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2 minutes readTire requirements
In most countries, special requirements for tires are valid from November to April. During this period, you need to be as careful as possible and study in advance the weather forecast and the laws of the regions on your itinerary, otherwise, there is a risk of getting fined.
Countries where winter tires are obligatory: Armenia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey.
Winter tires must be marked with one of the signs M + S, MS, M – S, M & S and have a minimum tread depth of at least 3 mm, and in some countries 4 mm.
Countries where all-season tires are allowed: Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, Georgia, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland.
The catch is that you can ride on winter tires from Germany to France without any problem, but a ride on all-season tires from France to Germany risks a fine.
Tip
Even if you do not plan to leave a country where all-season tires are acceptable, rent a car with winter tires. That way, if you decide to go somewhere spontaneously, you won’t have to learn the rules or take risks.
Do I need snow chains?
Winter tires can be replaced not only by all-season ones but also by summer tires with snow chains – this option will be optimal in countries where most of the winter is spent above zero.
Please note: in order not to damage the road surface, chains should be used only when there is ice or snow on the road.
Tip
Keep snow chains in the trunk, even if the temperature is above zero: frost may hit suddenly. In many countries, especially where they are needed, chains are also leased.
Fines
The penalty for violating tire requirements in winter will depend on the region where you are stopped. In this case, not only a policeman but also a municipal employee can issue a fine.
For example, the penalty for driving without winter tires in Germany is €60. In Austria, the fine is less, €35, but if a traffic jam or accident occurs through your fault, it will immediately grow to up to €5,000.
There are no penalties for driving without snow chains.
Yes, there are many rules, requirements, and restrictions, but they do not have to stand between you and the dream journey. In order not to get into an unpleasant situation, plan your route in advance and study the requirements for tires and equipment in the regions visited. A special form on the site will help you search for the best option and obtain all the necessary information.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your manager.
