The morning after the first snowfall in the Netherlands, there is a line from the door of the tire farmer to the exit. Every year again. Perhaps it is useful to think about possible winter tires a little earlier this year. Are you still crossing the border? Then it is useful to take into account the rules for winter tires in Europe per country. It would be pretty annoying if you had to buy new tires for a weekend in Germany. Below you can see the rules for winter tires in Europe with some help from Pirelli. In the Netherlands, winter tires are still not mandatory. You may also want to consider buying all-season tires with the appropriate quality marks.
The characteristics of winter tires
One winter tire is not the other. You can recognize a winter tire almost immediately by the extra profile that you see on the side. These little notches are called ‘sipes’ and were invented by Mr. John Sipe. This is not what any police officers look for during a check. Some winter tires have the M+S (Mud + Snow) logo and others have the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) logo.
The M+S logo indicates that it is a tire that can reasonably be used in poor conditions. The manufacturer determines this itself; the tire does not have to meet certain requirements for this. But if you really go on winter sports, it is useful to go with the logo with the mountain and the snowflake (3PMSF). It is also important to know that these logos are also on all-season tires. This means that in some countries you can also drive with all-season tires in the winter, as long as the correct logos are present.
Which winter tires in Germany and when?
If you regularly travel to Germany, it is useful to buy tires with the 3PMSF logo. Germany does not give a specific time when you should fit certain tires, but if there are winter conditions, tires with the logo are mandatory. This may also be all seasons. Do you still have tires that only have the M+S logo? If they were produced up to and including 2017, you can use them until September 1, 2024. Newer M+S tires are not allowed in winter conditions.
Which winter tires in Belgium and when?
Belgium is just like the Netherlands. There are no obligations here when it comes to winter tires. We won’t make silly jokes about the Belgian road surface, but keep in mind that it can be hillier in Belgium than here. Uphill on a slippery road on worn summer tires, that can sometimes be a challenge.
Which winter tires in France and when?
In France, winter tires are only mandatory in mountain areas. From November 1 to March 15, you must have the M+S logo or the 3PMSF logo in those areas. Or you have to have snow chains in the back.
Which winter tires in Austria and when?
Austria requires drivers from November 1 to April 15 to drive with at least M+S logos. The tread depth must be at least 4 millimeters. In Austria you can also use snow chains.
Which winter tires in Luxembourg and when?
Luxembourg has more or less the same rules as Germany. Only if there are winter conditions, you should have certain tires. In Luxembourg, tires with the M+S logo are sufficient. Alternatively, you can put snow chains in the back. When it comes to issues like this, you should always consider carefully whether you are buying tires because you have to or for safety.
Rules for winter tires in other European countries
Bulgaria: From November 15 to March 1, winter tires with M+S or 3PMSF logo are mandatory, or summer tires with at least 4 millimeters profile.
Croatia: From November 15 to April 15, M+S winter tires with a tread depth of 4 millimeters are mandatory. Or you have to have snow chains with you.
Estonia: From December 1 to March 1, M+S winter tires with a minimum profile of 3 millimeters are mandatory. Or you must have snow chains with you.
Finland: From November 1 to March 31, M+S winter tires with a minimum profile of 3 millimeters are mandatory during winter conditions.
Italy: From November 15 to April 15, M+S tires are mandatory on certain roads. Or you have to have snow chains with you.
Lithuania: From November 10 to April 1, M+S tires with a minimum profile of 3 millimeters are mandatory.
Portugal: In Portugal there are no obligations for winter tires or snow chains.
United Kingdom: Winter tires are also not mandatory here.
Czech Republic: From November 1 to March 31, M+S winter tires with a tread depth of 4 millimeters are mandatory in winter conditions.
Romania: If there is snow or ice, tires with the M+S logo are mandatory. Snow chains are also allowed.
Serbia: From November 1 to April 1, M+S tires with a minimum profile of 4 millimeters are mandatory outside urban areas. Or you have to have snow chains with you.
Slovakia: From November 15 to March 31, M+S tires with a minimum profile of 3 millimeters are mandatory.
Slovenia: From November 15 to March 31, M+S or 3PMSF tires with a minimum profile of 3 millimeters are mandatory when there is snow. Or you have to have snow chains with you.
Spain: In Spain you must have M+S tires on the drive wheels when there is snow or on roads where this is indicated. In some places you can use chains, but you are not allowed to go faster than 50 km/h.
Sweden: From December 1 to March 31, 3PMSF tires are mandatory. As a transitional arrangement, M+S tires are now allowed until November 30, 2024.
Switzerland: Winter tires are recommended from October to April. Snow chains are allowed when there is snow or ice.
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