Winter Tyre Rules by Country
Choose a country to see whether winter tyres are required today and how many days are left.
- Period
- No fixed dates
- Minimum tread
- Not confirmed by our source
- Marking
- Not confirmed by our source
- Studded tyres
- Not confirmed by our source
- Fine
- Not confirmed by our source
Checked 31 October 2026 · Open source
Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, or medical advice.
The rules differ more than most drivers expect. Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Sweden set fixed dates, Finland, the Czech Republic and Austria apply them in wintry conditions within a set period, and Germany has no dates at all. The tool counts the days from today and shows which rule applies in the selected country.
Rules change, so each country links to the source we checked. For a trip abroad, confirm the details with the official traffic authority of that country.
Ad
Discover your destiny!Tarot MagicTarot card readingsStart Reading ✦Frequently Asked Questions
When are winter tyres mandatory in Lithuania?
From 10 November to 31 March. In this period summer tyres are banned, so winter and all-season tyres are both allowed. The minimum tread is 3 mm.
Are winter tyres mandatory in the UK?
No. The UK has no winter tyre law, though tyres must still be in a roadworthy condition.
Are winter tyres mandatory in Germany?
There are no fixed dates. They are required whenever the road has black ice, packed snow, slush or slippery frost. Tyres must carry the Alpine symbol, and the fine for the driver is €60–120 and 1 point.
What does the 3PMSF marking mean?
It is the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, showing that a tyre passed a snow traction test. M+S alone is no longer enough in several countries, including France, Germany, Latvia and Sweden.
What tread depth do winter tyres need?
It depends on the country: 3 mm in Lithuania, Estonia, Finland and Sweden, and 4 mm in Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria. In Germany the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, with 4 mm recommended.
Can I use all-season tyres instead?
Often yes, if they carry the required marking. In France and Germany an all-season tyre needs the 3PMSF symbol. In Lithuania the rule targets summer tyres, so all-season tyres are allowed.