Going on a winter holiday by car? Here are the rules around winter tyres in Europe

Belgium and the Netherlands: recommended but not mandatory

In Belgium and the Netherlands, winter tyres are not mandatory but strongly recommended once temperatures drop below 7°C or when snow or ice is forecast.

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  Belgium: Winter tyres with the M+S or 3PMSF symbol can be used all year round. The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, but 4 mm is recommended for optimal grip. Snow chains are allowed but only if the road is covered with snow or ice.
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  Netherlands: Winter tyres are also not mandatory here, and snow chains or studded tyres are even prohibited.

Germany and Luxembourg: mandatory in winter conditions

In Germany and Luxembourg, there is no fixed period for winter tyres, but they are mandatory in winter conditions (such as snow, ice, or mud). Only tyres with the 3PMSF symbol (mountain with snowflake) are allowed.

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  Tyres with only the “M+S” marking are no longer accepted.
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  All-season tyres are allowed if they carry the 3PMSF symbol.
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  Studded tyres are prohibited.

Note: driving without winter tyres in snow or ice risks not only a fine but also liability in case of an accident.

Austria: clear winter period

In Austria, a mandatory winter equipment rule applies from November 1 to April 15 in winter conditions.

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  Winter tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm and bear the 3PMSF symbol.
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  All-season tyres are allowed as long as they carry the alpine symbol (3PMSF).
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  Snow chains are mandatory when indicated by a traffic sign and the road is covered with snow or ice.
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  Studded tyres are prohibited.

France: mandatory in certain mountain areas

Since the Montagne Law II (effective between November 1 and March 31), France has specific rules in 34 departments, including the Alps, Pyrenees, and Vosges. Vehicles must either:

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  Be equipped with winter tyres bearing the 3PMSF symbol
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  Carry anti-slip devices (chains or snow socks) on board.

Outside these zones, there is no general obligation, but if you are heading to the mountains, it is better to be prepared. Tip: Check in advance whether your destination is in a mandatory area.

Switzerland: not mandatory, but your own responsibility

In Switzerland, winter tyres are not legally mandatory, but the authorities expect drivers to keep control of their vehicle regardless of conditions.

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  If you drive with summer tyres on snow and cause an accident, you can be held liable.
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  Insurers may refuse to cover damages and may even sue you for negligence.

In short: no fine without snow tyres, but a risk in case of an accident. It is smarter to simply be well prepared.

Italy: regional differences

In Italy, the obligation depends on where you drive:

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  On the A22 (Brenner motorway) and in the Valle d’Aosta region, winter tyres are mandatory from October 15 to April 15.
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  Elsewhere, the obligation only applies where indicated by traffic signs, often in mountainous regions.

In those regions, snow chains can be used as an alternative to winter tyres.

So make sure you have chains or that your tyres carry the 3PMSF symbol to avoid issues during checks.

The rest of Europe

Going further? Keep in mind the rules in these countries as well:

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  Scandinavia (Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania): strict obligation between November and March, often with a minimum tread depth (3 to 4 mm). In Lithuania, the obligation lasts until 1 April.
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  Southern Europe (Spain, Greece, Portugal): only mandatory in mountainous areas or where traffic signs indicate.
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  Eastern Europe (Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Romania): winter tyres are mandatory in winter months or during snowfall, usually with a minimum tread depth of 3 or 4 mm.
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  Slovakia: mandatory in winter conditions, similar to Germany.

All-season tyres: allowed, but pay attention to the symbol Do you drive with all-season tyres? Then check if they carry the 3PMSF symbol — only then are they recognized as winter tyres in most countries. Tyres with only the M+S marking are increasingly less accepted. Without that symbol, you risk a fine in countries such as Germany or Austria.

Snow chains and snow socks: useful, but no replacement Snow chains or snow socks can be helpful in mountainous areas, but they do not replace winter tyres. They provide temporary extra grip on snowy roads but are only intended for low speeds and short distances. Use them only when really necessary and remove them as soon as the road is clear again to prevent damage to your tyres and the road surface.

Prepare well Whether you are heading to France, Austria, or Switzerland, a little preparation makes a big difference. Check in time whether your tyres carry the correct symbol and if your tread depth is adequate. That will help you a long way.