As leaves turn brown, days become shorter, and the air feels crisper, you know winter is well and truly on its way. That means it must be time to switch your vehicle's wheels to winter tires. You probably know that winter tires – sometimes referred to as snow tires – are a mandatory requirement across several European regions, but when and where does the change become compulsory?
Find out when you should change the tires on your vehicle – or scroll down to see where in Europe winter tires are legally required.
When temperatures drop, winter tires ensure far greater vehicle road safety compared to summer tires. You may choose them voluntarily, so you can rely on your tires in snow and icy conditions. However, if you are still unsure about making the switch, the map below shows which European countries have winter tire laws making them mandatory. You can recognize winter tires by special markings on the sidewall. So far, the well-known M+S mark was sufficient as a winter tire label. The Alpine symbol (3PMSF*) is mandatory for winter or all-weather tires produced since January 1, 2018. During the transition period until September 30, 2024, M+S tires are sufficient to comply with winter tire laws as listed below. Select your country from the list to check the exact requirements.
* 3PMSF symbol stands for 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol
Most European countries have some regulations either making winter tires compulsory or requiring situational use of winter tires. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to use snow tires between October 1 and April 30, or from Autumn to Easter. However, in some countries, the winter tire laws tell you exactly when to make seasonal tire changes. If you’re unsure, speak to your local tire specialist, they’ll be up to date on the latest requirements and changes.
Country | Winter regulations | Winter period | Studded tires | Minimum tread depth (in mm) |
Albania | No obligation | 1.6 | ||
Austria | - Winter tires with M+S symbol and/or 3PMSF - Summer tires must be equipped with snow chains on at least one drive axle (if allowed). | 01.11. - 15.04. if winter conditions. | Allowed with spike sticker on car, but forbidden from 01.06. - 30.09. | 4 |
Belgium | No obligation | Allowed from 01.11 - 31.03. on vehicles not heavier than 3.5T. A "60" km/h plate has to be applied on the back of the vehicles equipped with studs. | 1.6 | |
Bosnia-Herzegovina | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | 15.11. - 15.04. | Forbidden | 4 |
Belarus | - Winter tires with M+S or 3PMSF | 01.12. - 01.03. | Allowed | 4 |
Bulgaria | - Winter tires with M+S symbol / but listed in no obligation - DOT < 5217 can M+S and DOT > 0118 need 3PMSF | 01.11. - 31.03. | Forbidden | 4 |
Croatia | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | 15.11 - 15.04. | 4 | |
Cyprus | No obligation | 1.6 | ||
Czech Republic | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | 01.11. - 31.03. | Forbidden | 4 |
Denmark | No obligation | Allowed from 01.11. - 15.04. | 1.6 | |
Estonia | - Winter tires with M+S symbol - From 01.12.2022 3PMSF required for studded tires (exception POR tires) - DOT < 5217 can M+S and DOT > 0118 need 3PMSF | 01.12. - 01.03. | Allowed from 15.10. - 31.03. | 3 |
Finland | - Winter tires with M+S and/or 3PMSF symbol | Mandatory 01.11. - 31.03. if winter conditions. | Allowed from 01.10. - 31.03. or Easter in "winter" conditions. | 3 |
France | - Winter tires shall be marked with 3PMSF (Alpine) symbol from 01-11 - 31.03 - M+S marked tires are allowed until 01.11.2024 | 01.11. - 31.03. | Allowed from 01.11. - 31.03. or Easter in "winter" conditions. | 1.6 |
Germany | - Winter tire with 3PMSF symbol - DOT < 5217 can M+S and DOT > 0118 need 3PMSF | Situational winter tires | 1.6 | |
Greece | No obligation | 1.6 | ||
Hungary | No obligation | |||
Iceland | - Winter tires recommended | Situational winter tires | Allowed from 01.11. - 15.04. | 3 |
Ireland | No obligation | |||
Italy | - Winter tires with M+S symbol or snow chains on board | 15.11. - 15-04. only where mandatory by local authorities rules. | 1.6 | |
Kosovo | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | 15.11. - 01.03. | 4 | |
Latvia | - Winter tires with M+S symbol - DOT < 5217 can M+S and DOT > 0118 need 3PMSF | 01.12. - 01.03. | Allowed from 01.10. - 01.05. | 4 |
Liechtenstein | No legal requirements (The vehicle must be safe to operate and always be able to be driven). In the event of damage, the insurance company may reduce payments. Only 3PMSF tires are considered winter tires. | Situational winter tires | Permitted for vehicles <7,5 t GVW between 01.11. - 30.04. or on snow covered roads. | 1.6 |
Lithuania | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | 01.11. - 01.04. | Allowed from 01.11. - 01.04. | 3 |
Luxembourg | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | Situational winter tires | 1.6 | |
North Macedonia | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | 15.11. - 31.03. | Forbidden | 4 |
Malta | No obligation | |||
Moldova | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | Situational winter tires, mandatory from 01.12. - 28.03. | Allowed from 01.09. - 01.06. but only on snow covered or ice covered roads. | 4 |
Montenegro | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | 15.11. - 01.04. | 4 | |
Netherlands | No obligation | 1.6 | ||
Norway | - Winter tires with M+S and/or 3PMSF symbol | Norway South: 01.11. - first Sunday after Easter. Norway North: 16.10. - 30.04. | Allowed with spike sticker In South 01.11. - 1st Monday after Easter. In North 16.10. - 30.04. | 3 |
Poland | - Winter tires with 3PMSF symbol recommended but not mandatory | Forbidden | 1.6 | |
Portugal | No obligation | 1.6 | ||
Romania | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | Situational winter tires | Forbidden | 1.6 |
Serbia | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | 01.11. - 01.04. | 4 | |
Slovakia | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | 15.11. - 31.03. | Forbidden | 3 |
Slovenia | - Winter tires with M+S symbol | 15.11. - 15.03. | Forbidden | 3 |
Spain | No obligation | Forbidden | 1.6 | |
Sweden | - Winter tires with 3PMSF symbol | 01.12. - 31.03. if winter conditions. | Allowed from 01.10. - 15.04. | 3 |
Switzerland | No legal requirements (The vehicle must be safe to operate and always be able to be driven). In the event of damage, the insurance company may reduce payments. Only 3PMSF tires are considered winter tires. | Situational winter tires | Permitted for vehicles <7,5 t GVW between 01.11. - 30.04. or on snow covered roads. | 1.6 |
Türkiye | - Winter tires with M+S and/or 3PMSF symbol | 01.12. - 01.04. | Forbidden | 1.6 |
Ukraine | - Winter tires with M+S and/or 3PMSF symbol | Allowed | 4 | |
United Kingdom | No obligation |
Despite careful research, we cannot guarantee that the information is correct and complete.
Tires marked with M+S (Mud+Snow) provide a tread pattern or structure that is designed to deliver performance that exceeds that of a standard tire in snowy conditions. The M+S label is not subject to a defined test procedure.
Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) tires deliver winter performance that is legally certified. These tires have to pass a test on a snow-covered road and have at least 25% better traction than a standard reference tire.
Winter tires from Continental are marked with the snowflake symbol on the tire wall. Not only do Continental winter tires easily outperform M+S tires, they also significantly exceed the requirements of the “Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake“ symbol (3PMSF). The development of winter tires from Continental is based on many years of experience and practical knowledge gained from using the tires in the low temperatures found in Scandinavian countries. These special winter tires offer a distinct advantage for a safe journey on snow-covered or icy roads.
Whether you have all-season tires or winter tires, there are other things to consider to ensure optimum vehicle safety and tire performance in snow. Again, every country has slight variations, so check the list or ask your tire specialist. For example, in some areas, winter tire tread depth must be a minimum of 1,6 mm, while in others, tire tread depth should be 4 mm. Always consider the legal regulations of your country and take into account that tire performance, especially on wet surfaces, decreases with tread depth. To ensure reliable traction and excellent grip on snow and ice-covered surfaces, your tires should always have sufficient tread. Additionally, your tires should have the correct tire pressure to ensure your vehicle can brake in snow and ice with good traction, grip and handling.