Winter Driving Abroad
Legal Requirements for Winter Tyres Abroad
If you're planning a winter break it pays to fit Goodyear Cold Weather Tyres.
Fitting cold weather tyres is now a legal requirement in several European countries and many more may shortly follow suit.
In some countries it is against the law to drive on snow covered roads on Summer tyres and drivers who do so face a fine of up to €5000.†
Even in countries where cold weather tyres are not compulsory, there is a risk that your insurer will not cover the full cost of damage incurred in an accident that could have been prevented by fitting cold weather tyres.†
Shown below is a quick guide to the rules and regulations governing the use of cold weather tyres in some of Europe's most popular Winter holiday destinations (legislation is constantly being updated - make sure you check before you travel).
7°C Reasons to Fit Goodyear Cold Weather Tyres
- Improved performance at temperatures below 7°C
- Greater aquaplaning resistance on wet and slushy roads
- Shorter stopping distances on ice, snow and wet roads
- No loss of performance or comfort in normal conditions
- Increased tyre life
- Legal requirement when driving abroad*
- Proven technology from a brand you can trust
In Austria…
…drivers caught driving on snow covered roads on Summer tyres may be fined up to €5000.†
Insurers may…
…refuse to cover the full cost of accidents that could have been prevented by fitting cold weather tyres.†
*Mandatory in Austria, Switzerland, Italy (Val d'Aosta), Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Germany.
Cold weather tyre legislation around Europe
UK
At present there is no cold weather tyre legislation in the UK, however the average temperature in the UK from October 2009 to March 2010 was 2.5˚C, and there were 149* days below 7˚C. Goodyear recommend fitting cold weather tyres when the temperature is under 7˚C. Please see 7 key reasons for the benefits of using Goodyear Cold Weather Tyres.
Germany
Drivers are legally obliged to adapt their vehicle to suit weather conditions. Drivers with Summer tyres caught driving on snow covered roads or causing an obstruction may be fined.
Austria
It is a legal requirement for drivers to adapt their vehicle for Winter driving for the period from November 1st to April 15th. Drivers with Summer tyres caught driving on snow covered roads or causing an obstruction face fines of up to €5000. Cold weather tyres with less than 4mm of tread are classed as Summer tyres.
Switzerland
Changing tyres is not mandatory, but drivers can be held liable for the consequences of an accident that could have been prevented by fitting cold weather tyres. This also applies to cold weather tyres with less than 4mm of tread.
France
Cold weather tyres are not mandatory, however the use of Winter equipment like Winter chains or spikes are required on specific roads.
Norway
Norwegian law requires "tyres with sufficient grip" and at least 3mm tread. The Scandinavian Tire & Rim Organization (STRO) recommends fitting cold weather tyres for Winter driving.
Italy
From 15th October to 15th April vehicles must be equipped with cold weather tyres or snow chains in the Val d'Aosta area.
Finland
Cold weather tyres (marked with the M&S** symbol on the sidewall) are compulsory from 1st December to the end of February.
Sweden
Cold weather tyres (marked M&S)** are compulsory from December 1st until March 31st. Tourists are required to drive on tyres with a minimum tread depth of 3mm.
Eastern Europe
Cold weather tyres are compulsory in Estonia (December 1st- April 1st), Lithuania (November 10th - April 1st), Latvia (December 1st - February 29th) and Slovakia (November 15th - March 31st).
*Met Office data 2010. **M&S - Mud and Snow. †Data compiled by the Goodyear European PR team.