Requirements by country, chains & studs
Since 2024, new winter tire rules apply in most European countries. M+S marking is no longer sufficient — the 3PMSF symbol (mountain peak with snowflake) is required. Find out which tires you need for your destination country.
From October 1, 2024, in Germany, Austria, and other EU countries, tires with 3PMSF marking (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) — a pictogram of a mountain peak with a snowflake — are mandatory for winter driving. The old M+S (Mud and Snow) marking no longer meets the requirements.
Why does this matter? 3PMSF tires undergo special snow surface tests and provide better safety at temperatures below +7°C.
Fixed dates: winter tires mandatory regardless of weather
Winter tires required during winter conditions (snow, ice, frost)
Requirements depend on region or altitude
Snow chains are an essential accessory for traveling in European mountain regions. Since 2024, the EN 16662-1 standard applies to snow socks (textile covers).
On road sections with the "Chains mandatory" sign (blue circular sign with chain symbol). Usually mountain passes and winding roads.
Classic option. Best grip on snow and ice. Requires practice to install.
Lighter, easier to install. EN 16662-1 standard. Allowed as alternative in most countries.
Quick mounting. Suitable for passenger cars. More expensive than regular chains.
| Type | Grip | Installation | Max Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Chains | Excellent | Difficult | 50 km/h | €30-80 |
| Snow Socks (Textile) | Good | Easy | 50 km/h | €50-120 |
| Spider / Spikes | Excellent | Very easy | 50 km/h | €150-300 |
Studded tires provide the best grip on ice but are banned in many European countries due to road surface damage.
Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania — with date restrictions. Austria — only on some marked roads.
Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy (except South Tyrol), France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg.
Switzerland — allowed but banned on motorways. Italy — allowed only in South Tyrol Nov 15-Apr 15.
Complete information on winter tire requirements in 31 European countries
| Country | Mandatory? | Period | Min. Depth | Marking | Fine (€) | Studs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇹 Austria | Yes (situational) | Nov 1 - Apr 15 | 4 mm | 3PMSF or M+S | €100-10,000 | Allowed (Oct 1 - May 31) |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | No | N/A | 1.6 mm | N/A | N/A | Banned |
| 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina | Yes | Nov 15 - Apr 15 | 4 mm | M+S | €Variable | Banned |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | Yes (situational) | Nov 15 - Mar 1 | 4 mm | M+S or 3PMSF | €25 | Banned |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | Yes (situational) | Nov 15 - Apr 15 | 4 mm | M+S or 3PMSF | €100 | Banned |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | Yes (situational) | Nov 1 - Mar 31 | 4 mm (<3.5t), 6 mm (>3.5t) | M+S or 3PMSF | €55-92 | Banned |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | No | N/A | 3 mm | N/A | N/A | Allowed (Oct 1 - Apr 15) |
| 🇪🇪 Estonia | Yes | Dec 1 - Mar 1 | 3 mm | 3PMSF (since Dec 2022) | €Variable | Allowed (Oct 15 - Mar 31) |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | Yes (situational) | Dec 1 - Mar 31 | 3 mm | M+S or 3PMSF | €Variable | Allowed (Nov 1 - Mar 31) |
| 🇫🇷 France | Yes (regional) | Nov 1 - Mar 31 | 1.6 mm | 3PMSF + M+S (2024+) | €135 | Allowed (Nov - Mar) |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Yes (situational) | When conditions require | 1.6 mm | 3PMSF only (since Oct 2024) | €60 + points | Banned |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | No | N/A | 1.6 mm | N/A | N/A | Allowed (if conditions) |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | No | N/A | 1.6 mm | N/A | N/A | Banned |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Yes (regional) | Nov 15 - Apr 15 | 1.6 mm | M+S (3PMSF preferred) | €80-300+ | Allowed (Nov 15 - Mar 15 (<3.5t)) |
| 🇱🇻 Latvia | Yes | Dec 1 - Mar 1 | 4 mm | 3PMSF (since Dec 2024) | €Variable | Allowed (Oct 1 - May 1) |
| 🇱🇹 Lithuania | Yes | Nov 10 - Apr 1 | 3 mm | 3PMSF or M+S | €Variable | Allowed (Nov 1 - Apr 9) |
| 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | Yes (situational) | When conditions require | 1.6 mm | M+S or 3PMSF | €Variable | Allowed (Dec 1 - Mar 31) |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | No | N/A | 1.6 mm | N/A | N/A | Banned |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | Yes (situational) | Nov 1 - after Easter | 3 mm | M+S or 3PMSF | €Variable | Allowed (fees in cities) |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | No | N/A | 1.6 mm | N/A | N/A | Banned |
| 🏳 Portugal | No | N/A | 1.6 mm | N/A | N/A | Banned |
| 🇷🇴 Romania | Yes (situational) | Nov 1 - Mar 31 | 1.6 mm | M+S or 3PMSF | €Variable | Allowed (if conditions) |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | Yes (situational) | Nov 1 - Apr 1 | 4 mm | M+S | €Variable | Banned |
| 🇸🇰 Slovakia | Yes (situational) | Nov 15 - Mar 31 | 4 mm | M+S or 3PMSF | €50-100 | Banned |
| 🇸🇮 Slovenia | Yes | Nov 15 - Mar 15 | 3 mm | M+S | €40-1,000 | Banned |
| 🏳 Spain | No | N/A | 1.6 mm | N/A | N/A | Allowed (Nov 15 - Mar 31) |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | Yes (situational) | Dec 1 - Mar 31 | 3 mm | M+S or 3PMSF | €Variable | Allowed (Oct 1 - Apr 15) |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | No | N/A | 1.6 mm (4 mm recommended) | M+S or 3PMSF (recommended) | €Liability risk | Allowed (Nov 1 - Apr 30) |
| 🏳 Ukraine | No | N/A | 1.6 mm | N/A | N/A | Allowed (recommended) |
| 🏳 United Kingdom | No | N/A | 1.6 mm | N/A | N/A | Allowed (speed limits) |
Data current as of 2026. Please verify with official sources before traveling.
Most countries require minimum 4 mm for winter tires, though the legal minimum is often 1.6 mm. At 4 mm, braking effectiveness on snow drops by half.
Look for the 3PMSF pictogram (mountain with snowflake) — this guarantees the tire has passed winter tests. M+S is no longer sufficient in most countries.
If you travel to Europe infrequently, all-season tires with 3PMSF marking are a compromise option for trips any time of year.
Even if you have winter tires, chains may be needed on mountain passes. Practice installing them at home.
Some insurance companies may deny claims for winter accidents if the car had summer tires. Clarify policy terms.
Check requirements for all countries on your route. Rules can differ even in neighboring regions.
