Mandatory winter tires: The rules in Germany and the rest of Europe
In some European countries winter tires 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 tires if weather conditions so require. These tires must be fitted on all wheels when roads are covered in snow or ice.
The tires must have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm for radial tires (most common tires) and a minimum tread depth of 5 mm for cross-ply tires.
Winter and all-season tiresmay only be used as winter tires if they bear a marking ("M+S", "M.S." or "M&S") or if the tire 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 tires 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 tires 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 tires 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 tires» sign. This sign is available from the automobile clubs, petrol stations, etc.
The use of snow chains instead of winter tires 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 tires 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 tires 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 tires 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 tires 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.
Tires which are suitable for the winter season are mandatory between 15th November and 1st March. Consumers can alternatively use winter tires or universal tires or even summer tires. According to the law the tread depth should be not less than 4 mm to be considered suitable for winter season.
Studded tires 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 tires 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 tires (M+S, M.S., M&S or 3PMSF)
or
- 4 summer tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm and snow chains in car trunk.
Failure to comply may result in a fine of 1000 kuna (approx. 130 euro).
No winter tires mandatory.
In Czech Republic, winter tires are mandatory with regard to weather conditions.
From 1st November to 31st March, vehicles must be fitted with winter tires if there is a consistent layer of snow, ice or icing on the road or if with regard to weather conditions it can be assumed that such layer can occur on the road while driving.
The tread depth to be considered as a winter tire is min. 4 mm; for vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg the tread depth is 6 mm.
Studded tires are not allowed.
Winter tires are not mandatory. However, it is recommended to be equipped with winter tires during the winter period.
The tread depth has to be at least 1,6 mm.
Studded tires are allowed from 1st November to 15th April. If such tires are mounted, they must be installed on all four wheels.
Winter tires 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 tires 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 tires 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 tires can be used from 1 November to 31 March and also during other periods if so required by weather or road surface conditions.
Winter tires 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 "3PMSF" and/or "M.S"/"M+S"/"M&S". From 1st November 2024 on, winter tyres must be certified "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 ist 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.
As of November 1, 2024, only tires with the Alpine symbol will be recognized as equivalent to snow chains. Other winter tires 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 tires. Drivers must adapt the tires to the weather conditions. Winter tires are mandatory in case of black ice, packed snow, slush, glaze and slippery frost.
Winter tires must have at least 1,6 mm tread depth. They have to be installed on all 4 wheels. For motorbikes winter tires are not mandatory.
Since January 1, 2018, there has been a legal obligation to label new winter tires with the alpine symbol (mountain and snowflake). Winter tires that are only marked with the M+S symbol may no longer be used in winter road conditions from October 1, 2024. Winter tires that bear both the M+S symbol and the Alpine symbol are still permitted.
All-year-round-tires carrying the alpine symbol are considered as winter tires and are allowed to be used. All-weather tires with only the M+S symbol may no longer be driven in winter weather conditions from October 1, 2024. All-weather tires 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 tires: 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 tire 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 tires, 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 tires on public roads is prohibited.
Winter tires 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 tires that are appropriate and fit the circumstances.
Tires must have at least 3 mm thread depth over the winter period (1st of November to 14th of April).
Studded tires 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 tire requirement.
Specific road signs showing the text: ”obbligo di pneumatici invernali o catene a bordo” may require the use of winter tires 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 tires means the period from November 15 to April 15, during which the obligation to fit winter tires (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
Attention:
During the summer months (16 May to 14 October), 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 registration certificate Part I (box 15.1 / 15.2).
In Latvia, winter tires are mandatory between 1st December and 1st March for all cars and buses..
The tread depth must be at least 4 mm.
As of October 1, 2024, during the winter period, i.e. from December 1 to March 1, the tires of vehicles with a maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tons must be fitted with winter tires specially designed for use in snow or ice conditions and marked with the Alpine symbol (mountain and snowflake).
As of October 1, 2024, it will no longer be permitted to use tires with only the M+S symbol during the winter season in Latvia.
Vehicles under 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with 4 identical tires and those over 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with identical front tires.
Studded tires are allowed between 1st October and 1st May.
In Lithuania, winter tires are mandatory between 10th November and 1st April. You can use winter tires or universal tires.
The tread depth should be not less than 3 mm.
From 1st December to 1st March winter tires are mandatory also for motorbikes.
Studded tires are not allowed from 10th April to 1st November.
Winter tires are required for cars in winter conditions (black ice, packed snow, slush, sheets of ice or frost).
With the exception of vehicles parked on public roads, these rules apply to all drivers.
No winter tires mandatory.
In the Netherlands winter tires are not mandatory.
The use of studded tires and snow chains is not allowed, because it damages the pavement.
In Norway, it is not as such obligatory to drive with winter tires. But you must always adapt the type of tires to the weather conditions. One can therefore consider that it is in fact (more or less) mandatory to drive with winter tires 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 tires 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 tires. Studded tires 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 tires must pay environmental fees within the municipal boundaries.
Winter tires are not required by law, but it is highly recommended to use winter or universal tires between November 1 and April 1.
It is worth noting that failure to change to winter tires 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 tires are strictly forbidden.
No winter tires mandatory.
Snow chains are not mandatory excepting when required by a specific traffic signal.
In Romania winter tires are mandatory on roads covered with snow, ice or black ice. These tires must be fitted on all wheels. The tires must bear the mark M+S or M&S and/ or Alpine symbol. Winter tires must have at least 1.6 mm tread depth on minimum two thirds of the tread.
Studded tires are allowed, but they must be approved (homologated), on public roads covered with snow, ice or black ice.
Winter tires 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.
From October 1, 2024, winter and all-season tires must bear the snowflake symbol. Tires that only bear the M+S symbol are no longer permitted in winter road conditions.
In Slovenia, vehicles must be equipped with the following winter equipment between November 15 and March 15
- Winter or all-season tires on all four wheels (minimum tread depth 3 mm)
or
- Summer tires on all four wheels (minimum tread depth 3 mm) and snow chains in the boot.
This also applies in winter weather conditions, e.g. snowfall, black ice.
Studded tires are prohibited.
Generally, winter tires are not mandatory in Spain. Winter tires or snow chains are mandatory only in case of a specific public authority order or a specific road sign (in the mountains areas).
Studded tires are allowed. It is considered as winter tires.
In Sweden, winter tires or equal equipment are mandatory between 1st December and 31st March. The tread depth must be at least 3 mm.
Studded tires are allowed between 1st October and 15th April or if winter road conditions apply or are expected.
Any trailer attached to a vehicle needs to follow the rules regarding winter tires. If the vehicle has studded tires 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 tires 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 tires, 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 tires are not mandatory in the United Kingdom.
Snow chains, studded tires 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.