The Long Arm of the Law

The legislation regarding winter tyres is diverse across Europe, but the distinctive safety advantages of winter tyres are convincing drivers and national governments to consider making the use of winter tyres compulsory. In turn this provides retailers with a strong selling point for customers that plan to drive abroad to enjoy ski holidays for example. The reasons for increased legal recognition is not only the advantages of winter tyres on snow and ice. The tyres’ safety benefits on slushy, wet and dry but cold roads are getting more and more recognized.

Alpine countries: Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Germany: At the end of 2005 the German parliament passed legislation requiring drivers to fit tyres suitable for the season. The problem is the new law doesn’t clarify exactly what this means and who should describe if a car meet this criteria. An all-season tyre for example should therefore be safe all year round. This addition to Germany’s legally binding equivalent of the Highway Code, the StrassenverkehrsOrtnung (StVO), became binding in May, but obviously won’t be tested until weather becomes cooler.

When this happens the courts are expected to be flooded with appeals against this ruling. Why? Because unlike most winter tyre regulations this one has teeth. Not very big teeth, but teeth all the same. There is basically a two-tier fine system. If a car is adjudged to have caused an accident because it didn’t have the right tyres the owner will be fined 20 euros. If they cause a traffic jam because they cannot grip the surface they can be fined 40 euros.

The real motivation to fit winter tyres comes from the insurance reaction. Drivers in Germany can also face financial sanctions: If a car with summer tyres causes an accident in winter, the driver’s insurance might decline to cover the full cost of the damages – if driving with winter tyres could have avoided the accident.

Austria: On some Austrian roads, especially on the higher mountain passes, winter tyres with a minimum of 4mm tread depth are mandatory. Besides this individual regulation there is no general obligation to fit winter tyres.

Switzerland: Despite the strong winters in Switzerland there is no general obligation for winter tyres. But drivers with summer tyres can be held liable for the consequences of an accident if the accident could have been avoided with winter tyres. This rule might also apply to winter tyres with less than 4mm remaining tread depth.

United Kingdom, France and Benelux countries

United Kingdom: There is no winter tyre legislation in the UK. However some motorists, mainly in the traditionally snowy areas of Scotland, the Pennines and Cumbria are familiar with the benefits of winter tyres, as are those who travel to the continent for winter holidays. Almost all drivers in the UK could benefit from winter tyres’ increased performance in temperatures below seven degrees.

France: There is no general obligation for winter tyres in France. On some mountain roads winter tyres can be mandatory. Winter tyres should be mounted in most regions in France.

Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg: The harsh winter in the 20004/2005 season has again demonstrated the need for winter tyres also in the non-typical winter tyre markets. Winter tyres are today quite popular among drivers in Luxembourg and the Eastern part of Belgium (the Ardennes) as the drivers have noticed that winter tyres bring them additional safety during the unpredictable winter season. Winter tyres are not mandatory across the Benelux countries but highly recommendable, especially for drivers who have to rely on their car on a daily basis.

Scandinavian Countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden

Denmark: There is no obligation to fit winter tyres in Denmark but it is highly recommendable to use winter tyres due to the strong winters in Denmark.
Norway: In Norway there is no general obligation to fit winter tyres during the winter season but the Norwegian law requires “tyres with sufficient grip” and at least 3 mm tread depth. The police decide case by case and The Scandinavian Tyre & Rim Organization (STRO) recommends driving only with good winter tyres during winter in Norway. These rules also apply to tourists.

Finland: Finland’s extreme climate means winter tyres are mandatory between 1 December and 1 March for everyone including tourists. The winter tyres have to have at least 3 mm tread depth.

Sweden: In Sweden the use of winter tyres is required by law between 1 December and 31 March if there are winter conditions. This rule applies as well if only the small back roads are covered with snow and slush. This regulation doesn’t apply to tourists travelling to Sweden, but tourists are only allowed to drive on tyres with a minimum of 3mm remaining tread depth. In general, tourists should never access Scandinavian countries with summer tyres during winter.

Baltic countries: Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia

Estonia: Winter tyres are legally required from 1 December until 1 April. This time frame can change depending on the weather conditions.

Lithuania: Winter tyres are legally required from 10 November to 1 April.

Latvia: From 1 December until February 29 drivers in Latvia are only allowed to drive with winter tyres. In all three Baltic countries these legal regulations also apply to tourists.

Russia and Eastern European countries

Russia: There is no legislation regarding winter tyres in Russia yet. Normal winter tyres are sufficient for the southern and western part of Russia, the regions close to the European borders. For the Siberian region and the eastern part of Russia studded winter tyres are recommended.

Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland: There is no general obligation for the use of winter tyres in these countries but due to the strong winters in most regions of Eastern Europe drivers are advised to mount winter tyres. In Hungary the cars have to have a set of snow chains in their boot during winter.

Southern European countries

Italy: There is no general obligation for winter tyres in Italy but in particular for the northern part of Italy winter tyres are highly recommended.
Slovenia: Between 15 November and 15 March cars in Slovenia have to be equipped with winter tyres. If there is snow on the streets tourist drivers also have to be equipped with winter tyres. If there is no snow on the roads tourists have to follow the rules of their home countries. In winter tourists should never drive to Slovenia without winter tyres, in particular if they are planning to drive through the northern part of Slovenia, according to Goodyear.