Andorra Police Ramp Up Winter Vehicle Checks After Snowy Crash

Police in Andorra have stepped up checks on winter vehicle equipment amid heavy snow across the country, establishing control points such as one at El Serrat to stop drivers without proper gear from blocking roads.

Yesterday morning, a 45-year-old Spanish tourist suffered injuries in a crash on the CG-2 road at Racons after his vehicle left the carriageway in snowy conditions. Emergency services received the alert at 9:54am. Officers at the scene confirmed the Spanish-registered car lacked specific winter equipment, such as snow tyres or chains, as required by Article 72.2 of the Andorran Traffic Code. He received a €180 fine, the standard penalty for passenger cars when snow is present on the road. Fines escalate for heavier vehicles, reaching €500 for trucks over 3.5 tonnes.

The incident underscores the risks in high-traffic ski areas like Racons. Authorities have not specified the extent of the driver's injuries, but confirmed he was out of immediate danger before the fine was issued.

Mandatory winter equipment applies to all vehicles circulating in Andorra from 1 November to 15 May, regardless of accidents. Penalties start at €60 without snow or ice, but rise to €180-€500 with snow present, depending on vehicle type.

Last winter season, over the same period, police issued 28 fines for missing winter tyres: national police handed out 12 (six to Spanish vehicles, one other foreign, five Andorran), while local traffic services issued 16—12 from Encamp, three from La Massana, and one from Escaldes-Engordany.