Which Countries In Europe Require Winter Tyres?

If you are planning to drive through Europe this winter, thinking about your tyres should be near the top of the to-do list. 

Winter tyre laws vary from one country to the next, and have changed significantly in recent years - with more changes potentially on the way given recent weather events. 

Several countries, for example, now require tyres carrying the 3PMSF symbol (the three-peak mountain snowflake), which means the tyre has been independently tested for snow performance. 

This guide covers the current winter tyre requirements across Europe's most popular driving destinations, so you can stay legal and safe whether you are heading for the ski slopes or just passing through.

Why drive through Europe during the winter?

The ski season in Europe runs roughly from November to April, so it covers all the wintery months. While flying in sounds fun and relatively hassle-free, once you’ve added up the cost of the flights, accommodation, and equipment, it can be quite pricey, especially if you’re taking the family.

But there is one thing you can do to reduce the overall cost: drive to the Alps instead of flying. This is just one example of how driving in Europe in the winter moths can prove to be a great idea.

You do, however, need to give careful consideration to your car and, in particular, your tyres, when driving through Europe in the winter. 

Driving through France in the winter

From the United Kingdom, it’s very achievable to drive all the way to the French Alps in one day, albeit a long one.

If you’re travelling from the South East of England you can reasonably expect to be in the car for about ten hours. With this in mind, it’s no wonder most self-drive skiers opt for resorts in France like Méribel, Courchevel, and Chamonix that can be reached in time for dinner.

Country-by-country winter tyre requirements

France

France's rules are regional. In total, 34 mountain departments across the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges, and Corsica require drivers to either fit 3PMSF winter tyres or carry snow chains or socks. 

This requirement impacts drivers from 1st November to 31st March during the year, and road signs typically mark zone boundaries to let you know where they are mandatory.

Outside these areas, there might not be the same legal obligation, but temperatures across northern France are regularly low during the winter months, and so winter tyres will give you the grip you need, even on dry roads.

Germany

Germany's winter tyre law is situational rather than based on the time of year. Your tyres have to fit the conditions of the road, such as the right tyres being fitted whenever the road surface is affected by wintry conditions, whether that means snow and ice or even just a layer of frost.

Only 3PMSF-marked tyres are now accepted, and studded tyres are banned entirely. Studded tyres are an older way to improve grip in tough conditions, but the small metal pins embedded in them can cause road damage and contribute to both air and noise pollution.

Austria

You will not find many countries stricter than Austria. Between 1st November and 15th April every calendar year, all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes must have winter tyres on all four wheels when roads are covered in snow or ice, or when conditions could ‘reasonably’ produce them. 

All-season tyres are acceptable if they carry the M+S or 3PMSF marking.

The minimum tread depth is 4mm for radial tyres and 5mm for cross-ply, well above the UK's 1.6mm legal minimum. 

Switzerland

There is no legal requirement for winter tyres in Switzerland. But local laws require drivers to be in control of their vehicle at all times, and if you cause an accident on summer tyres in winter conditions, you can be found liable. 

This means your insurer may refuse to cover the damage if you are found to be at fault due to the use of incorrect tyres.

Winter tyres are effectively essential for anyone driving in Switzerland between October and Easter. Snow chains should also be carried, as they are mandatory on certain mountain roads where signs indicate they are required.

Italy

Italy is fragmented because local authorities can set their own rules alongside national regulations. The general rule is that winter tires or snow chains must be available on signposted roads from 15th November to 15th April, though regions may vary these dates. 

M+S tyres are still accepted, though 3PMSF is always the better choice. Studded tyres are permitted for passenger vehicles during the winter period, roughly from late October to late March.

Scandinavia

Finland requires winter tyres from 1st November to 31st March regardless of weather, with a minimum tread depth of 3mm. Studded tyres are allowed and widely used during the same period.

Sweden mandates winter tyres from 1st December to 31st March when winter conditions exist. From November 2025, extended rules also apply to heavy vehicles.

Norway does not technically mandate winter tyres for passenger cars, but you must have tyres with sufficient grip for the conditions, and a depth tread of at least 3mm is expected.

Spain

Winter tyres are not mandatory as a general rule, but the country does use road signs to indicate when snow chains are required on mountain routes during severe weather conditions. 

The blue R-402 "Cadenas obligatorias" sign means you must stop and fit chains before continuing. Winter tyres can substitute for chains where signs allow.

Winter tyre rules in other countries 

• The Czech Republic requires winter tyres from 1st November to 31st March on snow-covered or icy roads, with a minimum tread depth of 4mm. Studded tyres are banned.
• Croatia requires winter equipment from 15th November to 15th April: four winter tyres, or four summers with at least 4mm tread plus chains in the boot.
• Denmark now requires cars to be fitted with winter or all-season tyres following its July 2025 law change.
• Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK have no mandatory winter tyre requirement. 

Snow chains and when to fit them

Snow chains are required in many mountain regions, and you should consider where to fit them before you start your journey. Fitting them on bare tarmac damages your tyres and wears the chains, so only fit chains when there is a significant covering of snow on the road and your winter tyres are struggling for grip. 

Road signs will indicate where chains become mandatory. In France, you are required to carry chains even if winter tyres are fitted, as a precaution for the steepest sections. It is always worth practising fitting them at home, before you need to do it while you’re on an icy road.

Getting the right tyres before you go

Not surprisingly, most British drivers are just not used to switching to winter tyres in the cold season. Other than some remote parts, our climate means we don’t typically get much snow, and because a lot of people think winter tyres are only for driving in snow, we don’t feel the need to switch.

But winter tyres are not just for snow and ice. The softer rubber compounds grip noticeably better once temperatures drop below 7c, which means they will keep you safer for the entire journey, not just the last climb to the resort. They will still be earning their keep when you are back driving through a cold British January.

To find out which winter tyres suit your car, speak to the team at your local Kwik Fit centre. They can advise on the right options, fit them, and make sure you are fully prepared before you set off.