Winter Tires for Trucks

3PMSF requirements, chains & fines for HGVs in Europe

For professional truck drivers (over 3.5t), winter requirements are much stricter than for cars. Since October 2024, 3PMSF symbol is mandatory on drive and steering axles in Germany and other EU countries.

What changed in 2024-2025?

Mandatory 3PMSF on critical axles

Since October 1, 2024, trucks >3.5t in Germany must have 3PMSF on drive and steering axles. M+S is no longer sufficient.

Mandatory chain carriage

Austria, Norway, Bulgaria and Czech Republic require chains even with winter tires. Norway requires up to 7 chains.

Stricter tread depth requirements

On truck drive axles — 3-6 mm (depending on country), unlike 1.6 mm for cars.

Country classification by requirements

Strictest

3PMSF mandatory + chains mandatory

Strict

3PMSF on drive axles + chains recommended

Moderate

M+S acceptable + chains when indicated

Requirements by country

🇦🇹 Austria Strictest

Period November 1 — April 15

Requirement Winter tires 5-6 mm OR chains. Metal chains only — textile prohibited.

Chains Mandatory to carry. Metal only (ÖNORM V5117/V5119).

Fine €35 — €5,000

🇳🇴 Norway Strictest

Period South: Nov 1 — after Easter. North: Oct 16 — Apr 30

Requirement Winter tires on all axles. 3PMSF or M+S.

Chains MANDATORY: Without trailer — 2 pcs. With trailer — 7 pcs!

Fine Significant fines

🇩🇪 Germany Strict

Period When winter conditions (situational)

Requirement From 01.10.2024: 3PMSF mandatory on drive and steering axles. M+S no longer accepted.

Chains Recommended.

Fine €60 + penalty points

🇫🇷 France Strict

Period November 1 — March 31 (mountain zones)

Requirement Loi Montagne II: 3PMSF + M+S both required. M+S only no longer accepted.

Chains Mandatory for trucks with trailers.

Fine €135 + immobilization

🇸🇪 Sweden Strict

Period December 1 — March 31

Requirement 3PMSF or M+S on drive and steering axles. 5 mm on drive.

Chains Recommended.

Fine Variable

🇨🇿 Czech Republic Moderate

Period November 1 — March 31

Requirement M+S or 3PMSF. Depth: 4 mm (<3.5t), 6 mm (>16t).

Chains Must be carried.

Fine up to 2,500 CZK

Summary table

Winter tire and chain requirements for trucks >3.5t

Country	3PMSF	Depth	Chains	Fine
🇦🇹 Austria	Recommended	5-6 mm	Mandatory	€35-5,000
🇳🇴 Norway	Accepted	3-5 mm	Mandatory	Variable
🇩🇪 Germany	Mandatory	3 mm	Recommended	€60+
🇫🇷 France	Mandatory	3.5 mm	Mandatory	€135
🇸🇪 Sweden	Preferred	5 mm	Recommended	Variable
🇫🇮 Finland	Mandatory	3 mm	Recommended	Variable
🇨🇿 Czech Republic	Accepted	4-6 mm	Mandatory	~€100
🇸🇰 Slovakia	Accepted	3 mm	Recommended	€50-100
🇸🇮 Slovenia	Accepted	3 mm	Mandatory	€40-1,000
🇧🇬 Bulgaria	Accepted	4 mm	Mandatory	Variable
🇨🇭 Switzerland	Recommended	4 mm	When signed	Liability
🇱🇺 Luxembourg	Accepted	1.6 mm	Allowed	Variable
🇵🇱 Poland	Recommended	1.6 mm	Recommended	N/A
🇭🇺 Hungary	Accepted	1.6 mm	Recommended	~€100
🇷🇴 Romania	Accepted	4 mm	Recommended	~€200

Snow chains for trucks

For trucks, chains are often mandatory even with winter tires. Textile "snow socks" are usually not accepted.

Countries with mandatory chain carriage

Norway — 7 Chains!

Norway: Without trailer — 2 chains. With trailer — 7 chains!

Metal chains

Universally accepted. Installation: 15-30 min. Speed: 30-50 km/h. Price: €200-600.

Automatic Onspot

Button installation in 10 sec. Accepted in Norway. Price: €2000-4000.

Textile

NOT recommended for trucks. In Austria — categorically prohibited.

Maximum speed with chains: 50 km/h

Practical recommendations

Check 3PMSF symbol

Ensure all tires on drive and steering axles have 3PMSF (mountain with snowflake).

Know route requirements

Austria — metal chains. Norway — 7 chains with trailer. France — 3PMSF + M+S.

Check tread depth

5-6 mm for Austria, 3-4 mm for other countries on drive axles.

Install chains early

Install chains BEFORE the mandatory chains sign, not after.

Keep documentation

Keep a list of winter tire and chain equipment for inspections.

Remove chains on time

Driving with chains on clear asphalt damages the road and is fined.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How many chains are needed in Norway?

Truck without trailer — 2 chains. With trailer — 7 chains (2 for truck + 4 for trailer + 1 spare). This is an official requirement.

Can textile chains be used for trucks?

In most countries — no. In Austria, textile chains are categorically prohibited for trucks. Metal only.

What is 3PMSF and why is it important?

3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) — pictogram of mountain with snowflake. Since October 2024 mandatory in Germany, France and other countries on critical truck axles.

What tread depth is required for trucks?

Depends on country: Austria — 5-6 mm, Czech Republic — 6 mm (>16t), most countries — 3-4 mm on drive axles.

Are winter tires needed on trailer?

In most countries M+S is sufficient on trailers until 2028-2029. However, 3PMSF is gradually becoming mandatory.

Back to portal