To solve the issue, here’s our detailed, up-to-date list of European countries’ winter tyre regulations.
Tyre markings
Depending on the country and situation, you can use either non-studded or studded winter tyres or all-season tyres.
Safe winter tyres, both non-studded and studded, bear the snowflake symbol (also known as the 3PMSF or 3-Peak-Mountain-SnowFlake marking), which is increasingly replacing the current winter tyre marking (M+S).
Today, the M+S marking is not sufficient anymore in countries such as Germany, where the legal definition of a mandatory winter tyre is the Snowflake symbol. The M+S marking is being replaced by the Snowflake symbol in the Nordic countries, too.
Image credit: Flanker/ Wikimedia Commons
From November 2012, UNECE Regulation 117, to be implemented in the EU through Regulation (EC) 661/2009, requires that for tyres to be used in winter conditions a minimum level of performance on snow (braking and traction) needs to be achieved. If the tyre meets the criteria of an ad hoc performance test, it can be marked with the new three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol is an additional but not mandatory marking. The “M+S” marking, however, will remain as an allowed marking, even if not linked by law to a minimum threshold in winter conditions.
What does M+S marking mean?
The M+S or M&S marking stands for mud and snow. Such a tyre meets the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) all-season tyre definition. These are commonly found on all-season tires, with self-cleaning tread and average traction in muddy or very snowy conditions, and for low temperatures. Spike tires have an additional letter, „E” (M+SE).
What does the snowflake symbol stand for?
Winter passenger and light truck tyres that meet the severe snow service requirements of Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and Rubber Association of Canada (RAC).
Where are winter tyres mandatory in Europe?
- Austria
- Bosnia Herzegovina
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- France
- Finland
- Germany
- Iceland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Norway
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
Details of winter tyre regulation by country
Albania
Tyres: not mandatory but in adverse weather conditions affecting specific areas, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure may announce the installation of winter tyres as mandatory.
Tread depth:The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm in the summer. However, 3 mm or 4 mm tread is recommended during winter.
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: Snow chains for the drive axle must be carried in the vehicle. Use according to traffic signs and road conditions.
Austria
Winter tyres: mandatory from 1 November to 15 April. Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with winter tyres on all wheels, whereas heavier vehicles must have them fitted across at least one axle and equipped with tyres marked M+S and/or with the Alpine symbol (3PMSF) on at least one drive axle.
Winter tyres need to be marked with the symbol M+S, M.S. or M&S.
Ignoring the regulations may result in a high fine ranging from 35 EUR up to 5000 EUR.
Tread depth: cross ply tyres – 6 mm.
Radial tyres — 5 mm.
Studded tyres: permitted between 1st October and 31st May, only on vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes (provided that they are installed on all four wheels).
It is forbidden to use them between June and September. They can be used in other months, providing that the local governor does not forbid it.
Studded tyres may be used only on vehicles with steel radial tyres.
A trailer towed by a vehicle with studded tyres should be fitted with tyres of the same type.
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.
Chains: all drivers are required to carry chains sufficient to secure at least two driving axles between 1st November to 15th April.
The chains are allowed only on snow-covered or icy roads between 1st November and 15th April.
The maximum speed for tyres with snow chains is 50 km/h.
They must meet the requirements of ONORM and CE standards.
Chains must be installed when required by road sign ‘Schneeketten vorgeschrieben’.
Belarus
Winter tyres: not mandatory.
Tread depth: –
Studded tyres: permitted.
Snow chains: only allowed on roads covered with snow and ice.
Belgium
Winter tyres: recommended between 1st November and 31st March. Symmetric fitting compulsory for M+S and winter tyres.
Tread depth: required depth is 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: no legal requirements. Approved for use only on snow-covered or icy roads.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Winter tyres: mandatory between 15th November and 15th April. It is required to use winter tyres or all-season models marked M+S and 3PMSF.
An alternative is to mount chains on summer tyres, but only on the drive axle.
Two options are mandatory for vehicles with more than 8 seats and for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
Option 1: Tyres with winter profile on the drive axle with min. 4 mm tread depth. Option 2: Tyres with standard profile with min. 4 mm tread depth; in case of winter conditions (e.g. snowfall, freezing rain), snow chains need to be mounted on the drive axle.
Tread depth: see above
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: mandatory and each vehicle must have at least one pair for the drive axle.
Bulgaria
Winter tyres: tyres which are suitable for winter are recommended between November 15th and 1st March. Drivers can use winter tyres or universal tyres or even summer tyres on condition that their tread is deep enough.
These regulations do not apply to vehicles with foreign registration plates.
Tread depth: not less than 4 mm to be considered suitable for the winter season.
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: must be carried in the car from 1st November to 31st March. Mandatory at mountain crosses, when required by road signs.
Vehicles insufficiently equipped may not be allowed to drive on certain routes, or may be refused entry.
Croatia
Winter tyres: mandatory on all winter road sections from 15th November to 15th April, regardless of weather conditions.
Buses and trucks must have winter tyres installed or use snow chains on the driving axles.
Tread depth:No less than 4 mm.
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: mandatory.
Extra: commercially used vehicles must carry a snow shovel.
Czech Republic
Winter tyres: mandatory from November 1 to March 31 depending on road conditions in winter, or if indicated by „winter kit” sign. M+S tyres are compulsory on the drive axle of vehicles
Tread depth: min. 6 mm tread depth.
Studded tyres: prohibited
Snow chains: mandatory if indicated by traffic signs on at least 2 drive wheels of vehicles with 3 or more axles.
Denmark
Winter tyres: not mandatory
Tread depth: at least 1 mm for vehicles over 3,5 tons
Studded tyres: allowed from 1st November to 15th April. They should be mounted on all tyres during this period. The maximum speed is 80 km/h (national roads) and 110 km/h (motorways).
Chains: allowed during the period from 1st November to 15th April. They may be compulsory in case of critical road and weather conditions.
Estonia
Winter tyres: mandatory between 1st December and 1st March (when weather conditions require it, this period can be extended and cover the time between October and April).
Need to be approved for winter conditions and have the 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) symbol. The M+S is not enough for winter conditions.
Tread depth: at least 3 mm.
Studded tyres: permitted between 15th October and 31th March, only on vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes. This period can be extended until 30th April due to wintry road conditions.
Chains: only to be used on icy or snow-covered roads.
Finland
Winter tyres: required by law between 1st November and 31st March The use of winter tyres outside the winter season is allowed when road conditions require it.
Tread depth: at least 1.6 mm for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. However, in difficult snowy conditions, the recommended tread depth of winter tyres is at least 5 mm.
Studded tyres: permitted from 1st of November to 31st of March. Studded tyres should be mounted on all four wheels of the vehicle.
It is permitted to use such tyres outside the winter season, if the weather or road surface conditions demand it.
Chains: mandatory to have, may be used only on roads covered with snow or ice.
France
Winter tyres: mandatory from November 1st to March 31st in mountainous areas (the Alps, Corsica, Central Massif, Jura Massif, Pyrenees, Vosges Massif).
This is a new regulation in France, introduced in November 2021. The measure requires light commercial vehicles, as well as trucks without a trailer or semi-trailer, to have 4 winter tyres (marked as M + S / MS / M & S) or to install snow chains on two driving wheels.OTRE.
In addition, trucks with a trailer or semi-trailer must have snow chains that allow them to be mounted on at least two driving wheels – even if they have winter tyres.
Tread depth: A minimum 5 mm tread depth is required on tyres of vehicles with a GVW over 3.5 t (both motor vehicles and their trailers) between 1 November and the first Sunday after Easter Monday.
Studded tyres: not allowed in vehicles with a weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
For vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, studded tyres allowed from first Saturday before 11th November to last Sunday of March, max. speed 90 km/h.
Vehicles with studded tyres have to be labelled with a sticker.
Chains: the obligation to use snow chains, fitted on the driving wheels, can be signaled with short notice in particularly critical conditions, together with a speed limit of 50 km/h.
Absence of chains is punishable with a fine.
Germany
Winter tyres: vehicles under 3.5 t GVW must be equipped with tyres marked with the Alpine-Symbol (3PMSF) on all axle positions.
Vehicles with over 3.5 t GVW must be fitted with tyres marked with the Alpine-Symbol (3PMSF) at the wheel positions of the permanently driven axles and front steering axles.
In wintry conditions this is also valid for tyres produced as of 1 January 2018. M+S tyres produced before 1 January 2018 are accepted as suitable winter equipment until 30 September 2024.
Tread depth: permissible tread depth of winter tyres is 1.6.
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Snow chains: mandatory when indicated by traffic signs
Hungary
Winter tyres: not mandatory.
Tread depth: –
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: only allowed on roads covered with snow and ice. It may be compulsory to apply and carry snow chains under certain weather conditions (max. speed: 50 km/h). In wintry conditions, foreign vehicles may be denied access if no snow chains are carried on board.
Ireland
Winter tyres: not mandatory
Tread depth: –
Studded tyres: permitted on snow & ice covered roads, max. speed 96km/h (national roads) and 112 km/h (motorway).
Chains: permitted on roads covered with snow and ice.
Italy
Winter tyres: not mandatory, exceptions are indicated by traffic signs.
Tread depth:-
Studded tyres permitted for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes in the period between 15th November and 15th March, in accordance with road signs.
Chains: from 15th November to 15th April, it is compulsory to have snow chains on board the vehicle.
Macedonia
Winter tyres: mandatory to on the drive axle on all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
Tread depth: at least 5 mm.
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: must have.
Montenegro
Winter tyres: mandatory from November to April on specific roads, specified by Ministery of Police.
Tread depth: min. 4 mm.
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Snow chains: must be carried for the drive axle. Use according to traffic signs and conditions.
Extra requirement: buses and trucks must carry a snow shovel.
The Netherlands
Winter tyres: not mandatory
Tread depth:-
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: not allowed on public roads.
Norway
Winter tyres: mandatory between 1 November and including first Monday after Easter (South Norway) and between 16 October and including 30 April (North Norway).
Tread depth: min. 5 mm for vehicles over 3.5 t GVW tread depth
Studded tyres: permitted
Chains: mandatory for vehicles > 3.5 t GVW to carry snow chains in the period when it is legal to use studs. A truck with trailer must carry 7 chains.
Poland
Winter tyres: not mandatory but recommended from 1st November to 1st April.
Tread depth: –
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: permitted on roads covered with snow and ice.
Portugal
Winter tyres: not mandatory.
Tread depth: –
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: mandatory only if required by road signs
Romania
Winter tyres: mandatory from 1st November to 31st March (if there are winter conditions).
Tread depth: at least 1.6 mm tread depth on minimum two thirds of the tread width.
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: mandatory only on marked sections of road, for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
Extra requirement: shovel and sand are required for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
Serbia
Winter tyres: period between 15th November and 1st April.
Tread depth: min. 4 mm.
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: mandatory in mountainous areas.
Extra requirement: shovel and sand are required for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
Slovakia
Winter tyres: mandatory between 15th November and 31st March.
Tread depth: not less than 3 mm.
Studded tyres: prohibited.
Chains: must have.
Slovenia
Winter tyres: mandatory between 15th November and 15th April.
Tread depth: min. 3 mm.
Studded tyres:prohibited for all vehicles on any road.
Chains: must have.The maximum speed for vehicles with installed snow chains is 50 km/h.
Spain
Winter tyres: mandatory when indicated by road signs or by a royal decree. On high mountain roads with red level (15/TV-87): buses can drive with tyres marked with the 3PMSF symbol in all positions and minimum tread depth 4 mm. Rigid trucks between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes only for garbage collection, food distribution, transport of fluxes and assistance vehicles can drive with winter tyres in all positions and minimum tread depth 4 mm. Other trucks are not allowed to drive.
Tread depth: not less than 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres: using studs/spikes of 2 mm is acceptable if the roads are covered with a layer of ice. The requirement for this type of tyres may be also ordered by royal decree. The legislation does not regulate the speed and the time interval of their use.
Chains: permitted. Mandatory when indicated by road signs or by decree (only on roads covered with snow and ice). Can be used with a maximum speed of 50 km/h if there is snow on the road.
Sweden
Winter tyres: winter tyres or four-season with the M+S or 3PMSF markings are compulsory. The requirement applies to vehicles of all types, including tyres of the towed trailers.
Tread depth: not less than 3 mm. Minimum 5 mm for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Minimum 1.6 mm for trailers over 3.5 tonnes.
Studded tyres: permitted from 1 October to 15 April or if winter conditions occur.
If studded tyres have been installed in the car, the trailer attached to it must be fitted with them in the same way. The vehicle must not be fitted with both studded and non-studded snow tyres.
Chains: mandatory.
Switzerland
Winter tyres: not mandatory but in case of an accident with summer tyres in wintry conditions, be aware of liability issues. Only 3PMSF tyres are considered as suitable tyres for wintry conditions. Minimum tread depth for winter tyres 1.6 mm, 4 mm is the recommended tread depth.
Tread depth: min. 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres: permitted for vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes between 1st November and 30th April on snow-covered roads.
Chains: must be used on roads where signs indicate it: ‘Chaines a neige obligatoires’. On alpine roads it is compulsory to carry snow chains.
Turkey
Winter tyres: mandatory for commercial vehicles carrying cargo or passengers
Tread depth: min. 4 mm for trucks, tractors and buses.
Studded tyres: only studded tyres that can be used on ice can substitute winter tyres. The tread depth should be measured from the tread centre.
United Kingdom
Winter tyres: not mandatory
Tread depth: –
Studded tyres: permitted as long as they do not damage the road surface.
Chains: can only be used on roads covered with snow or ice.
Photo credit @ „goodbye winter(tyres)” by Ben McLeod is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0