With the winter season approaching, it’s crucial to note that different European states have varying regulations for transportation vehicles. Not all European countries require vehicles to be equipped with winter tires and some states have even prohibited specific types of tires. Given this, we have prepared a list of European states with the respective winter regulations:

Austria

From November 1 until April 15 winter tires are compulsory for all vehicles. In the same period, snow chains have to be carried in vehicles for at least two drive axle tires. Use of studded tires is forbidden for vehicles that weigh more than 3,5t.

Belgium

Winter tires are not compulsory for all vehicles. However, when using M+S or winter tires, symmetric fitting is compulsory. Use of snow chains is allowed on roads covered with ice or snow.

Bulgaria

From November 15 until March 1 it is necessary to ensure that the tread depth of all tires is at least 4mm. It is also obligatory to carry snow chains in the vehicle from November 1 until March 31. Use of studded tires is prohibited.

Croatia

From November 15 until April 15 winter tires are compulsory. For vehicles that weigh more than 3,5t, it is compulsory to have M+S tires on the drive axle. Snow chains can be required for the drive axle in specific conditions. Use of studded tires is prohibited.

Czech Republic

Use of winter tires is obligatory depending on the road conditions in the period of November 1 to March 31. Vehicles that weigh more than 3,5t must have M+S tires with tread depth of at least 6mm fitted on the drive axle. Use of snow chains might be necessary on some roads, if traffic signs indicate so. Use of studded tires is not allowed.

Denmark

Use of winter tires is not obligatory. Use of snow chains is allowed from November 1 until April 15. Use of studded tires is also allowed in this time period.

Estonia

Vehicles that weigh less than 3,5t must have radial winter tires with tread depth of at least 3mm between December 1 and March 1. This time period might be extended to October and April if weather conditions are bad. Winter tires are not compulsory for heavier vehicles; however, their tires must have tread depth of at least 3mm. Snow chains are compulsory on roads where the traffic signs indicate so. Use of studded tires is allowed starting from October 15 up until March 31.

Finland

In the case of winter weather conditions, winter tires are obligatory from November 1 until March 31. The tires on the drive axle must have a tread depth of at least 5mm, while other tires must have tread depth of at least 3mm. Use of snow chains is allowed on roads covered with ice and snow. Use of studded tires is allowed in the case of harsh winter weather conditions starting from November 1 until March 31.

France

From November 1 until March 31 all vehicles that weigh more than 3,5t must be equipped with 3PMSF tires or have snow chains for the drive axle. Use of winter equipment, such as snow chains, is obligatory on roads that are marked by signs B26 or B58. Vehicles that weigh less than 3,5t are allowed to use studded tires from November 1 until March 31.

Germany

During winter weather conditions, vehicles that weigh more than 3,5t must be equipped with 3PMSF tires at the wheel positions of the permanently driven axles and front steering axles. Use of snow chains is obligatory on roads where the traffic signs indicate so.

Greece

Use of winter tires is not obligatory, however, snow chains might be mandatory depending on weather conditions.

Hungary

Winter tires are not obligatory. Use of snow chains is allowed on roads that are covered with snow and ice. Use of studded tires prohibited.

Italy

Winter tires are not obligatory, however, vehicles must carry anti-skid devices, such as snow chains. Use of studded tires is not allowed.

Ireland

Winter tires are not obligatory. Use of snow chains is allowed on roads covered with ice and snow.

Latvia

Vehicles that weigh less than 3,5t must be equipped with winter tires (M+S) from December 1 up until March 1. The tread depth of these tires must be at least 4mm. Heavier vehicles are not obliged to be equipped with winter tires, but the minimum depth of their tires should be 3mm. Use of snow chains is allowed on roads covered with ice and snow. Studded tires are allowed for vehicles that weigh more than 3,5t from October 1 up until April 30.

Lithuania

Using winter tires from November 1 until April 1 is compulsory for vehicles that weigh less than 3,5t. Heavier vehicles are not obligated to be equipped with winter tires; however, the minimum tread depth of the tires should be 1,6mm. Use of snow chains is allowed on roads that are covered with ice and snow. Use of studded tires is allowed from November 1 until April 10.

Luxembourg

During winter conditions all trucks must be equipped with winter tires (M+S tires also work). Use of snow chains is allowed on road that are covered with ice and snow. Studded tires are not allowed.

Liechtenstein

Winter tires are not obligatory, yet it is necessary to ensure that the vehicle is well equipped for the winter period. Use of snow chains is allowed. Vehicles that weigh more than 7,5t are allowed to use studded tires in the period of November 1 and April 30.

The Netherlands

Use of winter tires is not obligatory. Use of snow chains is not allowed on public roads. Use of studded tires is also forbidden.

Norway

From November 15 until March 31 all vehicles that weigh more than 3,5t must be equipped with winter tires. On the drive axle and the front steer axle the tires must be of the 3PMSF type. From November 1 until the first Monday after Easter it is necessary to ensure that the tread depth of the tires is at least 5mm when driving in South of Norway. The same requirement applies in North of Norway in the period between October 16 and April 30. Use of studded tires is allowed from November 1 up until the first Sunday after Easter. In this period all vehicles that weight more than 3,5t must have snow chains. In the case where a truck has a trailer, it must carry 7 snow chains with it.

Poland

Winter tires are not compulsory. Use of snow chains is allowed on roads that are covered with ice and snow. Use of studded tires is forbidden.

Portugal

Winter tires are not obligatory. Snow chains might be necessary on some roads where traffic signs indicate so. Use of studded tires is prohibited.

Romania

In the case of winter conditions, the drive axle of a vehicle that weighs more than 3,5t must be equipped with winter tires or M+S tires. Vehicles weighing more than 3,5t must also be equipped with snow chains, sand, and a shovel. Use of studded tires is prohibited.

Slovakia

From November 15 until March 31 vehicles that weight more than 3,5t must have winter or M+S tires on the drive vehicle. Trucks must carry snow chains. Use of studded tires is not allowed.

Slovenia

From November 15 until March 15 two options are available for vehicles that weigh 3,5t or more:
•    Use of winter tires the tread depth of which is minimum 3mm on at least the drive axle.
•    Use of standard tires and possession of snow chains inside the truck.
Use of studded tires is forbidden.

Spain

On mountain roads that are marked as red only trucks that weigh between 3,5t and 7,5t and are transporting food products or fluxes are allowed to pass. These vehicles must be equipped with studded tires the tread depth of which is at least 4mm. Snow chains are obligatory for trucks that do not use winter tires. Use of studded tires is allowed from October 1 until April 15.

Sweden

In case of winter weather conditions, the min tread depth of tires on all axles except the trailer must be at least 5mm. All vehicles that weigh more than 3,5t must be equipped with POR, 3PMSF or studded tires on the front and the drive axles. The use of studded tires is allowed from October 1 to April 15. It is also recommended to carry snow chains in the vehicles. 

Switzerland 

Winter tires are not obligatory; however, all drivers must ensure that their vehicles are well equipped for different weather conditions and that their safety is ensured. Use of snow chains might be necessary on some tires. Vehicles that weigh less than 7,5t are allowed to use studded tires in the period of November 1 and April 30.