European Winter Tire Regulations
Where is Winter Equipment Mandatory?
🖋️ Tamas | ⏱️ 7 min read | 📅 May 12, 2026 | 🏷️ Specific and safety rules
If you are crossing borders or planning a trip across Europe in winter, knowing the tire regulations is crucial for safety and avoiding fines. The following detailed overview helps you navigate the regulations of each country.
1. Countries Where Winter Tires Are Mandatory During a Fixed Period
In these states, winter equipment is mandatory during a specific calendar period, regardless of weather conditions.
Sweden: Winter tires are mandatory from December 1st to March 31st, with a minimum tread depth of 3 mm. This rule applies to foreign vehicles and trailers as well. Studded tires may be used from October 1st to April 15th.
Estonia: Winter or all-season tires are mandatory from December 1st to March 1st. Studded tires are permitted from October 15th to March 31st.
Latvia: From December 1st to March 1st, winter or all-season tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm are mandatory. Studded tires are prohibited during summer (June–September).
Lithuania: Winter or all-season tires (minimum 3 mm tread depth) are mandatory from November 10th to April 1st. They are strictly mandatory for passenger cars and motorcycles from December 1st to March 1st.
Bulgaria: Winter or all-season tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm are mandatory from November 15th to March 1st. Studded tires are prohibited, and snow chains may only be used when justified by conditions.
Croatia: Winter tires (minimum 4 mm tread) and carrying snow chains in the vehicle equipment are mandatory from November 15th to April 15th.
Slovenia: Winter tires are mandatory from November 15th to March 15th. Alternatively, summer tires with snow chains on the front wheels are accepted, but a tread depth of 3 mm is strongly recommended.
2. Countries Where Winter Tires Are Mandatory Based on Weather Conditions
In these countries, choosing the right tire is the driver's responsibility based on current road conditions.
Finland: Winter tires are mandatory from November 1st to the end of March. Tread depth must be at least 3 mm, or 5 mm in extreme winter conditions.
Norway: The driver is responsible for having tires appropriate for the conditions. For vehicles over 3,500 kg, winter tires are mandatory from November 15th to March 31st. Studded tires can be used from November to May.
Iceland: While not strictly mandatory, the driver is responsible for having appropriate tires. A minimum tread depth of 3 mm is expected from November 1st to April 14th.
Germany: There is no fixed period, but winter tires (minimum 1.6 mm tread, with 3PMSF or M+S marking) are mandatory in snow, ice, or slush. Using inappropriate tires may cause insurance issues in the event of an accident.
Austria: Winter tires are mandatory from November 1st to April 15th if winter conditions (snow, ice) require them. Minimum tread: 4 mm (radial) or 5 mm (diagonal).
Czech Republic: Mandatory from November 1st to March 31st if roads are covered by a consistent layer of ice or snow. Minimum tread: 4 mm (6 mm for vehicles over 3.5t). Studded tires are prohibited.
Slovakia: Winter tires (or M+S/3PMSF all-season) are mandatory from November 15th to March 31st if the road is covered by snow or ice. They are mandatory at all times for vehicles over 3.5t during this period.
Romania: Winter tires (marked M+S) are mandatory if the road is covered by snow or ice. Minimum tread: 1.6 mm.
Luxembourg: Mandatory during adverse winter conditions.
3. Countries Where Winter Tires Are Mandatory Only When Indicated by Signs
France: In designated areas, winter tires (3PMSF or M+S), all-season tires, or carrying snow chains is mandatory from November 1st to March 31st.
Spain: Generally not mandatory, but may be required by traffic signs or official instructions.
Italy: Not legally required unless specific traffic signs indicate otherwise between November 15th and April 15th.
4. Countries Where Winter Tires Are Not Mandatory
In these countries, winter tire use is generally only recommended or limited to specific cases (use of snow chains when indicated by signs).
Hungary: Not mandatory, but snow chains may be required on the driven axle in areas marked with traffic signs. Studded tires are prohibited on public roads.
United Kingdom and Ireland: Only recommended; snow chains and studded tires may only be used on snow/ice.
Belgium and Netherlands: Not mandatory. In the Netherlands, studded tires and snow chains are prohibited to protect the road surface.
Poland: Not legally required but strongly recommended; studded tires are strictly prohibited.
Denmark: Only recommended (minimum 3 mm tread suggested); studded tires are permitted from November 1st to April 15th.
Other Countries (Not Mandatory): Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta.