with our translation when the page is not in English). It is information, not legal advice.
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