If you are planning to drive around Europe in the winter season, you should know the legal regulations concerning the car winter equipment. This varies from country to country so it pays to check what is mandatory in your destination.
Winter tyres or snow chains are not required everywhere but it doesn’t mean you will never have to fit them. Their use can be dictated by road conditions or local signs, which you are likely to see when driving through mountainous regions in France, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland or Norway.
Failing to use winter tyres or other elements required for safe driving in winter poses a serious risk of getting involved in a car accident. And if you have an accident where winter equipment should have been used, it is automatically considered to be your fault so you will not be covered by your insurer.
OBLIGATION TO USE WINTER TYRES
Norway
The winter season officially begins on 1st November and lasts until the first Monday after the Easter holidays. The exceptions are the counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark where it starts in mid-October and lasts till the end of April.
Winter tyres | |
| - Not less than 3 mm.
- At least 5 mm for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
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| May be used if conditions require it. Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must have studded tyres installed on all wheels, whereas heavier vehicles are required to have them across one axle. When arranged symmetrically on the longitudinal axis, it is sufficient that one of the twin wheels has such a tyre. In the districts of Oslo and Trondheim, studded tyres are allowed only when the daily toll of around 40 NOK per day is paid.
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Chains | - You can use chains in the winter season and beyond if circumstances require it.
- Drivers travelling on Norway’s roads should carry chains at all times in case of sudden weather changes. Drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must carry snow chains regardless of the conditions on the roads.
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Sweden
The winter season starts on 1 December and lasts until 31 March. The regulations listed below also apply to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles registered abroad which travel throughout the country during this period.
| Winter tyres | - Winter tyres or all-season/summer tyres with the M+S or 3PMSF markings are compulsory.
- The requirement applies to vehicles of all types, including tyres of the towed trailers.
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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.
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Studded tyres | - Can be used 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.
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Chains | - In Sweden, drivers are required to carry snow chains so that they can be quickly mounted on the wheels of the vehicle if road conditions change.
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Finland
Winter tyres are required by law between 1st November and 31st March.
Winter tyres | - The use of winter tyres outside the winter season is allowed when road conditions require it.
- The obligation to use winter tyres is applicable also to tourists travelling around the country by car.
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Tread depth | - For cars up to 3.5 tonnes, the tread depth should be 3 mm and at least 1.6 mm for vehicles over that weight.
- In difficult snowy conditions, the recommended tread depth of winter tyres is at least 5 mm.
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Studded tyres | - Can be used from 1st of November to 31st of March.
- Using studded tyres is legal if they are 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.
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Chains | - In Finland, each vehicle must be equipped with snow chains.
- The chains may be used only on roads covered with snow or ice.
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Estonia
Between 1st December and 1st March, all vehicles must be equipped with winter tyres (when weather conditions require it, this period can be extended and cover the time between October and April).
Winter tyres | - This obligation also applies to tourists.
- 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.
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Tread depth | |
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.
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Chains | - Only to be used on icy or snow-covered roads.
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Latvia
The obligation to use winter tyres applies between 1st December and 1st March for all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes and vehicles with trailers.
Winter tyres | - The obligation is applicable to both residents and tourists.
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Tread depth | - Latvian legislation specifies the minimum tread depth for winter tyres at 4 mm.
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Studded tyres | - The use of studded tyres is allowed between 1st October and 30th April for vehicles with a total gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
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Chains | - Only on icy or snow-covered roads.
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Lithuania
In Lithuania, winter tyres are mandatory between 10th November and 31st March. This obligation applies to all vehicles with a total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes.
Winter tyres | - The obligation to use winter tyres also applies to tourists and travelling without the proper equipment is punishable with a fine.
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Tread depth | - The tread depth should be not less than 3 mm to be considered a suitable tyre for winter season.
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Studded tyres | They can be used between 1st November and 10th April. Vehicles with studded tyres must have the rear adequately marked (an equilateral triangle with a red border and a symbol with studded tyres inside it). This is also strongly recommended for foreign-registered vehicles.
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Chains | - Only on icy or snow-covered roads.
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Germany
In Germany winter tyres are required in specific situations (depending on road conditions). There are no defined periods when winter models must be used but using inadequate tyres, causing traffic congestion or a hazardous situation due to unsuitable tyres is punishable with a fine of between 60 and 120 EUR and a 1 penalty point charge. In addition to chains, drivers are required to carry a shovel, pickaxe and tow rope.
Winter tyres | - When weather conditions require, vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with tyres marked with the Alpine symbol (3PMSF) on all axle positions.
- Vehicles that are heavier than 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with tyres marked with the Alpine symbol (3PMSF) at the wheel positions of the permanently driven axles. Tyres marked with the Alpine symbol are also mandatory for front steer axles.
- M+S tyres produced before 1 January 2018 are only accepted as suitable winter equipment until 30 September 2024.
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Tread depth | - The permissible tread depth of winter tyres is 1.6 mm but experts recommend it to be approximately 4 mm.
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Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic drivers are required to drive on winter tyres between 1st November and 31st March or if indicated by the “winter kit“ sign. In this period vehicles heavier than 3.5 tonnes travelling on roads with ‘Zimni vybava’ signs must be equipped with winter tyres on all drive axles. Between these dates as well as in areas with a salt ban, all vehicles with a total weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes must have winter tyres and snow chains.
Winter tyres | Drivers in the Czech Republic are required to use winter tyres in case of unfavourable conditions. M+S tyres are compulsory on the drive axle of vehicles heavier than 3.5 tonnes and with min. 6 mm tread depth.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
Austria
In the winter season, which starts on 1 November and ends on 15 April, drivers must use winter tyres. Austria is one of the countries where drivers are punished for failing to comply with the snow tyre requirements with truly high fines.
Winter tyres | 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.
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Tread depth | Cross ply tyres — 6 mm. Radial tyres — 5 mm.
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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.
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Chains | With the exception of public transport, 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’.
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Slovenia
Slovenian law requires installing winter tyres or having snow chains in the car. Trucks must be fitted with winter tyres on at least one driving axle. During the winter, the regulations also apply to vehicles with foreign license plates. In winter, it is also recommended to have a blanket and a snow shovel.
Winter tyres | From 15th November to 15th April there are two options that are mandatory on vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Option 1: winter tyres at least on the drive axle. Option 2: standard tyres but chains must be carried in the vehicle to be mounted on the drive axle in case of winter conditions. Drivers who fail to equip their vehicles with winter gear face a penalty of EUR 40. If a vehicle does not have winter gear and causes traffic congestion or blocks traffic for other vehicles, then the driver faces a penalty of EUR 500 and 5 penalty points. The regulations apply to all vehicles.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | Snow chains must be carried in vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes if no winter tyres are fitted. Cars with constantly enabled four-wheel drive, must have chains installed across at least one axle. The maximum speed for vehicles with installed snow chains is 50 km/h.
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Croatia
Winter tyres are mandatory on all winter road sections from 15th November to 15th April, regardless of weather conditions. In the case of non-compliance with the mandatory rules during the winter season, drivers will be fined in the amount of 700 HRK (approx. 106 EUR).
Winter tyres | The mandatory use of winter equipment refers to all types of motor vehicles regardless of weather and road conditions, except for vehicles of Croatian Armed Forces. Vehicles with a maximum mass up to 3.5 tonnes must contain as follows: 4 winter tyres (M + S) or 4 summer tyres and snow chains in the car trunk. - Buses and trucks must have winter tyres installed or use snow chains on the driving axles.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | - Croatian law requires having chains in the car.
- When roads are covered by more than 5 cm of snow or with ice, the vehicle must have them installed across at least one drive axle.
- The police may order their installation.
- A snow shovel is mandatory equipment for company cars.
- Snow chains are compulsory in some regions (Lika/Gorski Kotar).
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Romania
In Romania, winter tyres must be used on roads covered with snow or ice between 1st November and 31st March, and all vehicles heavier than 3.5 tonnes and vehicles transporting people (with more than 9 seats) must have them on at least one driving axle. All-weather tyres are also acceptable if they have an M+S (mud + snow) symbol inscribed on them. Cars lighter than 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with snow chains, which should be installed when indicated by special road signs.
Winter tyres | |
Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | Mandatory only on marked sections of road, for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. The police have the right to stop vehicles heavier than 12 tonnes, when it considers the road conditions to be too difficult. Shovel and sand are required for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
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Slovakia
The winter season in Slovakia starts on 15th November and ends on 31st March. In this period, using winter tyres is mandatory. Commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must have winter tyres installed on all axles and vehicles heavier than 3.5 tonnes must have them at least on one axle.
Winter tyres | - Cars transporting people and goods must have winter tyres installed across at least one axle.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cars must be equipped with winter tyres between 15th November and 15th April. In this period, all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are required to have a snow shovel and a bag of sand weighing between 25 kg and 50 kg.
Winter tyres | 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.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
Serbia
In Serbia, winter tyres must be used on all 4 wheels in the period between 15th November and 1st April. Additionally, snow chains must be installed in mountainous areas.
Winter tyres | - Tyres marked with M+S symbol or winter tyres are compulsory from November to April. Use according to traffic signs and conditions.
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| Tread depth | - In winter, the tread depth should be min. 4 mm.
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| Studded tyres | |
| Chains | |
Turkey
The winter period in Turkey starts on 1st December and ends on 1st April. Winter tyre regulations depend on local governors who decide if they are necessary and make necessary announcements according to current weather conditions. It is obligatory to fit winter tyres on drive axles of trucks, tractors and buses, on all axles of light trucks, vans and taxis. Any tyre to be replaced on the road has to be replaced with a winter tyre. Drivers who fail to comply with the snow tyre requirements may be fined up to 766 TL (about 90 EUR) and they have 7 days to adapt the car equipment to the regulations. If, after a week, their car is still not prepared for winter, it will be taken off the road.
Winter tyres | Commercial vehicles carrying cargo or passengers between cities are required to have winter tyres. Soon it will be applicable to private cars also. Lack of proper equipment is punishable by a fine of up to 519 TL (about 60 EUR). Trucks, tractors and buses are required to have their drive axles fitted with tyres marked with M+S or 3PMSF. Vans, light trucks, pickups and passenger cars used for commercial purposes (taxi, etc.) must be fitted with M+S or 3PMSF tyres on all axles.
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Tread depth | Min. 4 mm for trucks, tractors and buses. Min. 1.6 mm for light trucks, vans and cars.
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Studded tyres | |
Chains | Recommended when the road is covered with snow or ice. Having or using a tyre chain with the vehicle does not absolve drivers from their obligation to use winter tyres. During the season they should be carried in all vehicles.
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WINTER TYRES USED IN SPECIFIC SITUATIONS
Spain
There are no regulations governing the use of winter tyres.
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.
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Tread depth | |
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.
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Chains | The use of chains is allowed. The use of chains is mandatory when indicated by road signs or by decree (only on roads covered with snow and ice). Snow chains can be used with a maximum speed of 50 km/h if there is snow on the road. On high mountain roads with red level (15/TV-87): Snow chains in rigid trucks between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes and buses, if no winter tyres are fitted.
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France
Winter tyres are compulsory in some sections of the road indicated by signs in the presence of certain weather conditions. Winter equipment is also mandatory for vehicles driving on roads marked with the B26 sign. Every driver must prepare their vehicle for the prevailing road conditions. Failure to do this is punishable with a fine of 135 EUR.
Winter tyres | |
Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | Not allowed in vehicles with the 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.
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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.
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Switzerland
Despite the lack of general provisions which require the use of winter tyres, they are recommended in the period from 1st November to 30th April. Regional regulations are possible in wintry road conditions (e.g. alpine passes). The fine for the breach of winter obligation is of 100 CHF (about 92 EUR).
Winter tyres | |
Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | Studded tyres are allowed for vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes between 1st November and 30th April on snow-covered roads. The maximum speed of a car using studded tyres is 80 km/h (outside built-up areas) and 50 km/h (city).
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Chains | Must be used on roads where signs indicate it. Mandatory on roads marked ‘Chaines a neige obligatoires’. Having them in the car is recommended. When they are necessary, they must be installed at least on the drive wheels. On alpine roads it is compulsory to carry snow chains, even in 4 wheel drive vehicles.
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Italy
There is no obligation to use winter tyres for the whole country but in certain cases and regions it is required between October and April.
Winter tyres | - Regulation RU/1580 applies to M1, N1 and O1 category vehicles. In case of snowfalls, the local police have the right to prohibit transit on certain parts of the motorways.
- On several road sections the use of winter tyres may be indicated by road signs e.g. “Obligo di pneumatici invernali o catene a bordo”.
- Some regions of Italy may introduce their own legislation imposing the obligation to use winter tyres with chains.
- Exception: In the Aosta Valley winter tyres are mandatory from 15th October to 15th April. Further information can be found here.
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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. Always on all wheels of the vehicle and trailers. It is recommended to have mudguards fitted. The maximum speed is 120 km/h (motorways), 90 km/h (outside built-up areas) and 50 km/h (within the city).
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Chains | From 15th November to 15th April, it is compulsory to have snow chains on board the vehicle or for the vehicle to be fitted with winter tyres with the M+S marking. The obligation applies to roads outside inhabited centres, while individual municipalities may make them compulsory inside cities.
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Montenegro
Across the territory of Montenegro, winter tyres are mandatory from November to April on selected roads, as specified by the Ministry of Police.
Winter tyres | |
Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | - Prohibited in Montenegro.
- Buses and trucks must carry a snow shovel.
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Chains | - It is required to have them in the boot (enough to fit them to the wheels on the drive axle). Drivers who do not comply with this obligation may be fined from 80 to 300 EUR.
- Chains are used according to the road signs and in accordance with road conditions. Vehicles heavier than 3.5 tonnes must be also equipped with a snow shovel and a bag of sand.
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NO OBLIGATION TO USE WINTER TYRES
United Kingdom
Winter tyres | |
Tread depth | Cars below 3.5 tonnes — 1.6 mm. Vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes — 1 mm. Although a minimum of 4 mm as winter tyre tread depth and a summer tyre tread depth of 3 mm is recommended.
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Studded tyres | |
Chains | Chains may only be used on roads covered with snow or ice. Snow socks are also permitted. The period in which they may be used has not been defined.
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Ireland
Winter tyres are not mandatory in Ireland.
Winter tyres | In Ireland, there are no general rules on using winter tyres, however, experts argue that the increasing yearly snowfall will gradually force the need to equip your car with this type of tyre.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
Portugal
Winter tyres | |
Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
The Netherlands
Winter tyres | There is no obligation to use winter tyres in the Netherlands. However, experts have proposed installing equipment to suit winter road conditions.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
Belgium
Winter tyres | Due to the weather conditions, it is recommended to use them in the period between 1st November and 31st March. Symmetric fitting compulsory for M+S and winter tyres.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | There are no legal requirements, but in winter it is recommended to have them in the boot. Approved for use only on snow-covered or icy roads.
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Luxemburg
Winter tyres | Mandatory in the case of frost, snow, ice or black ice. This obligation is also applicable to motorised tourists visiting Luxembourg. All drive axles on trucks and buses need to be equipped with winter tyres (M+S suffices) during winter conditions (snow, ice, glazed frost).
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
Poland
Winter tyres are not required by law but it is highly recommended to use them during the winter period due to possible severe weather conditions. Additionally, 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 an accident.
Winter tyres | |
Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | Snow chains are only allowed on roads covered with snow and ice. Adequate traffic signs on roads where snow chains are compulsory. There is no obligation to have anti-skid chains in the car boot at all times but in some mountainous areas the obligation to have chains installed is indicated by special signs.
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Hungary
Winter tyres | - There is no obligation to use winter tyres in Hungary.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | Permitted only when the road is covered with a layer of snow or ice. It is recommended to have them in the boot during winter. The maximum travel speed with chains installed is 50 km/h. The road sign ‘Mandatory use of snow chains’ means that only properly equipped vehicles will be allowed to enter the territory of Hungary. Driving on dry roads with installed snow chains is punishable with fines.
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Albania
This is a country with one of the strictest speed limits in Europe, but given the state of the roads and driving culture, it is justified. Albania's road infrastructure is constantly changing, but tourists should be prepared for very severe road conditions, especially outside urban areas.
Winter tyres | The law does not require seasonal tyre replacement. The rules are not defined in any official regulation or directive, 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.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
Greece
Winter tyres | |
Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
Macedonia
Winter tyres are not required in Macedonia but are recommended between 15th November and 15th March. However, all cars, regardless of their weight and purpose, should be equipped with a snow shovel.
Winter tyres | |
Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | Snow chains must be carried in the vehicle from October 15th to March 15th if the vehicle has only standard tyres fitted. Snow chains can be used to a maximum speed of 70 km/h and may be compulsory when indicated by signs or in the presence of critical conditions.
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Bulgaria
Winter tyres | Tyres which are suitable for winter are recommended between November 15th and 1st March. Consumers can alternatively 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.
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Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | They must be carried in the car from 1st November to 31st March. Mandatory at mountain crosses, when required by road signs. Cars insufficiently equipped may not be allowed to drive on certain routes, or may be refused entry.
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Denmark
Winter tyres | |
Tread depth | |
Studded tyres | |
Chains | |
Remember that the differences in winter tyre regulations between various European countries may also concern defining the mandatory and recommended car accessories, such as, for instance, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle. Before you hit the road, check the differences between the United Kingdom and other European countries and be well prepared for the journey.