Winter tyre rules by country

Scope: passenger cars up to 3.5 t. The summaries below do not cover every exemption, trailer, bus, truck, studded-tyre restriction or local order. Checked source sections are linked beside each country; a page review date is not a guarantee that the law will remain unchanged.

Germany

Winter road conditions require Alpine-symbol tyres on all wheels, subject to statutory exceptions. M+S alone does not satisfy the current passenger-car rule.

Source: Bundesrecht — StVO §2(3a) · Bundesrecht — StVZO §36(4)

Austria

For cars up to 3.5 t, 1 November–15 April applies only in winter road conditions while driving. Winter tyres on all wheels may bear M+S variants or a snowflake; chains on at least two driven wheels are an alternative only on continuous snow/ice.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at — Cars and trucks up to 3.5 t

Finland

November–March when conditions require; 3 mm minimum. Non-studded winter tyres for cars/vans require 3PMSF from December 2024.

Source: Traficom — Winter tyres; three-peak mountain snowflake

Sweden

1 December–31 March in winter road conditions; passenger-car winter tyres need 3PMSF or studs and at least 3 mm tread. Studs are permitted 1 October–15 April and outside this period if winter conditions exist or are expected.

Source: Transportstyrelsen — Winter tyres; tread; studded tyres

Norway

At least 3 mm tread from 1 November through the first Sunday after Easter Monday; in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark 16 October–30 April. Adequate grip is required regardless of date.

Source: Statens vegvesen — Tread depth; adequate road grip

Czechia

1 November–31 March when snow, ice or frost is present or can be expected; passenger-car winter tyres need at least 4 mm tread.

Source: Policie ČR — §40a; winter equipment

France

1 November–31 March in designated mountain communes: winter tyres or carried removable anti-slip devices. Winter tyres require Alpine plus M+S/M.S/M&S markings; M+S alone requires the additional devices.

Source: Service Public — Pneus hiver en période hivernale

Netherlands

Winter tyres are not compulsory; studded tyres are prohibited.

Source: Rijksoverheid — Winterbanden; spijkerbanden

Poland

There is no general legal obligation to change to winter tyres; this does not remove the need for suitable, serviceable tyres.

Source: Policja Rybnik — Wymiana opon na zimowe

Switzerland

No general winter-tyre mandate; unsuitable tyres can still have liability consequences.

Source: Bundesamt für Energie — FAQ 25: Winterreifen

Italy

Road operators apply winter-equipment ordinances, generally 15 November–15 April with local exceptions. Check the exact road and current ordinance for tyres or chains.

Source: Provincia autonoma di Bolzano — Descrizione; direttiva n. 1580/2013

Spain

Follow current DGT road restrictions and equipment instructions in snow; the permitted route depends on conditions and traffic controls.

Source: DGT — Estado de vialidad; nieve

Before crossing a border

1. List every country and mountain road on the route, including the return trip. Check current closures, signs and local winter orders.
2. Identify the vehicle category and any trailer. Compare the tyre sidewall markings, condition and tread with that category’s requirements.
3. Check whether suitable chains or other devices must be carried or fitted. Confirm compatibility and use instructions in the vehicle and device manuals.

This guide does not estimate fines, promise insurance cover or certify a trip as lawful. Belgium, the United Kingdom and Russia are outside this checked rule set; verify their current requirements with the relevant transport authority.