Driving in Victoria’s alpine regions during winter needs extra care. Conditions like snow, ice and low visibility can be challenging, so it’s important to be prepared, follow key safety steps, and understand your responsibilities. Doing so helps protect you and your passengers – and ensures you’re meeting safety and regulatory requirements.
Hazardous Areas in Victoria
Victoria’s alpine areas have harsh winter weather. To stay safe in these areas, you need special training and must be properly prepared.
- Mt Hotham
- Mt Buffalo
- Mt Buller
- Falls Creek
- Lake Mountain
- Mt Baw Baw
- Mt Donna Buang
- Mt St Gwinear
- Mt Stirling
- Mt Tamboritha
- Mt Torbreck
- Licola Area
- Marysville-Woods Point Road
Hazardous areas are clearly marked by signage at the entry point.
Driver requirements for Hazardous Areas
You must complete a Hazardous Areas Driver Training Course and obtain a Hazardous Area Authority (HAA) before entering any declared hazardous area if you are:
- An accredited bus operator under the Bus Safety Act 2009, and driving a vehicle with 13 or more seats (including the driver)
or
- An unaccredited bus operator under the Bus Safety Act 2009, and driving a vehicle with 30 or more seats (including the driver)
This requirement applies regardless of whether the service is:
- for hire or reward
- a courtesy service
- connected to a religious, philanthropic, educational, sporting or social organisation
When obtaining your HAA, there are two types of authority you can get:
- Mt Hotham – this allows the holder to drive in any proclaimed hazardous area including Mt Hotham and
- Defined Areas other than Mt Hotham – this allows the holder to drive in any proclaimed hazardous area except Mt Hotham.
Find out more about Hazardous Area Authorities on the Transport Victoria website.
You must carry your Hazardous Area Authority (HAA) with you at all times. By law, you must be able to produce your HAA if requested by a Police Officer or Authorised Officer.
Vehicle requirements for Hazardous Areas
When operating in an area defined as a hazardous area, it is a legal requirement that your vehicle is properly equipped.
Your vehicle must have:
- Full dual circuit service braking system
- Quality demisting and heating systems
- Spare wheel, jack, and wheel brace
- VicRoads-approved wheel chains
- Wheel chocks (must be able to bite into snow and/or ice)
- Quality torch or portable light (a phone light is not adequate)
- Shovel
- A minimum of three portable warning triangles (for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes)
Driving in hazardous conditions
Be prepared with the right equipment, safety checks, and practical tips to help you drive safely and confidently in challenging conditions.
Watch the short video below to learn how to travel safely in snow, including step-by-step instructions on the correct use of snow chains.
Click below for more helpful resources:
- 20 litres of gravel for traction
- Open tread pattern tyres in roadworthy condition
- Warm clothing, boots (with boot chains), ice scrapers
- Blue tarps, windshield shampoo, small ‘D’ shackles for snow chains
- High visibility vest and overalls
- First aid kit
Snow chains should be used when directed and before losing traction. They must be of an approved diamond pattern design and in good condition (not worn more than 50%).
Chain fitting procedure:
- Wear protective clothing
- Park the vehicle safely
- Apply the park brake
- Turn on hazard lights
- Remove the ignition key
Check that the chains are the correct size for your tyres:
- Lay the chains flat on the ground and inspect for any damage
- Fit the chains around the tyres, ensuring they are evenly placed
- Tighten the chains securely, following the manufacturer’s instructions
- Drive forward slowly a short distance, then re-tighten the chains if necessary
- Check that the chains are not interfering with the vehicle’s body or components
Please refer to our safety video for guidance on how to fit snow chains
Before departing for hazardous areas, ensure your coach is equipped and prepared:
- Use diesel alpine fuel mix
- Check radiator for antifreeze and leaks
- Drain air brake tanks to prevent freezing
- Ensure batteries are charged and check for corrosion
- Tighten wheel nuts
- Ensure windscreen wipers are functional
Defensive driving involves driving in a way that maximises safety and efficiency, regardless of road conditions or other drivers’ actions. According to ANSI/ASSE Z15.1, defensive driving means “driving to save lives, time, and money, despite the conditions around you and the actions of others.”
Key defensive driving tips:
- Anticipate hazards to gain extra reaction time.
- Make sure you can stop safely in the distance, where you can clearly see ahead.
- If the front wheels skid, take your foot off the accelerator
- Ditching involves deliberately running into a snowbank
- Brakes may freeze; minimize gear changes.
- Turn as wide as safety allows.
- Fit chains as directed.
- Use low beam headlights in abnormal conditions.
- The vehicle in the best position should yield.
- Practice the clutch friction point before entering hazardous areas.
- Use a combination of park and auxiliary braking in icy conditions
- Keep passengers on board if a breakdown occurs