In winter there is an obligation to grit on ice and snow. If only normal table salt is available, the question arises as to whether it is also allowed to sprinkle with it.
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Differences between road and table salt
Basically, there are hardly any differences between the different types of salt. Road salt consists largely of sodium chloride or alternatively calcium chloride. However, small amounts of other substances can also be added to it, which are intended to increase the effect. That is why de-icing salt usually works better, faster and more lastingly than table salt when spreading.
table salt as a spreading agent
The question of whether you can use table salt instead of de-icing salt does not really arise, because the (private) use of salt as a spreading agent is forbidden almost everywhere anyway . There are various reasons for this:
- gets into the groundwater
- damages plants
- hurt animal paws
- damages vehicles and buildings
Since normal salt has the same properties and is therefore just as harmful to the environment as road salt, the same restrictions on use as a road salt also apply to it . At best, do not use de-icing or table salt for sprinkling, but rather grab the snow shovel right away.
Legal requirements
Each municipality regulates for itself whether and how the use of salt as a spreading material is prohibited . It is therefore important to read the respective statutes beforehand or to find out about them in some other way. In most cases, the road cleaning statutes contain information on the obligation to clear and spread in winter . Green areas are often subject to special protection, on which not even snow that has come into contact with road salt may be stored
fine
Anyone who uses table salt or de-icing salt for spreading despite the ban must expect a fine. Depending on the federal state, there are penalties of different heights, some of which are very severe. This sometimes even applies if it is a matter of negligence, i.e. salt accidentally got onto a surface.
frequently asked Questions
The obligation to spread does not mean that a de-icing agent should necessarily be spread. It’s more about removing the slipperiness that comes from ice or snow, this can also be done with deadening agents. For example gravel , grit, sand or ash. However, ash is also not allowed in some communities. Sawdust is also popular, but has little effect.
Only in exceptional cases and in particularly dangerous places, for example in freezing rain on stairs or sloping paths. First of all, you should always try to get by without de-icing salt. It is usually enough to always clear snow thoroughly.
Not really. In most cases, table salt is even more expensive in terms of quantity, since more attention is paid to hygiene and quality. The only advantage is that it is available more quickly because it is almost always available in the household. In the case of table salt, however, the application rate is usually higher.
