Mandatory winter tyres: The rules in Germany and the rest of Europe
In some European countries winter tyres are mandatory for cars. In others they are not mandatory or only under special conditions. Therefore, it should be helpful, before going on holidays, to have a closer look at the corresponding regulations.
Click on the countries below for more information.
In Austria from 1st November to 15th April, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres if weather conditions so require. These tyres must be fitted on all wheels when roads are covered in snow or ice.
The tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm for radial tyres (most common tyres) and a minimum tread depth of 5 mm for cross-ply tyres.
Winter and all-season tyresmay only be used as winter tyres if they bear a marking (“M+S”, “M.S.” or “M&S”) or if the tyre is additionally marked with a snowflake symbol or exclusively with a snowflake symbol.
Special tyres are only considered to be a winter tyre if it bears the inscription “ET”, “ML” or “MPT”.
Vehicles with summer tyres must have chains, see below.
Good to know: It is the driver’s legal responsibility to carry the required winter equipment; therefore, it is essential to check that it is included in any hire car. This regulation applies to vehicles registered in Austria as well as those registered abroad.
Studded tyres may be used only from 1st October to 31st May, though special local regulations may extend this period. They must be fitted on all wheels, as well as the trailer. Vehicles fitted with studded tyres are subject to special speed limits (80 km/h outside built-up areas, 100 km/h on motorways), and must display at the rear the approved «studded tyres» sign. This sign is available from the automobile clubs, petrol stations, etc.
The use of snow chains instead of winter tyres is permitted if the road is continually or almost always under snow or ice. In extreme conditions the authorities can require cars to be fitted with snow chains on the driving wheels. The maximum speed recommended is 40 km/h.
You can find more information on the austrian government website (in english).
In Belgium, winter tyres are not mandatory. However, under wintry conditions they are recommended.
A minimum profile depth of 1,6 mm is mandatory. But a profile depth of 4 mm is recommended.
Winter tyres with M+S marking having a speed index that is the same or higher than the maximum speed of the vehicle, are allowed to be used for the whole year.
Winter tyres with the marking M+S having a speed index which is lower than the
maximum speed of the car are only permitted from 1st October to 30th April.
A clearly legible sticker stating the maximum speed allowed for these kind of tyres must
be placed on the front screen.
The use of snow chains is only allowed if they do not damage the surface of the road.
Therefore, the road must be covered with snow or ice.
Tyres which are suitable for the winter season are mandatory between 15th November and 1st March. Consumers can alternatively use winter tyres or universal tyres or even summer tyres. According to the law the tread depth should be not less than 4 mm to be considered suitable for winter season.
Studded tyres are not allowed.
The use of snow chains is permitted only if the weather conditions require so.
This regulation applies also to vehicles with foreign registration plates. In the case of non-compliance with the mandatory rules, drivers will be fined to the amount of 50 leva (approx. 25 €)
In Croatia, winter tyres or winter equipment are mandatory between 15th November of the current year and 15th April of the following year for all types of motor vehicles.
Vehicles with a maximum mass up to 3.5 t must contain
- 4 winter or all-season tyres (M+S, M.S., M&S or 3PMSF)
or
- 4 summer tyres with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm and snow chains in car trunk.
Failure to comply may result in a fine of around 130 euros.
No winter tyres mandatory.
In Czech Republic, winter tyres are mandatory with regard to weather conditions.
From 1st November to 31st March, vehicles must be fitted with winter or universal tyres if there is a consistent layer of snow, ice or icing on the road, or if weather conditions suggest that such a layer could form while driving.
The tread depth to be considered as a winter tyre is min. 4 mm; for vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg the tread depth is 6 mm.
Studded tyres are not allowed.
A new law came into force in Denmark on 1 July 2025. According to the law, cars cannot be fitted with tyres that are not suitable for winter conditions, such as snow, ice, slush, or frost.
In practice, this means that winter or all-season tyres must be installed. To be considered suitable for winter use, these tyres must bear the snowflake symbol.
The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm. However, a minimum tread depth of 3 mm is recommended.
Drivers without the appropriate tyres face a fine of DKK 1,000 (approx. 134 euros) per tyre, up to a maximum total fine of DKK 4,000 (approx. 536 euros).
Studded tyres are permitted between 1 November and 15 April. If studded tyres are used, they must be fitted to all four wheels of the vehicle.
Winter tyres are mandatory in Estonia from 1st December to 1st March.
Winter tyres may be fitted from 15 October.
The tread depth must be 3 mm.
All-season tyres are allowed to use all year around.
Since 1 December 2022, studless winter and all-weather tyres must bear the Alpine symbol (mountain and snowflake).
Studded tyres are permitted from 15 October to 31 March. But only in winter weather and road conditions.
If so required by weather or road surface conditions, winter tyres must be used in Finland from 1 November to 31 March.
The tread depth has to be at least 3 mm for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. In slushy or snowy conditions or in conditions that are difficult for other reasons, the tread depth of winter tyres should be at least 5 mm.
Studded tyres can be used from 1 November to 31 March and also during other periods if so required by weather or road surface conditions.
Winter tyres can be non-studded or studded.
These regulations also apply to cars which have been registered abroad.
In areas showing these road signs, winter tyres or equivalent equipment will be compulsory from 1st November to 31st March.
This obligation applies in 34 départements:
(Ain (01), Allier (03), Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04), Hautes-Alpes (05), Alpes-Maritimes (06), Ardèche (07), Ariège (09), Aude (11), Aveyron (12), Cantal (15), Doubs (25), Drôme (26), Haute-Garonne
(31), Isère (38), Jura (39), Loire (42), Haute-Loire (43), Lozère (48), Moselle (57), Puy-de-Dôme (63), Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64), Hautes-Pyrénées (65), Pyrénées-Orientales (66), Bas-Rhin (67), Haut-Rhin (68),
Rhône (69), Haute-Saône (70), Savoie (73), Haute-Savoie (74), Tarn (81), Var (83), Vaucluse (84), Vosges (88) et Territoire de Belfort (90).
Please check the website of the préfecture prior to travelling in these regions or ask the corresponding road safety office.
The following types of winter equipment are allowed:
- Four winter tyres, certified with “3PMSF” and “M.S”/”M+S”/”M&S”
- Four “all-season” tyres with “3PMSF” certificate
- Removable anti-skid devices such as chains or socks that can be fitted to at least the two driven wheels
Winter equipment is compulsory for light vehicles, commercial vehicles, coaches, motor homes and heavy goods vehicles without trailers.
Trucks with trailer or semi-trailer must have a pair of chains for the driving wheels even if they are equipped with winter tyres.
All vehicles have to comply to this regulation, even if they are registered abroad.
The motorist will be fined (135 Euro) and risks the immobilization of the vehicle if he does not comply to this regulation.
Since 1 November 2024, only tyres with the Alpine symbol will be recognized as equivalent to snow chains. Other winter tyres can still be purchased and used. However, you will need to carry snow chains if you plan to drive in the above areas between November 1 and March 31.
The German regulation doesn’t indicate a minimal temperature or a determined period when the vehicles shall be fitted with winter tyres. Drivers must adapt the tyres to the weather conditions. Winter tyres are mandatory in case of black ice, packed snow, slush, glaze and slippery frost.
Winter tyres must have at least 1,6 mm tread depth. They have to be installed on all 4 wheels. For motorbikes winter tyres are not mandatory.
Since January 1, 2018, there has been a legal obligation to label new winter tyres with the alpine symbol (mountain and snowflake). Since October 1, 2024, winter tyres that are only marked with the M+S symbol may no longer be used in winter road conditions. Winter tyres that bear both the M+S symbol and the Alpine symbol are still permitted.
All-year-round-tyres carrying the alpine symbol are considered as winter tyres and are allowed to be used. Since October 1, 2024, all-weather tyres with only the M+S symbol may no longer be driven in winter weather conditions. All-weather tyres with the M+S symbol and the Alpine symbol are still permitted.
If you are in breach of the law, not only the owner but also the driver will be fined. The fine for the driver is from 60 up to 120 € and 1 point in the German driving ability register FAER, depending on the type of the offence. The fine for the owner is 75 € and 1 point in the registry.
If you do not use appropriate tyres: You might encounter problems with your insurance company in case of an accident caused by a third person or by your fault.
There is no general winter tyre requirement in Greece.
However, according to a ministerial decree from 2022, the competent authorities can stipulate that vehicles must be equipped with non-slip means from October to April if this is necessary. This can be winter or all-season tyres, but also snow chains or snow socks.
Winter tyres are not compulsory in Hungary.
In certain areas (highlighted with signs) the use of snow chains can be mandatory at least on the drive axle.
The use of studded tyres on public roads is prohibited.
Winter tyres are not strictly mandatory in Iceland for any period. However there is a general clause in Icelandic law that driver is responsible for driving on tyres that are appropriate and fit the circumstances.
Tyres must have at least 3 mm thread depth over the winter period (1st of November to 14th of April).
Studded tyres are permitted from November 1 to April 14. However, cities such as Reykjavik advise against their use in order to reduce road damage and negative effects on the environment and human health (e.g. from flying particles).
Winter tyres are not compulsory in Ireland, even if there is occasional snowfall. Due to the low amount of snowfalls and the small amount of snow, changing summer to winter tyres is not mandatory.
Snow chains are permitted only on roads covered with snow and ice.
Studded tyres are allowed, but only on snow-covered and icy roads. There is a speed limit of 96 km/h on interurban roads and 112 km/h on motorways.
In Italy, there is no uniform nationwide winter tyre requirement.
Specific road signs showing the text: ”obbligo di pneumatici invernali o catene a bordo” may require the use of winter tyres or that the vehicle has to be equipped with snow chains during the period shown on the road sign (from 15th November to 15th April). You can see what such a sign looks like on the website comune.pesaro.pu.it
Legal texts: The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport clarified in its Circular No. 1049 of January 17, 2014 that “seasonal use” of winter tyres means the period from November 15 to April 15, during which the obligation to fit winter tyres (M+S) or snow chains on board may apply. Further information on mit.gov.it. Seasonal use is provided for in Art. 6 of the Road Traffic Act (= Act No. 120 of 2010)
There are exceptions in the
- Aosta Valley. From 15 October to 15 April, there is a general obligation to drive with winter tyres or to have snow chains on board. However, this obligation only applies on state roads that are particularly exposed to the risk of snow or ice in winter. Further information is available from the ANAS road service (in Italian).
- On the Brenner motorway in South Tyrol (A22, to Affi). Winter equipment is compulsory here from 15 November to 15 April. This is fulfilled if you are driving with winter tyres or have snow chains on board. For more information see autobrennero.it
Please note during the summer months!
From May 16 to October 15, you may only drive in Italy with winter or all-season tyres if they have a speed index at least equal to that stated in the German Registration Certificate Part I (boxes 15.1 through 15.3).
In many regions of Italy, especially along the motorways, checks have been stepped up during the summer months!
In Latvia, winter tyres are mandatory between 1st December and 1st March for all cars and buses..
The tread depth must be at least 4 mm.
Since October 1, 2024, during the winter period (December 1 to March 1), vehicles with a maximum mass of 3.5 tons or less must have winter tyres specially designed for snow or ice conditions and marked with the Alpine symbol (mountain and snowflake).
Since 1 October 2024, the use of tyres that only bear the M+S marking has been prohibited in Latvia during the winter months.
Vehicles under 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with 4 identical tyres and those over 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with identical front tyres.
Studded tyres are allowed between 1st October and 1st May.
In Lithuania, winter tyres are mandatory between 10th November and 1st April. You can use winter tyres or universal tyres.
The tread depth should be not less than 3 mm.
From 1st December to 1st March winter tyres are mandatory also for motorbikes.
Studded tyres are not allowed from 10th April to 1st November.
In Luxembourg, winter or all-season tyres are mandatory in winter weather conditions (black ice, snow, slush, ice, and frost). Parked vehicles are exempt from this requirement.
Winter or all-season tyres must be fitted to all four wheels and must bear the Alpine symbol (mountain and snowflake) or the M+S, M.S., or M&S marking.
The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.
The winter tyre regulation applies to all passenger cars, including vehicles registered abroad.
No winter tyres mandatory.
In the Netherlands winter tyres are not mandatory.
The use of studded tyres and snow chains is not allowed, because it damages the pavement.
In Norway, it is not as such obligatory to drive with winter tyres. But you must always adapt the type of tyres to the weather conditions. One can therefore consider that it is in fact (more or less) mandatory to drive with winter tyres during the winter season in Norway.
A tread depth of 3 mm is mandatory in winter (from November 1 to the first Sunday after Easter Monday). In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, the requirement for a tread depth of at least 3 millimeters applies from October 16 to April 30 inclusive.
Winter tyres are mandatory for vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons from November 15 to March 31. However, this does not apply to motorhomes and caravans weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 kg.
Snow chains are not mandatory. However, their use is permitted in winter.
From 1st November (or 15th October in the north of Norway), drivers are allowed to drive with studded tyres. Studded tyres are allowed until the first sunday after Easter sunday. In the north of Norway they are allowed by 1st of May. In the municipal Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen, all drivers with studded tyres must pay environmental fees within the municipal boundaries.
Winter tyres are not required by law, but it is highly recommended to use winter or universal tyres between November 1 and April 1.
It is worth noting that failure to change to winter tyres may sometimes be considered gross negligence by insurers and may make it difficult to obtain compensation in the event of an accident.
Snow chains are allowed on snowy or icy roads. They may be mandatory in some areas if a traffic sign requires it.
Studded tyres are strictly forbidden.
No winter tyres mandatory.
Snow chains are not mandatory excepting when required by a specific traffic signal.
In Romania winter tyres are mandatory on roads covered with snow, ice or black ice. These tyres must be fitted on all wheels. The tyres must bear the mark M+S or M&S and/ or Alpine symbol.
Winter tyres must have at least 1.6 mm tread depth on minimum two thirds of the tread.
Studded tyres are allowed, but they must be approved (homologated), on public roads covered with snow, ice or black ice.
Winter tyres are mandatory in Slovakia in appropriate weather conditions (road surface covered with snow or ice) from November 15 to March 31.
The legally prescribed minimum tread depth is 3 mm.
Winter and all-season tyres with the snowflake symbol or the M+S symbol are permitted.
In Slovenia, vehicles must be equipped with the following winter equipment between November 15 and March 15
- Winter or all-season tyres on all four wheels (minimum tread depth 3 mm)
or
- Summer tyres on all four wheels (minimum tread depth 3 mm) and snow chains in the boot.
This also applies in winter weather outside this period, e.g. in the event of snowfall or black ice.
Studded tyres are prohibited.
Generally, winter tyres are not mandatory in Spain.
Winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory only in case of a specific public authority order or a specific road sign (in the mountains areas).
In Sweden, winter or universal tyres are mandatory between 1st December and 31st March. The tread depth must be at least 3 mm.
Since December 1, 2024, winter or universal tyres with only the M+S symbol are no longer permitted. Since then, tyres must bear the Alpine symbol.
Studded tyres are allowed between 1st October and 15th April. In winter road conditions, they are also permitted outside this period.
Any trailer attached to a vehicle needs to follow the rules regarding winter tyres. If the vehicle has studded tyres then so must the trailer.
These rules also apply to foreign cars traveling through Sweden.
For more information, visit https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/vinterdack
There is no general requirement for winter tyres in Switzerland. However, there is a requirement that the vehicle must be controllable at all times. In the event of an accident on winter roads without winter tyres, there is a risk of problems with the insurance company.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. A depth of 4 mm is recommended.
Traffic signs may order the use of snow chains, which must then be fitted if necessary. (e.g. in mountainous regions)
Winter tyres are not mandatory in the United Kingdom.
Snow chains, studded tyres and snow socks are only permitted on snowy or icy roads.
The information is mainly provided by our colleagues in the European Consumer Center Network. We do not claim to be complete.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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