Winter driving in Europe can be spectacular - but driving regulations are something to be taken very seriously
European Winter Driving Regulations and Legislation - Winter Driver's Guide
Winter driving in Europe can be spectacular, but driving regulations are something to be taken very seriously
- Friday 15 November 2013
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Planning on taking your car to the continent this winter? Make sure your car is ready for long journeys, you've read our driving tips, and you're familiar with the rules for winter tyres across Europe.
| Winter Tyres tread depth requirement | Snow Tyres | Snow Chains | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra | 3mm | No legal requirement | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Austria | 4mm | Must be used between 1 November - 15 April, and if conditions dictate. | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Belgium | 3mm | No legal requirement | Permitted, but no legal requirement |
| Bulgaria | 3mm | No legal requirement | Should be carried 1 November - 31 March. Should be used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Czech Republic | 4mm | Must be carried between 1 November - 1 April, and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Denmark | 3mm | No legal requirement | Permitted, but no legal requirement |
| Estonia | 3mm (5mm in poor conditions) | Must be used between 1 November - 1 March, and if conditions dictate (dates can be extended). | Permitted, but no legal requirement |
| Finland | 3mm (5mm in poor conditions) | Must be used between 1 December - 31 March,and if conditions dictate. | Permitted, but no legal requirement |
| France | 3.5mm | No legal requirement | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Germany | 3mm | Must be used. | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Iceland | 3mm | Must be used between 1 November - 14 April and if conditions dictate. | Permitted, but no legal requirement |
| Ireland | 3mm | No legal requirement | Permitted, but no legal requirement |
| Italy | 3mm | Must be used between 15 October and 15 April, and if conditions dictate. | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Latvia | 3mm (5mm in poor conditions) | Must be used between 1 December - 1 March, and if conditions dictate, if your vehicle weighs less than 3.5 tons. | Permitted, but no legal requirement |
| Norway | 3mm | Strongly recommended, but no legal requirement and it is the norm. | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Poland | 3mm | No legal requirement | Permitted, but no legal requirement |
| Portugal | 3mm | No legal requirement | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Romania | 3mm | Must be used between 1 November - 31 March,and if conditions dictate. | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. |
| Russia | 3mm | No legal requirement | Permitted, but no legal requirement |
| Serbia | 3mm | Must be used. | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Slovenia | 3mm | Must be used between 1 December - 31 March,and if conditions dictate. | |
| Spain | 3mm | No legal requirement | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Sweden | 3mm | Must be used between 1 November - 31 March,and if conditions dictate. Tyres should be marked M&S or Mud and Snow. | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| Switzerland | 3mm | No legal requirement, but vehicles not equipped to travel through snow which impede traffic are liable to a fine. | Should be carried at all times and used as dictated by road conditions. Road signs indicate when they are compulsory. |
| UK | 3mm | No legal requirement | Permitted, but no legal requirement |
The information is provided purely as a guide and may not be 100% accurate. Information may be liable to change. Local regulations and legislation applies in many of the European countries above with regard to snow tyres and snow chains. You are strongly advised to check with local authorities before planning to travel.
Snow chains may only be used where there's sufficient snow covering to avoid any possibility of damage to the road surface. A fine may be imposed if damage is caused. There are also limitations as to when spiked and studded tyres can be used, which vary by country.
For more information on winter driving, read our Winter Driver's Guide.
- Friday 15 November 2013
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