Winter tyres 2026: when to change, studded tyre season and tread depth

When is it compulsory to change to winter tyres?

The current Road Traffic Act (729/2018) entered into force on 1.6.2020. Under it, winter tyres must be used 1.11.–31.3. if the weather or road conditions require it. The law therefore no longer has a fixed period during which winter tyres would be mandatory regardless of conditions.

Previously, winter tyres were mandatory from the start of December to the end of February regardless of conditions. Many people still remember this rule, but it has not been in force since June 2020. In practice the responsibility lies with the driver: if the road is icy or snowy, winter tyres must be fitted in October or April too, for example.

According to Traficom, the winter tyre requirement applies to the following vehicles, among others:

passenger cars (gross mass up to 3,5 tonnes)
vans
special vehicles with a gross mass of up to 3,5 tonnes
motorcycles, mopeds and three- and four-wheelers
trailers with a mass over 0,75 tonnes and up to 3,5 tonnes

Permitted period for using studded tyres

Studded tyres may be used at the same time as winter tyres must be used, that is 1.11.–31.3. They may also be used at other times if the weather or road conditions require it. For example, during the first slippery days of October or a spring snowfall in April, studded tyres are permitted.

Before the 2020 law reform, studded tyres could be used from the beginning of November until the Monday after Easter. The Easter-linked rule no longer exists.

If studded tyres are used on a car, all tyres must be studded. Studs must therefore not be fitted on the front tyres only. There are no time-of-use restrictions for friction tyres, but they must meet the winter tyre requirements when winter tyres are required.

Tread depth: legal minimum and recommendation

The tread depth of winter tyres must be at least 3 mm. The statutory minimum tread depth for summer tyres is 1,6 mm.

The legal limit is a minimum level, not a safe target. Traficom recommends a tread depth of at least 5 mm for winter tyres in difficult conditions, such as snow or slush. The corresponding recommendation for summer tyres is at least 4 mm, for example to avoid aquaplaning.

Tread depth can be measured with a tread depth gauge, sold cheaply at petrol stations and car accessory shops. Measure the width and circumference of the tyre at several points, because a tyre can wear unevenly. At the same time, check that the tyre has no cracks, bulges or loose studs.

Friction tyres or studded tyres?

Both are legal winter tyres. A studded tyre usually grips better on icy roads, while a friction tyre is quieter and suits bare or salted roads well. The choice depends on the roads you drive on: in city driving a friction tyre is often enough, while in sparsely populated areas and on icy roads a studded tyre is the safer choice for many.

According to Traficom, from 1.12.2024 friction tyres and other non-studded winter tyres on passenger cars and vans have had to bear the snow grip marking. The marking is a three-peak mountain symbol with a snowflake inside. The M+S marking alone is therefore not enough. The voluntary ice grip marking indicates that the tyre is also suitable for demanding icy conditions.

Studded tyres must also be approved. In its supervision, Traficom has found studded tyres on sale that lack approval, so buy tyres from a reliable seller and check the markings.

Tyre changeover and tyre hotel

You can change tyres yourself if you have a jack, the right tool and a torque wrench. The wheel nuts are tightened to the torque specified by the car manufacturer, and the tightness is checked after a few dozen kilometres of driving. It is worth adjusting the tyre pressures to match the car's manual when changing tyres.

Tyre shops and many service stations offer a changeover service and a tyre hotel where off-season tyres are stored. The price of a tyre hotel is affected by, for example, the location, the rim size and whether washing and a condition check are included. Ask for a quotation and book in good time, because after the first slippery days changeover queues lengthen quickly.

If you store the tyres yourself, wash them and keep them in a cool, dry and dark place. Mark the position of each tyre on the car so that next time they can be rotated for more even wear.

Frequently asked questions

Is the winter tyre requirement still in force from December to February?

No. Since 2020, winter tyres have had to be used from 1.11. to 31.3. if the weather or road conditions require it. There is no longer a fixed obligation independent of conditions.

May you drive with studded tyres in October?

Yes, if weather or road conditions require it. Otherwise the period for using studded tyres is 1.11.–31.3.

What is the smallest permitted tread depth for winter tyres?

The law requires at least 3 mm. Traficom recommends at least 5 mm for difficult winter conditions.

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The article is general information and does not replace the guidance of an authority, a lawyer or an adviser. Check up-to-date information from the sources.