What Are the Winter Tire Laws in Europe?

In Europe, each country adopts specific legislation regarding the use of winter tires, making the rules sometimes difficult to understand for drivers. Periods with special regulations, minimum tread depth, authorization of chains or studded tires : regulations vary from one country to another. Failing to comply with these rules can result in fines or even a driving ban.

Whether you frequently cross borders or plan a trip in Europe during the winter season, understanding local winter tire regulations is essential for driving safely. Discover everything you need to know about winter tire laws in Europe: what are the required periods? Which equipment is allowed or prohibited? Prepare your trips confidently with our comprehensive table of European regulations.

Dates & Winter Tire Obligations

Country	Requirement	Period	Remarks
Austria	Mandatory in winter conditions	November 1st to April 15th	Winter tires must have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm. Only tires marked "M+S," "M.S.," or "M&S" accompanied by the alpine 3PMSF symbol (mountain with a snowflake) are recognized as winter tires. All-season tires are allowed if they display the alpine symbol. If not equipped with winter tires, snow chains can be used on at least two driving wheels but only when the road is covered with snow.
Belgium	Not mandatory	-	In Belgium, the use of winter tires is not mandatory but is strongly recommended when weather conditions require it. Snow tires must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm, although 4 mm is preferable. Winter tires marked M+S, with a speed rating equal to or greater than the vehicle's maximum speed, can be used year-round. However, M+S tires with a lower speed rating are only allowed between October 1st and April 30th. Snow chains are allowed only if they do not damage the road, meaning when the road is covered with snow or ice.
Croatia	Mandatory	November 15th to April 15th	In Croatia, vehicles under 3.5 tons must be equipped with four winter tires (or all-season tires) or, alternatively, four summer tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm, accompanied by snow chains in the vehicle trunk.
Czech Republic	Mandatory in winter conditions	November 1st to March 31st	Winter tires are mandatory under certain conditions. Between November 1st and March 31st, vehicles must be equipped with winter tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm if weather conditions require or if roads are covered with snow or ice. For vehicles over 3.5 tons, the minimum required tread depth is 6 mm. Studded tires are prohibited.
Denmark	Not mandatory	-	In Denmark, the use of winter tires is not mandatory but is recommended during the winter season. The minimum required tread depth for winter tires is 1.6 mm, although 3 mm is recommended for better safety. Studded tires are allowed from November 1st to April 15th, provided they are installed on all four wheels of the vehicle.
Estonia	Mandatory	December 1st to March 1st	The minimum tread depth for tires must be 3 mm. Studded tires are permitted from October 15th to March 31st.
Finland	Mandatory in winter conditions	December 1st to February 29th	For vehicles under 3.5 tons, the minimum tread depth for tires must be 3 mm. Studded tires are allowed from November 1st to March 31st, and their use may be extended if weather conditions require it.
France	Conditional	November 1st to March 31st	In France, drivers, whether local or foreign, must equip their vehicles with winter equipment in municipalities specified by prefects in 34 departments (Loi Montagne II). From 2024, only tires marked with the 3PMSF (alpine symbol) will be allowed, or drivers must carry anti-slip devices, such as metal chains or snow socks, in their vehicles.
Germany	Mandatory in winter conditions	No specific period	Since October 2024, only tires marked 3PMSF (alpine symbol) are accepted as winter tires. Tires with the "M+S" marking ("mud + snow") are only allowed if the tire also has the 3PMSF pictogram. All-season tires must also carry this symbol to comply. Studded tires are prohibited.
Greece	Not mandatory	-	In Greece, the use of winter tires is not mandatory. However, according to a ministerial decree, authorities may require vehicles to be equipped with anti-slip devices between October and April if necessary. These may include winter tires, all-season tires, or chains/snow socks.
Hungary	Not mandatory	-	In Hungary, winter tires are not mandatory. Studded tires are prohibited.
Ireland	Not mandatory	-	In Ireland, winter tires are not mandatory. Snow chains and studded tires are allowed only when the road is covered with snow or ice.
Italy	Conditional	-	In Italy, winter tires are generally not mandatory. However, if a sign indicates "obbligo di pneumatici invernali o catene a bordo," vehicles must be equipped with snow chains or winter tires. In the Aosta Valley and on the Brenner Highway in South Tyrol (A22, Brenner - Affi section), the use of winter tires is mandatory from October 15th to April 15th.
Latvia	Mandatory	December 1st to March 1st	From 2024, in Latvia, only tires featuring the alpine symbol (a mountain with a snowflake) or specifically designed for snow and ice are allowed. Tires marked only with "M+S" are no longer accepted. Drivers can use snow or universal tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm. Studded tires are prohibited between May 1st and October 1st.
Lithuania	Mandatory	November 10th to April 1st	The minimum tread depth for tires must be 3 mm. Drivers can opt for universal tires. Motorcycles must be equipped with winter tires from December 1st to March 1st. Studded tires are prohibited from April 10th to November 1st.
Luxembourg	Mandatory in winter conditions	-	In Luxembourg, there is no mandatory winter tire law. However, in winter conditions, drivers are required to equip their cars with winter tires, which effectively makes it a conditional obligation. This regulation applies to all vehicles, whether registered in Luxembourg or abroad.
Netherlands	Not mandatory	-	In the Netherlands, winter tires are not mandatory, and studded tires or snow chains are prohibited.
Poland	Not mandatory	-	In Poland, the use of winter tires is not mandatory but is strongly recommended during the winter season. Snow chains are allowed on snowy or icy roads and may become mandatory in certain areas indicated by signs. Studded tires, however, are prohibited.
Portugal	Not mandatory	-	In Portugal, the use of winter tires is not mandatory. Similarly, snow chains are not mandatory unless their use is specifically indicated by road signs.
Romania	Mandatory in winter conditions	-	Winter tires are mandatory on roads covered with snow, ice, or frost and must be installed on all four wheels. They must carry the M+S marking and have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. Studded tires are also permitted under these conditions.
Slovakia	Mandatory in winter conditions	-	In Slovakia, winter tires are not mandatory under normal conditions. However, on snowy or icy roads, drivers must equip their vehicles with winter tires, making it an indirect obligation. From October 2024, winter and all-season tires must carry the alpine symbol as M+S-only tires will no longer be accepted during the winter season. The minimum tread depth for tires must be 3 mm.
Slovenia	Mandatory	November 15th to March 15th	Outside the legal period, if weather conditions require (snow, ice, etc.), cars and vehicles under 3.5 tons must be equipped with winter tires on all four wheels or have snow chains in the trunk. The minimum tread depth for tires must be 3 mm. Studded tires are prohibited.
Spain	Conditional	-	In Spain, winter tires are mandatory in specific areas, particularly in mountainous regions, where signs indicate the requirement. Studded tires, considered winter tires, are also allowed.
Sweden	Mandatory	December 1st to March 31st	Since December 1st, 2024, tires must feature the "alpine" symbol (a three-peak mountain with a snowflake). The minimum tread depth must be 3 mm. Studded tires are allowed from October 1st to April 15th, or outside this period if weather conditions require.
Switzerland	Not mandatory	-	In Switzerland, the use of winter tires is based on individual responsibility, as there is no law mandating their use in winter. However, drivers must always be able to control their vehicles, regardless of weather conditions. In the event of an accident linked to equipment unsuitable for weather conditions, the driver's responsibility may be engaged. The insurer may reduce compensation or take action against the driver for negligence.
United Kingdom	Not mandatory	-	In the United Kingdom, winter tires are not mandatory but are recommended when temperatures fall below 7°C. Chains, snow socks, or studded tires are only permitted on snow-covered or icy roads.

Yes, all-season tires can be approved for winter use. However, this depends on the markings on the tire. For an all-season tire to be considered approved for winter conditions, it must bear the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol, represented by a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake. This marking ensures the tire has passed specific snow traction tests.

Some countries still accept tires marked M+S as winter tires, but this regulation is gradually shifting towards a generalized requirement for the 3PMSF symbol. Therefore, it is essential to check the rules of the country where you plan to drive to ensure compliance.

No, snow chains or socks cannot fully replace winter tires from a technical and safety perspective.
Winter tires are far superior in general winter conditions, offering a permanent and versatile solution.
Snow chains or socks are supplementary equipment, suitable for specific situations (snowy or icy roads), but their use remains limited in terms of comfort, safety, and durability.

To recognize a winter tire, look for the 3PMSF symbol (mountain with a snowflake) on the tire's sidewall, and check for the presence of sipes and deep grooves on the tread. These elements ensure that the tire is designed to provide optimal safety in winter.

Yes, it is possible to use winter tires all year round, but it is not recommended. Their soft rubber, designed to perform well at temperatures below 7°C, deteriorates quickly on roads where surface temperatures can exceed 40-60°C in summer.
This leads to accelerated wear, significant loss of grip, longer braking distances, and increased fuel consumption.
Prefer summer tires or all-season tires for use outside the winter period.