Conti Summarises European Winter Tyre Laws

It’s getting cold out there, and tyre maker Continental notes “there are no Europe-wide regulations for winter tyres in sight.” So until the day when nations throughout the region are encouraged to sign up to the tyre world’s equivalent of EMU, those planning to take their vehicles across the Channel during the coming cold months need to study up on the various national regulations in effect. Fortunately, Continental has made such swotting easier by outlining the winter tyre rules currently in effect in Europe.

Of the European countries included in Conti’s list – the UK, along with Ireland, has remained in winter tyre splendid isolation – specific cold weather tyres are mandatory in just over the half, although several countries do not require foreign registered vehicles to have them fitted. Below is Continental’s latest winter tyre rule information, listed country-by-country.

Austria:

In Austria, winter tyres are mandatory from 1 November to 15 April. During this time, cars on the road in winter conditions may not be equipped with summer tyres. Winter tyres must have a tread depth of at least four millimetres. In addition, snow chains can also be mandated for certain stretches of road. Studs are permitted on vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes; speed limits apply.

Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg:

Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are not exactly renowned for winter sports. Nevertheless, vehicles should be equipped with winter tyres: In the hilly regions along the German border, snow is nearly a certainty, and in the other regions of our neighbours to the west, temperatures below freezing are common in winter. Without winter tyres, the braking distances become longer and longer. Winter tyres are not mandatory, spikes are forbidden.

Czech Republic

Winter tyres are mandatory by law in Czech Republic but only on certain highways as i.e. the D 1. This winter tyre obligation is effective from November 1 until March 31 and is indicated by special road signs.

Denmark:

The Danes are not required to have winter tyres, but a large percentage do change them. Spikes are permitted, but are hardly ever used. In view of the cold temperatures alone, winter tyres are recommended when travelling to wintry Denmark.

Estonia:

Winter tyres are mandatory from December 1 to the end of February. Depending on the weather conditions however, it is possible that this period starts earlier or ends later, as specified. Spikes are not permitted.

Finland:

In Finland, winter tyres are mandatory from December 1 through the end of February. Since 1999, this also applies to foreign vehicles.

France:

In France, winter tyres are not mandatory. Snow chains may be obligatory for certain stretches. Studded tyres can be fit on cars as well (from the beginning of November to the end of March, with speed limits of 90 km/h out of town, 50 km/h in town). The car must have a sticker indicating that it is equipped with studded tyres. Despite the fact that winter tyres are not mandatory, drivers should by no means do without, especially in the French Alps.

Germany:

According to German road traffic regulations (StVO), motorists are required to adapt the equipment of their car to the weather conditions, which is why we speak of “situation-based winter tyre requirement”. Motorists who violate this regulation are subject to fines and may have punitive points added to their driving record.

An amendment is likely to be made to the law this winter, specifying the weather conditions and tyre qualities in greater detail. An increase in fines is also expected.

Italy:

The use of winter tyres is not a requirement, although they can be specified for certain stretches. There are no specific regulations regarding the use of snow chains. Whoever wants to drive on studded tyres must comply with the speed limits (90 km/h out of town and 50 km/h in town). Never start off on a winter holiday in Italy without winter tyres.

Latvia:

Like in Finland, winter tyres are mandatory from December 1 through the end of February in Latvia.

Lithuania:

Winter tyres are obligatory here from 1 November to 1 April.

Norway:

Foreign vehicles in Norway are not required to have winter tyres, but it is highly recommended. In general, all motorists are required to equip their vehicles with tyres that are suited to the weather conditions and – if necessary – to carry snow chains. So there is no way to get around winter tyres in Norway as well.

Poland:

Whoever drives to Poland in winter is not required to have winter tyres. However, since there is hardly any snow removal in the countryside, driving without reliable winter tyres is a major risk.

Romania:

There are currently no regulations regarding winter tyres in Romania. The Ministry of Transportation has announced that the government will approve an emergency ordinance in December 2010 requiring motorists to equip their vehicles with winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March. The new regulation will go into effect in 2011.

Slovakia:

Winter tyres are mandatory in Slovakia. Keep in mind to equip your car when you go there for winter holidays.

Slovenia:

Winter tyres are obligatory from 15 November to 15 March in Slovenia. This means either winter tyres or radial tyres with a minimum tread depth of four millimetres. But according to Slovenian law, two winter tyres per vehicle are sufficient. Experts however highly recommend that winter tyres be fit on all wheels.

Sweden:

Foreign vehicles are not required to have winter tyres in the cold time of the year in Sweden as well. Winter tyres are however mandatory for Swedish vehicles. But driving to the land of elks without winter tyres is not recommended since sand is not spread on many roads.

Switzerland:

Winter tyres are not in general mandatory in Switzerland as well. However, winter tyres are recommended since if there was an accident which is proven to have been caused by summer tyres, the driver may be held jointly liable, which can have significant consequences. The Swiss collision insurance does not cover such cases. Snow chains and studs are optional. They may however be mandated by signs (also on all-wheel-drive vehicles). Studs are not permitted on most motorways in Switzerland. A speed limit of 80 km/h out of town and 50 km/h in town applies when driving on studded tyres. It is therefore a good idea to use winter tyres in Switzerland.