In winter, when weather conditions are unpredictable, road users, especially drivers of motor vehicles, must take into account possible rapid changes in driving conditions. With the changed driving conditions, the basic condition for safe participation in traffic is the appropriate winter equipment of the motor vehicle, as well as the trailer, which drivers must take care of in time.
From November 15, when motor vehicles and trailers in road traffic must have the prescribed winter equipment, police officers will also check the appropriate equipment of vehicles in addition to their regular work in road traffic control.
Safe winter driving
The Road Traffic Rules Act (ZPrCP) stipulates that motor vehicles and trailers must be on Slovenian roads in winter (from November 15 to March 15 of the following year) and in winter conditions (when, during snowfall, the snow sticks to the roadway or the roadway is covered with snow, ice (ice surface) or black ice), equipped with prescribed winter equipment.
In accordance with the Order on road traffic restrictions in the Republic of Sloveniaa, it is prohibited to drive on all roads in Slovenia (except motorways and expressways) in winter conditions for trucks with trailers, for vehicles transporting dangerous goods, and for emergency transports. The operator of motorways and expressways can limit traffic on these roads in time and space for the specified vehicles due to winter conditions. They must inform the public about the restriction of traffic and place traffic signals for elimination where possible. In order to effectively, rationally and safely restrict traffic in winter conditions on motorways and expressways, the operator of these roads shall coordinate with the police. 
The tread grooves of tyres counted as winter equipment must be at least 3 mm deep.
Winter equipment for motor vehicles
In accordance with the Rules on parts and equipment of vehicles, the following is specified for the winter equipment of motor vehicles:
- For two-track motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3,500 kg and trailers towing them:
- winter tyres on all wheels, or
- summer tyres and, as accessories, appropriately sized snow chains for drive wheels or chain-equivalent accessories for drive wheels.
The conditions for using snow chains are met when there is so much snow on the road that the tyre does not come into contact with the road surface during driving (a snow trail remains behind the tyre).
- For two-track motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3,500 kg and trailers towing them:
- winter tyres at least on the drive wheels or
- summer tyres and, as accessories, appropriately sized snow chains for drive wheels or chain-equivalent accessories for drive wheels. Vehicles with four-wheel drive must have snow chains for at least one axle in the case of permanent drive and at least for a permanently engaged axle in the case of attachable drive.These vehicles must also be equipped with a shovel.
- The tread grooves of tyres belonging to winter equipment must be at least 3 mm deep.
- Winter tyres are those tyres that have the manufacturer's marking "M+S" or "M. S" or "M&S" on the sidewall.
- Irrespective of the previously stated conditions, summer tyres with a tread depth of at least 3 mm in the main grooves are also considered as winter equipment for vehicles that are in traffic in the coastal area of Slovenia.
Road Traffic Rules Act (ZPrCP)
Article 29 of the Road Traffic Rules Act (ZPrCP) stipulates that motor vehicles must be equipped with the prescribed winter equipment during the winter period from 15 November to 15 March of the following year and in winter conditions as defined in Article 3(1)(59).
When controlling road traffic, police officers also check that vehicles are equipped with prescribed winter equipment.
Before driving, make sure that the windows and rear-view mirrors are clean and that snow, ice, water or other substances are not scattered from the vehicle while driving.
In accordance with Article 17 of the ZPrCP, the police officer prohibits further driving and removes from traffic a motor vehicle or trailer that does not have the prescribed winter equipment in winter conditions or that has snow, ice, water or other substances on it, that could affect the driving characteristics of the vehicle or could be scattered or spilled from it, or if the vehicle's windows or rear-view mirrors are not clean. The elimination of the vehicle lasts until the reasons for which it was ordered are removed.
In accordance with the fourth paragraph of Article 29 of the ZPrCP, a police officer orders the removal of a vehicle which is stuck on the road because it does not have the prescribed winter equipment but should have, or is in road traffic when it should not be, if it is not immediately removed from the road by the driver.
Low temperatures, ice and snow can cause a lot of inconvenience to drivers or even endanger the safety of road traffic, so take care of the appropriate winter equipment for your motor vehicle, as well as the trailer, in time.
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