Tire manufacturer, Goodyear, as every year, has prepared a very useful guide for the winter season, which will guide you through European countries in the area of the obligation to use winter tires. It is worth getting to know them, because from this year these regulations are changing in many countries. For the lack of appropriate tire marking, you can receive a high fine.
Before we move on to the regulations in specific countries, it is worth recalling what the individual symbols on them mean. Especially those related to the winter season. A tire marked with the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol has been designed for use in winter conditions and has undergone demanding tests confirming its effectiveness. In turn, the M+S symbol (short for "mud and snow") informs that the tire has been designed to cope with unfavorable road conditions, such as mud or snow, although this is not supported by rigorous tests.
Winter tyres are regulated by regulations that vary from country to country . In France, from 1 November to 31 March, in 34 mountainous departments, such as the Alps, the Massif Central or the Pyrenees, drivers must use winter tyres with the 3PMSF marking or carry snow chains. Road signs indicate the obligation to use these solutions in certain areas. Note! However, from 1 November 2024, tyres with the M+S symbol will no longer be accepted in these regions, and only tyres with the 3PMSF certificate will be required.
In Germany, regulations have been in force since 2017 requiring the use of winter tyres marked with the 3PMSF symbol in winter road conditions. The previous transitional period, during which M+S tyres manufactured before January 2018 could be used, ended in September 2024. Unlike in France, in Germany, these regulations do not cover a specific period of the year – drivers must use winter tyres when the weather requires it. The use of snow chains does not replace the obligation to use suitable tyres.
Similar changes apply to Sweden. From 1 December 2024, it is mandatory to use only 3PMSF tyres in winter road conditions between 1 December and 31 March. Tyres marked with the M+S symbol will no longer meet the required standards.
In Italy, winter tyre regulations vary by region. On selected roads and motorways, drivers must have winter tyres or snow chains on their vehicle, as indicated by appropriate signs. In general, the regulations apply from 15 November to 15 April, although in the Aosta Valley this period starts on 15 October. In South Tyrol, winter tyres are always required in snowy or icy conditions. Both M+S and 3PMSF tyres are accepted in this country.
In Spain, winter tires or snow chains are only required on designated roads marked with special signs or by decision of the authorities. Spanish regulations consider both M+S and 3PMSF tires as suitable for winter conditions, but studded tires are prohibited.
In countries such as Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, Slovenia and Turkey, the use of winter tires is mandatory during certain winter periods.
In some countries, such as Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Moldova, Norway, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Sweden, regulations require the use of winter tyres only in specific situations. For example, in Austria, from November 1 to April 15, winter tyres or snow chains must only be used on roads covered with snow, ice or slush. In other cases, their use is not necessary, and the minimum tread depth for winter tyres is 4 mm.
In countries such as Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, there is no legal obligation to change to winter tires.
Winter road conditions, such as snow, ice, or rain, pose additional challenges for drivers and fleet operators. Adequate traction, short braking distances, and safety on difficult surfaces are factors that determine transport safety. Therefore, choosing the right winter truck tires and installing them at the right time are the basis for ensuring road safety .
Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Moldova,
Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Russia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden
Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
*In these countries, changing tires during the winter is not mandatory. However, for your own safety, Goodyear recommends that drivers use tires suitable for the prevailing weather conditions. Requirements may vary from country to country, so it is recommended to check the current legal status regarding the use of winter tires before departure.
source: based on goodyear.pl
