Are winter tyres compulsory in Europe?

In Bulgaria, winter tyres are mandatory between 15th November and 1st March. You can alternatively use winter tyres or universal tyres or even summer tyres. The tread depth should be not less than 4 mm.

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 and additional 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 tons must contain 4 winter tyres (or M + S) or 4 summer tyres with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm and snow chains in car trunk.

According to a law of July 2025, cars in Denmark must have suitable tyres for winter conditions (snow, ice, slush, frost).

In other words, you must have winter or all-season tyres installed on your vehicle. Only the tyres with the snowflake symbol are considered suitable for winter use.

They must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm according to law. But the recommended tread depth in practice is 3 mm.

If you don’t have the suitable tyres on your car during winter, you could face a fine of 1000 DKK (approximately 134 euros) for each tyre.

You are allowed to have studded tyres from 1 November to 15 April. In that case, all four wheels of the vehicle should be fitted with studded tyres.

Winter tyres are mandatory in Estonia from 1st December to 1st March. There is a minimum of 3 mm for tread depth.

With exceptional road and weather conditions you are allowed to use studded tyres from 15th October to 31st March.

All-season tyres can be used all year round. Since 2022, the Alpine symbol (snowflake) is mandatory for all-weather tyres.

You can have studded tyres from 15 October until 31 March, as long as the winter weather and road conditions apply.

Symbol you should have on your winter tyre in some European countries

In Latvia, from 1 December until 1 March, a loaded automobile or bus with a weight less than 3.5 tons, must be equipped with tyres intended for driving under winter conditions. Consumers can use winter tyres or universal tyres. 

The tread depth should be at least 4 mm.

Since 2024, only tyres marked with the Alpine symbol (mountain and snowflakes) and specifically designed for use in snow or ice conditions are allowed. You can no longer use tyres marked only with the M+S symbol during winter.

From 1 May until 1 October, it is prohibited to drive a vehicle with studded tyres.

Symbol you should have on your winter tyre in some European countries

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 Sweden, winter tyres or equal equipment are mandatory between 1st December and 31st March. The tread depth must be at least 3 mm.

Studded tyres are allowed between 1st October and 15th April or if winter road conditions apply or are expected.

Winter tyres must bear the Alpine symbol. The M+S symbol alone does not suffice.

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 (in English) check out the Swedish Transport Agency website.

In Slovenia, winter tyres are mandatory between 15th November and 15th March.

If such tyres are mounted, they must be installed on all four wheels. Alternatively, you can use summer tyres with snow chains on the front wheels.

The obligation also applies in winter weather outside the given period, for example in the event of snowfall or black ice.

A minimum tread depth of 3 mm is required.

Studded tyres are not allowed.

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 tires) and a minimum tread depth of 5 mm for cross-ply tyres.

All-season tyres may 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.

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. It 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 Czech Republic, winter tyres are mandatory with regard to weather conditions.

From 1st November to 31st March, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres 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 tyres are not allowed.

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 Germany, there is neither a minimal temperature nor a determined period to indicate the obligation of winter tyres. It is up to the driver to adapt his tyres to the weather conditions. If there is suddenly ice, packed snow, slush, glaze or slippery frost on the road, winter tyres become compulsory automatically.

Winter tyres must have at least 1,6 mm of tread depth. They have to be installed on all 4 wheels. For motorbikes, winter tyres are not mandatory.

Winter tyres manufactured after 31^st December 2017 must have the alpine symbol (mountain with snowflake). M + S (Mud and Snow) tyres manufactured prior to 31^st December 2017 are allowed to be used until 30^th September 2024. After this date only tyres carrying the alpine symbol are allowed.

All-year-round tyres with the alpine symbol qualify as winter tyres. Since October 1, 2024, all-weather tyres with only the M+S symbol are no longer allowed in winter conditions. However, you can drive with all-weather tyres that carry both the M+S symbol and the alpine symbol.

If you break the law, the owner and the driver will be fined. The fine for the driver is 60 to 120 €. The fine for the owner is 75 € and 1 point in the registry.

If you do not use appropriate tyres, you may have problems with your insurance company in the case of an accident caused by a third person or by you.

Symbol you should have on your winter tyre in some European countries

Winter tyres are not strictly mandatory in Iceland for any period. However, there is a general clause in Icelandic law that drivers are responsible for driving with 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 allowed part of the year, from November 1 to April 14. However, Reykjavik and other cities advise against the use of studded tyres. Their goal is to reduce road damage and negative effects on the environment and human health.

Snow chains are forbidden in conditions where they can cause damage to roads.

Winter or all-season tyres for cars are compulsory in winter weather conditions (black ice, packed snow, slush, ice sheets or frost). With the exception of parked vehicles on public roads, these rules apply to all drivers.

You must fit winter or all-season tyres to all four wheels of the car. The tyres must bear the Alpine symbol (mountain + snowflake) or the M+S, M.S., or M&S marking.

The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

This regulation applies to all cars, including vehicles registered abroad.

In Norway, you aren’t obligated 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.

Tyres need to have a tread depth of 3 mm (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 mm applies from October 16 to April 30.

For heavy vehicles (more than 3,500 kg) winter tyres are mandatory from 15th November to 31st March.

Snow chains are allowed but not compulsory during winter.

From 1st November (or 15th October in the north of Norway), drivers are allowed to drive with studded tyres. This is highly recommended. Studded tyres are allowed until the first Sunday after Easter Sunday. In northern Norway they are allowed until 1st of May. In the municipalities of Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen, all drivers with studded tyres must pay environmental fees within the municipal boundaries.

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. Winter tyres must have at least 1.6 mm tread depth on minimum two thirds of the tread width.

Studded tyres are allowed, but they must be approved (homologated), on public roads covered with snow, ice or black ice.

From November 15 to March 31, if roads are covered with a coherent layer of snow, ice or frost, winter tyres are mandatory for vehicles (m < 3.5 tons). Tyres must have a depth of minimum 3 mm.

Winter tyres are legally mandatory for trucks (m ≥ 3.5 tons) and busses from 15th November to 31st March if weather conditions so require.

Winter and all-season tires with the snowflake symbol or the M+S symbol are permitted.

Symbol you should have on your winter tyre in some European countries

In areas with these two road signs, winter tyres or equivalent equipment are compulsory from November 1 to March 31.

Motorists have to check the websites (in French) of the “préfectures” (local administration) or of the road safety before driving in these territories.

Three types of equipment are allowed:

• Four winter tyres, certified “3PMSF” and/or “M.S”/”M+S”/”M&S” (from 1 November 2024, winter tyres must be certified “3PMSF” AND “M.S”/”M+S”/”M&S”)
• Four “all-season” tyres with “3PMSF” certification
• Removable anti-skid devices such as chains or socks for at least two driven wheels

Winter equipment is mandatory for light vehicles, commercial vehicles, coaches, motor homes and heavy goods vehicles without trailers.
Trucks with a trailer or semi-trailer must have a pair of chains for the driving wheels even if they are equipped with winter tyres.

All vehicles are affected, including those registered abroad.

The motorist incurs a fine of 135 euros and the immobilization of his/her vehicle if the police consider it necessary.

Winter tyres are generally not mandatory in Italy. But if there is a specific road sign (decided by a special decree) showing the text: «obbligo di pneumatici invernali o catene a bordo», the vehicle must be equipped with snow chains or winter tyres during the period shown on the road sign (usually from 15th November to 15th April).

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 many regions in Italy (particularly along the motorways), the police has stepped up their checks during the summer months!

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 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 that wear the M+S marking with a speed index that equals or is higher than de maximum speed of the car, can be used year-round.

Winter tyres with only the marking M+S with a speed index lower than the maximum speed of the car are only permitted from October 1 to April 30. A clearly legible sticker stating the maximum speed of these tyres must be placed within the driver’s field of vision.

The use of snow chains is only allowed if they don’t damage the road surface is not damaged. The road must therefore be covered with snow or ice.

No winter tyres mandatory.

No winter tyres needed.

According to a ministerial decree, authorities may require vehicles to be equipped with non-slip devices from October to April, if necessary. These can include winter or all-season tyres, as well as 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 mandatory in Ireland because its winter season does not typically entail significant snowfall or snow at all.

You can only use snow chains on roads covered with snow and ice.

Studded tyres are not illegal. However, studded tyres should only be used in Ireland on compacted snow or ice. And they induce a speed limit of 96 km/h on interurban roads and 112 km/h on motorways.

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.

Winter tyres are not required by law but it is highly recommended to use winter tyres or universal tyres during winter period.

Good to know: It is worth mentioning that a failure to change to winter tyres may sometimes be classified by the insurer as a gross negligence and make it difficult to receive compensation in case of 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 except when required by a specific traffic signal.

In the United Kingdom winter tyres are not mandatory, but recommended during the winter period, below 7°C.

Snow chains, studded tyres and snow socks are only permitted on snowy or icy roads.