Are Snow Socks Legal in the UK?

Conditional

Snow socks (textile grips that pull over the driven wheels) are legal in the UK for use in snow and ice. Like snow chains, they are a winter traction aid meant for snow-covered roads, not for running on clear tarmac.

Why?

Snow socks are a fabric sleeve that fits over the tyre to give extra grip on snow and ice, and they are a permitted traction aid. They are the easy, kerb-friendly alternative to metal snow chains, and are allowed on UK roads when conditions call for them.

The important point is the same as for chains: they are for snow and ice, not for dry or wet clear roads. Used on bare tarmac they wear out fast and reduce grip, so you fit them when the road is snow-covered and take them off once it clears.

Fit them to the driven wheels, keep to the low speed limit the maker sets (they are not made for fast running), and they are entirely road-legal in the conditions they are designed for.

What decides if it's legal

Textile snow socks are a permitted traction aid in snow and ice.
They are for use on snow-covered roads, not clear tarmac.
Fit them to the driven wheels and follow the maker’s speed limit.
Remove them once you are back on clear roads.

Does it depend on your car?

Snow socks are legal on any car, sized to the tyre. It is the road conditions, not the vehicle, that decide when they are appropriate to use.

Related legality guides

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Sources

This page is general guidance, not legal advice, on the rules in the UK for snow socks. The detail varies by exact vehicle and changes over time - confirm with your insurer and the latest DVSA and GOV.UK guidance before modifying.