On the road
Winter tyres in Europe: what applies where
5 min read
Driving through Europe in winter means crossing several sets of rules. An overview written once and never updated is more dangerous than none — so here is what rarely changes, and where to look up what changes often.
The markings
Two symbols appear on the sidewall and mean different things. The alpine symbol — a mountain pictogram with a snowflake, often abbreviated 3PMSF — indicates a passed snow performance test. The letters M+S, by contrast, are merely a manufacturer's designation with no test behind them.
Several countries have moved from M+S to the alpine symbol in recent years. If you are buying new tyres, look for the alpine symbol — with it you are on the safe side everywhere anything is required at all.
Three kinds of rule
The European rule sets fall into three groups. Which group applies to which country does change — but the classification itself helps to understand them.
- Fixed periods: winter tyres are required between two calendar dates, regardless of the weather.
- Situational requirement: winter tyres are required as soon as wintry conditions prevail — snow, ice, slush.
- No general requirement, but liability: causing an accident on summer tyres in wintry conditions carries the consequences — in insurance terms and potentially in criminal law.
Chains, studs and trailers
On signed routes, snow chains can be required regardless of your tyres — above all on mountain passes. A set in the boot costs little and on some days is the condition for getting through at all.
Studded tyres are permitted in some countries and banned in others, and where they are permitted there are often separate periods and speed limits. Trailers and caravans sometimes have their own rules, differing from those for the towing vehicle.
Where to check the current position
The reliable sources are the motoring clubs of the countries concerned and their transport ministries. Both publish an updated overview before each winter. A figure in a guide — including this one — is only ever as current as its publication date, which is why no dates and no fine amounts are stated here.
A practical note for buying used: a second set of wheels with winter tyres included is a genuine argument in the price negotiation. A complete set on rims costs a substantial three- to four-figure sum new.