With November coming to an end and cold weather intensifying, all drivers must think about their vehicles. Winter tires are incredibly important, yet regulations for them differ in every state. Recently, countries such as Germany and Sweden changed their regulations, thus, in this article, you will find information about tire regulations in every EU state.

Austria

Winter tires are compulsory from November 1st to April 15th. Vehicles weighing more than 3.5t must have tires which are marked with the M+S or 3PMSF symbol at least on one drive axle. Snow chains for at least two drive axles have to be carried in the vehicle from November 1st to April 15th.

Belgium

Winter tire regulations are not applicable. Snow chains are permitted only on roads covered with snow or ice.

Bulgaria

From November 15th to March 1st all vehicles must be equipped with tires the tread depth of which is not less than 4mm. Trucks must carry snow chains inside from November 1st to March 31st.

Croatia

Winter tires are obligatory from November 15th to April 15th. Trucks weighing more than 3,5t must have M+S tires on the drive axle. Snow chains are mandatory in the regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar.

Czech Republic

Winter tires are compulsory from November 1st to March 31st. Trucks weighing more than 3,5t must be equipped with M+S tires the tread depth of which is no less than 6mm.

Denmark

Winter tire regulations do not apply, use of snow chains is allowed from November 1st to April 15th.

Estonia

Vehicles weighing more than 3,5t are not obliged to have winter tires but minimum thread depth of 3mm is mandatory between October and April depending on whether conditions.

Finland

From November 1st to March 31st winter tires are obligatory. S+M tires are allowed until November 30th. Snow chains only allowed on road covered with snow and ice.

France

Winter equipment is obligatory on roads marked with B26 and B58 signs. From November 1st to March 31st, trucks must have 3PMSF tires, while vehicles with trailers must also be equipped with snow chains or similar anti-skid devices.

Germany

In winter conditions, vehicles weighing more than 3,5t must be equipped with 3PMSF tires. The use of M+S tires is no longer allowed.

Hungary

The tread depth of tires with diameter greater than 750mm cannot be less than 3mm. Snow chains are only allowed on roads covered with snow and ice.

Ireland

No winter tire regulations.

Italy

No winter tire regulations.

Latvia

Winter tires are not mandatory, but the tread depth of trucks’ tires cannot be less than 3mm.

Liechtenstein

No winter tire regulations.

Lithuania

Winter tires are not mandatory, but the tread depth of trucks’ tires cannot be less than 1,6mm.

Luxembourg

All trucks must be equipped with winter tires during winter conditions, M+S tires are allowed.

Netherlands

No winter tire regulations.

Poland

No winter tire regulations.

Portugal

No winter tire regulations.

Romania

In case of wintry conditions, trucks must be equipped with M+S or another type of winter tires. Trucks should also carry snow chains, sand, and a shovel.

Slovakia

From November 15th to March 31st  trucks weighing more than 3,5t are obliged to have 3PMSF or another type of winter tires. Snow chains have to be carried inside the vehicle.

Slovenia

From November 15th to March 15th, vehicles weighing more than 3,5t can either use standard tires and carry chains inside or use winter tires at least on one drive axle.

Spain

In high mountain roads, trucks should have snow chains if they are not equipped with winter tires.

Sweden

Vehicles weighing more than 3,5t must be equipped with 3PMSF, POR or studded tires on front and drive axles. The tires must have a tread depth of at least 5mm. Use of M+S tires is allowed until November 30th. 

Keywords: work for drivers, work for long-haul drivers, truck regulations, winter tires