Requirements for the use of winter tires and snow chains in Europe

The road conditions in winter in Northern and Central (in mountainous areas) Europe, especially in places of winter rest, are significantly complicated. Snow and ice on the roads at this time is a common occurrence. As a result, the adhesion of tires to the road deteriorates.

In some countries it is required that drivers always use winter tires at a certain time of the year. In other countries it is necessary to use only under certain road conditions. And somewhere it is purely advisory.

Rules for the use of winter tires in Europe

Not in all European countries winter tires are mandatory. But even in these countries entry to some roads on summer tires without snow chains can be prohibited. In addition, the winter tires should be marked with one of the signs M+S, M.S, M-S, M&S and have a minimum depth of the tread pattern of at least 3 mm.

On the map below you can see in which countries in winter the use of winter tires necessary all the time, and in which only when the appropriate weather conditions occur.

Weather conditions are considered winter, when on any part of the road there is snow, ice or slush. And if the road is wet in combination with a temperature of about or below 0 degrees.

– use of winter tires are compulsory

– compulsory under appropriate weather conditions

– winter tires are optional

In which countries studded tires is forbidden

Studded tires is forbidden in most countries of Eastern Europe - Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, as well as in Turkey, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal.

granted forbidden

Common requirements for winter equipment in Europe

The table below shows the requirements for winter and studded tires for vehicles, the total weight not exceed 3.5 t.

The data in the table can be sorted in ascending/descending order by clicking on the column header.

¹ Under certain weather conditions (for example, snow or ice on the road).

² In exceptional cases (in difficult weather conditions) can be allowed from November, 1 to March, 31 for vehicles up to 3,500 kg.

³ Winter tyres are compulsory for vehicles registered in Bulgaria during wintry road conditions and are strongly recommended for visitors.

⁴ It is forbidden to use when driving on motorways.