Are you planning a trip to Europe by car? Learn about the use of studded tires in European countries.

Despite the fact that studded tires are highly respected in Russia, in most European countries, studded tires are in deep disgrace. First of all, the problem is that such vehicle equipment damages the roadway. Russian budgets allow repairing road ruts after each winter, while Europe saves and does not intend to incur extra costs.

So, if you are going on a winter road trip around Europe, you should clarify in advance whether spikes are allowed in the countries you are going to visit, since the rules for using winter tires in different European countries are different.

We would like to inform you in advance that from the automatic service of the site you can your journey.

They talk about thorns

Many travelers have already made sure in their own skin that it will not work to get around the strict ban on the use of studded tires. Here are some quotes from popular forums:

“We were traveling on the editorial Discovery from the polar Lapland, where there is no way without spikes. And the German border guards flatly refused to let us into Germany: “You have studded tires, but they are prohibited on our roads. Either buy normal tires at the nearest store, or pick out the studs!” I had to arm myself with screwdrivers. And only after the last spike was removed from the tread, they gave us our passports and wished us a happy journey.”

“Most likely, there will be control when crossing the border and during any police check. You can slip through, but it’s better not to risk it, because if you find it, they won’t let you go further: when the car does not meet the technical requirements, they simply call a tow truck, quickly and without talking.

As you can see, there is no point in arguing with the Euro-cops. The most correct decision is to strictly follow the rules established for your type of car. But the question remains - what to do if you decide to drive several countries by car?

The best strategy for traveling to Europe in winter

Since the rules for using winter tires in different European countries are different, we think the following approach is the most logical:

• We install winter non-studded tires allowed in Europe.
• We take chains with us and put them on the wheels if necessary.

As an option, drive around Scandinavia on spikes, and when moving, say, to Germany, leave your car in the parking lot and rent it.

Where can you still go on studded tires?

Spikes are allowed in Finland. This is clear. However, here you can also drive on studded tires only from November 1 to March 31. In addition, there are strict standards for the number of spikes and their “density”. The rules are different for different types cars: for cars, for trucks and for motorcycles they are different.

So you should clarify in advance whether your tires fit the strict rules or you need to change it before the trip. For example, for cars with 13-inch tires, the rules are set: no more than 90 spikes that protrude no more than 1.2 mm and exert pressure on the roadway not exceeding 120N. The calculations are quite complex. Many people find it easier to change tires to winter version without spikes and roll on it, having chains in reserve for emergencies.

In winter, in most European countries, you will be required to have winter tires. But again - it should be without thorns! But the presence of snow chains in many countries is either mandatory or encouraged. So, for example, in Albania, chains must be on board any car from November 1 to April 30.

More detailed information can be found in the table below. The main thing is to understand that the rules of the game can change, so before the trip you should check the current rules for the use of studded tires in the countries you are going to visit.

You can drive to Poland only on winter tires without studs. Polish law expressly prohibits the use of tires "equipped with a permanent anti-skid system" in the territory of the Commonwealth. Until 2010, there were no exceptions for anyone, then concessions were introduced for "vehicles participating in competitions and for bicycles."

And I saw on spikes!

Yes, there are cars with studded tires on the road in Poland, but here you need to understand. The fact is that in some EU countries the use of studded tires is allowed. For example, heading to Denmark, Finland, Norway, or Sweden, you will have absolutely no problems with entering the country if your iron horse is shod with metal at the border crossing. But if you are standing on the border with Poland, shod in spikes, then quite seriously and in full accordance with the law you may not be allowed into the country. And references to the fact that someone saw someone in Poland on spikes will have no meaning for the border guards.
As follows from practice, there are indeed cars with studded tires on Polish roads. As a rule, these cars come from the Scandinavian countries, where studded tires are allowed. And since these countries are in the Schengen zone, they are not in danger of being turned on the border. But this does not mean at all that the police cannot make claims against the drivers of these cars, because formally they violate the law.

Are winter tires compulsory in Poland?

No. Not required yet. There is no provision in Polish law regulating the replacement of summer tires with winter ones. Polish legislators have been working on the introduction of this obligation for several years now and, perhaps, this norm may soon be approved. And until this happens, not a single policeman in Poland has the right to write you a ticket for driving on summer tires during the cold season. This fact does not mean at all that this cannot become an extra reason for increased attention to you in case of a stop for another reason. So it's best not to risk it. As follows from the draft law on winter tires, its mandatory use is planned "in the period from November 1st to March 15th or from November 1st to March 1st." These dates should be taken seriously and do not plan a trip to Poland these days on summer tires. There is a risk that, having entered the country on October 31 without an adopted law, on the morning of November 1, you can turn out to be a delinquent. Moreover, this day in Poland is a holiday - All Saints' Day (Wszystkich Świętych). There are traditionally more police on the roads on holidays, and the size of fines in Poland will not please even wealthy people.
The fine will have to be paid on the spot by a police officer or several other services that also have the right to participate in control traffic. Offering a bribe to Polish police is strongly discouraged. Do not trust "experienced carriers" who claim that it is easy to "negotiate" with the police in Poland. Maybe this was once the case (which was also not the rule, by the way), but a lot has changed in Poland over the past 10 years. Including this. “Agreement” can and will work out, but with great luck and the fabulous kindness of the law enforcement officer (well, or you got “the one”). And as a rule, even after only one proposal to “agree”, a trip to Poland can drag on for several years due to departure to places not so remote (for example, from the city of Vronka).

Security

It was about security that Polish legislators thought about. They are seriously concerned about the statistics of accidents involving car owners who have not changed their tires to winter ones. Although "on camera" more than 90% of respondents were in favor of using winter tires, a detailed study of the survey figures does not add optimism. So, 5% of the respondents admitted that they basically drove all winter on summer tires, 13% went on all-weather tires, 79% installed winter tires, 3% did not know the brand of tires they were wearing at all, not to mention their seasonality.

Five percent should not mislead the reader, because this is every twentieth car. In addition, due to the mistaken belief that "difference in rubber properties is marketing propaganda", some motorists find it quite normal to drive on summer tires, or to put winter tires that are almost worn out. On closer examination, such beliefs are often built on the attempt of such car owners to save on tires and rubber shoes. According to police and insurance companies in Poland, such savings cost hundreds of lives of both pedestrians and drivers who were not lucky enough to be on the same winter road with an unfortunate economist.
On top of that, a lot of 4x4 drive adepts have recently appeared. Many of them are people involved in the household and have extensive experience in off-road driving. But there are also those who bought an SUV or a sedan for all-wheel drive reasons and have never left the asphalt. Four-wheel drive, in their opinion, is unsurpassed in safety. Among the latter, there is a category of motorists who believe that it is not necessary to install winter tires on an all-wheel drive car. That in itself is already extremely wrong. In Poland, the number of fans of the 4X4 formula is increasing every year, and convictions are a stubborn thing. As well as statistics. It is she who shows that four-wheel drive does not replace winter tires at all, but strongly requires it, just like classic and front-wheel drive.

We are so different - and yet we are together

Situation: you need to go to Poland, a hotel is booked, urgent matters are waiting, and the car has studded tires. The probability that they will be turned back at the border is very high.
Some come up with the following solution: “With the world on a string ...”, I’ll pick up 4 cylinders of Velcro (you never know who has something lying around in the garage), and when I return, I will distribute it back. The main thing is that they fit in size.
But getting out of the situation in this way is unlikely to succeed. Only if you manage to get tires with the same tread for each axle.
The fact is that Polish law prohibits the operation of a car on the same axle of which tires with different tread patterns are installed. The exception is only for dokatka, but even here it is better to have a punctured tire in the trunk to make it easier to explain that you are going to a tire shop. If such rubber is worth it only because it “got so close”, then the fine will not keep you waiting. Moreover, they can safely let you through at the border, because a border guard worker may well not focus on tires. But this function is already included in the duties of the traffic police.
In case you have different rubber, there are two options.
First: you will get off only with a fine on the spot, zloty 300-500. Option two: after paying the fine, you will have to buy a whole set of new winter tires. All this, taking into account the fact that the policeman will be in good mood or simply kind and, having entered into a position, will be limited to a fine. The norm of the law in this case provides for both a fine and the seizure of a technical passport. All this entails unplanned expenses, waste of time and a spoiled mood.
In general, you need to be aware that a car with a different tread pattern loses driving and traction. Health and life more expensive than tires and fines.
The result is simple: on one axle there should be a pair of identical tires, on the second one there may be a different brand and with a different pattern, but also the same. Then there will be no problems. As for installing winter tires only on the drive wheels, this cannot be done either.

Preparing for a trip to Poland by car

In case you are coming from Russia, besides the car itself and winter tires from November to March, we need a few more things. Of course, some drivers may not agree with the list, but practice shows that for a hassle-free movement in Poland, Belarus and Russia by car, the following are required:
1) Valid rights of the established form. In the case of Russian rights, there will be no problems with entry. It is not necessary to obtain special international rights to enter Poland.
2) Green card for Belarus and the Schengen zone. It will be better if you buy it from a well-known and reliable insurance company in advance and at a stationary sales office. Set aside a couple of extra days for your planned trip. For example: the start of the card is the day before or on the day of crossing the border, the end is a day or two after the planned date of departure, yet this is a road, there can always be delays.
3) Valid OSAGO policy. You need to travel across Russia.
4) Registration certificate.
Before leaving, it is better to check the availability of all auto documents. People forget the keys to the dacha. In this case, you will have to return from the border.
5) Fire extinguisher, warning triangle, first aid kit.
6) Reflective vest. If in Poland you get out of the car on the highway, for example, to add “windshield washer” to the tank, you need to have a reflective vest on you. Not to mention the replacement of the wheel in the dark.
By the way. From September 1, 2014, it is possible to walk on Polish roads outside the residential area at night only if you wear reflective elements on your clothes. Previously, the norm applied only to children, now it applies to all pedestrians. Be sure to make sure that your costume includes such inserts, or better, throw a reflective bracelet into your purse. The fine for a romantic country walk waiting for dawn without a reflector on oneself will be from 20 to 500 zlotys.
7) RUS sticker. A trifle, but it appears in the road convention, so you should not ignore it. For those who do not like these stickers, transparent black options are available. They are almost invisible on the rear tinted glass. But this does not change the fact that the law is observed and there is a sticker. The convention does not say exactly where on the body this sticker should be attached. From experience, it is convenient to place it on rear window in the top corner on the passenger side.
8) Optional: breathalyzer. There is no 00 ppm in Poland. The norm is 0.2. But if in the evening you consumed delicious Polish alcoholic beverages and in the morning you are not sure whether to drive or wait, then the breathalyzer will help you deal with the issue. Fines for driving under "dual gas" are impressive, as is the withdrawal of rights.

A pump, a jack, a spray can, a cable - should be in every car. Even if you have no idea what they serve, it can be represented by those who want to help you in case of need. A shovel might come in handy too. And matches. Is there a little…
It would also be useful to take paper map in addition to the navigator. Familiar experience of riding on a souvenir cushion with a map of Poland. Thankfully the map is accurate.


A DVR will also not be superfluous on board, because no one has canceled disputes on the road anywhere.
But the bat, pneumatics, traumatics, police baton, brass knuckles, armature with a handle, sling, sword, Rambo knife and anything else that can cause misunderstandings at the border should be left at home.

What exactly is worth arming yourself with is attentiveness, responsibility on the road and a positive mood.

Have a wide road and pleasant trips around Poland!

It is worth reminding those who travel through Poland in transit or want to travel from Poland, for example, to Lithuania. In some European countries neighboring Poland it is obligatory to wear winter tires. So, in the same Lithuania you will have to go on winter tires, starting from November 1 and until April 1. The law is binding on everyone.

• Germany and Poland are close, and winter tires are required only in "special atmospheric conditions."
• Winter tires are mandatory in Finland from 1 December to the end of February. As in Lithuania, the rules apply to tourists as well. By the way, it was in this country that such a thing as "winter tires" arose. In 1934, Nokian produced the first tires with properties that made them suitable specifically for winter conditions. They were intended for trucks. And in 1936, the first tire from the famous Nokian Hakkapeliitta series was released.
• In Estonia Winter tires Mandatory from 1 December to 1 April. In addition, here the traffic police reserves the right to lengthen or shorten this period depending on weather conditions.
• In Slovakia, you will have to change the shoes of an iron horse, if there is a clear weather need for that.
• When traveling from Poland via Germany to France, where there are no clear rules regarding winter tires, it is worth remembering that winter tires are a must in the French Alps.
• Romania requires motorists to wear tires marked "snow" from November 1 to March 31.
• Slovenia has gone even further, and it will not be possible to drive there on summer tires from October 15th. On winter in Slovenia go until March 15.
• Latvia requires changing shoes for the winter from 1 December to 1 March. Tourists are also subject to the rule.
• Croatia allows summer tires until the appearance of "special weather conditions" from November to April.
• You can drive to the Czech Republic without winter tires, but here you should pay attention to the restrictions: from November 1 to April 30, in the event of “typically winter weather”, winter tires will also be required here. It is also needed here on roads with a special designation.
• The same story with "typically winter weather" is typical for Austria. Here the norm is valid from August 1 to April 15.
• Luxembourg treats winter tires in the same way - according to weather conditions. This applies to tourists too.
• But in Sweden without winter tires in the period from December 1 to March 15 you will not be able to get.

the site draws the attention of its readers: regardless of whether you can legally travel to certain EU countries without winter tires, it is worth remembering that at temperatures below +7 ° C, summer tires significantly lose their grip. Rather than risk your well-being, it is worth changing tires to winter tires when these thermometer values ​​\u200b\u200bare reached. As autumn 2015 showed, frosts in Poland

In most European countries, the use of studded tires is prohibited.

Road conditions in winter in Northern and Central (mountainous) Europe, especially in winter recreation areas, become much more difficult. Snowfall and ice formation on the roads during this time is a common occurrence. As a result, the grip of the tires on the road deteriorates.

Some countries require drivers always used winter tires at certain times of the year. In other countries, the need to use arises only under certain road conditions. And somewhere it is a recommendation.

With studded tires, the situation is much more complicated. In most European countries they prohibited to be used due to their destructive effect on the road surface. Instead, it is sometimes allowed to use summer tires equipped with snow chains.

Rules for the use of winter tires in Europe

Not all European countries require winter tires. But even in these countries, entry on some roads on summer tires without snow chains may be prohibited. In addition, winter tires must be marked with one of the signs M+S, M.S, M-S, M&S and have a minimum tread depth of at least 3 mm.

On the map below, you can clearly see in which countries in winter the use of winter tires is mandatory all the time, and in which only when the appropriate weather conditions occur.

Weather conditions are considered winter when there is snow, ice or slush on any section of the road. And also if the road is wet in combination with temperatures around or below 0 degrees.

The use of winter tires is mandatory
- required under appropriate weather conditions
- winter tires are optional

Which countries ban studded tires?

Studded tires are banned in most Eastern European countries - Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, as well as in Turkey, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal.

Allowed - prohibited

As you can see from the map, you can easily travel to the Baltic States and the countries of Northern Europe on studded tires. But it will be very difficult to get to the ski resorts of Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France.

General requirements for winter equipment in Europe?

The table shows the requirements for winter and studded tires for vehicles whose total weight does not exceed 3.5 tons.

The data in the table can be sorted in ascending/descending order by clicking on the column heading.

CountryWinter tiresStudded tiresSnow chainsAustriamandatory 1
01.11 - 15.04 allowed
01.10 - 31.05 permittedAzerbaijanno legal requirementpermitted Albaniano legal requirementpermittedpermitted
01.11 - 30.04Andorranno legal requirementpermittedpermittedArmeniamandatory
01.12 - 01.03 allowed allowed Belarus mandatory
01.12 - 01.03 permitted permitted Belgium no legal requirement prohibited 2 permitted Bulgaria mandatory
15.11 - 01.03 prohibited permitted
01.11 - 01.03Bosnia and Herzegovinamandatory
15.11 - 15.04 prohibited permitted
01.11 - 15.04UK no legal requirement allowed allowed Hungary no legal requirement prohibited allowed Germany mandatory 1 prohibited allowed Greece no legal requirement allowed allowed Georgia no legal requirement allowed allowed

RequirementsAllowedAllowedDenmarkNo legal requirementAllowed
01.11 - 15.04 permittedIrelandno legal requirementpermittedpermittedIcelandmandatory
01.11 - 14.04 allowed
01.11 - 14.04allowedSpainno legal requirementallowed
11/15 - 03/31permittedItalyno legal requirementpermitted
11/15 - 03/15permittedCyprusno legal requirementpermittedpermittedLatviamandatory
01.12 - 01.03 allowed
01.10 - 30.04 allowedLithuaniamandatory
10.11 - 31.03 allowed
01.11 - 09.04 allowed Luxembourgmandatory 1 allowed
01.12 - 31.03 allowedMacedoniamandatory 1
15.11 - 15.03 prohibited permitted
15.10 - 15.03 Malta No legal requirement Moldova mandatory 1
01.12 - 01.03 allowed
01.12 - 01.03 Netherlands no legal requirement prohibited prohibited Norway no legal requirement permitted
01.11 - 15.04permittedPolandno legal requirementprohibitedpermittedPortugalno legal requirementprohibitedpermittedRussiarequired
01.12 - 01.03 permitted permitted Romania obligatory 1
01.11 - 31.03 forbidden allowedSerbiamandatory
01.11 - 01.04 forbidden allowedSlovakiamandatory 1
11/15 - 03/31 prohibited permitted Slovenia obligatory
11/15 - 03/15 prohibited permitted Turkey mandatory 1 prohibited permitted Ukraine no legal requirement permitted permitted Finland mandatory
01.12 - 01.03 allowed
11/01 - 04/15allowedFranceno legal requirementallowed
10.11 - 31.03 permittedCroatiamandatory 1
15.11 - 15.04 forbidden allowedMontenegromandatory 1
11/15 - 04/01 prohibited permitted Czech Republic obligatory 1
11/01 - 03/31 prohibited permitted Switzerland no legal requirement permitted 3
01.11 - 30.04 allowedSwedenmandatory 1
01.12 - 31.03 allowed
01.10 - 15.04 allowedEstoniamandatory
01.12 - 01.03 allowed
15.10 - 31.03 allowed

1 Under certain weather conditions (e.g. snow or ice on the road). More details in the relevant section for each country.

2 In exceptional cases (under difficult weather conditions) it may be allowed from November 1 to March 31 for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons.

Is it possible to travel to Austria in transit through Slovakia or Poland on a spike?

No you can not. The rules are the same for everyone and it doesn't matter if it's transit or not.

For example, at the Polish customs, when entering from Belarus, they track this very well. You simply will not be allowed into the country until you remove the spikes.

And if you still manage to slip through customs and get caught inside the country, then you will get a fine and a ban on continuing to move (or a tow truck, or pick out spikes).

So what kind of tires to go to Europe in winter?

In our opinion, a universal solution:

Winter studless tires + snow chains.

Moreover, chains may be needed only if you have to go to mountainous areas.

For more information about the use of winter and studded tires, as well as the periods in which they can be used, see the relevant section for each country.

In conclusion, a short video on how snow chains can help in difficult weather conditions.

In Poland, unlike in many other European countries, drivers are still not required to use winter tires. They tried to approve the relevant law in recent years, but all attempts were ineffective, reports tvn24bis.pl.

Law on mandatory transition to winter tires in Poland

The last time the issue of mandatory transition to winter tires in Poland was considered at the end of the last term of the Seimas. Then Beata Bublevich, who is responsible for safe traffic on the roads of Poland, presented a package of relevant changes to the parliamentarians. Of the whole package, representatives of the Sejm and the Senate of Poland willingly supported only the proposal to grant greater rights to pedestrians at the crossings, but even it was not finally approved.

After the announcement of the package of changes by Beata Bublevich, the deputy was sharply criticized, accusing her of lobbying the interests of a factory that produces tires and belongs to her constituency.

Former deputy Bublevich believes that the majority opposes the changes due to the fact that drivers do not realize the danger that threatens those who use tires that are not suitable for weather conditions. Often, opponents of the mandatory transition to winter tires argue that they have no scientific evidence. So, Polish drivers believe that universal tires can be used confidently on snow-free roads.

Other ex-parliamentarians explain such resistance by the fact that the mechanism for making changes is not clear. Former deputy Jerzy Dzewulski argues that it is problematic to set a deadline for everyone to be required to use winter tires, since the weather in Poland is difficult to predict. In addition, the ex-deputy assures that the majority of Polish drivers already change tires, and the imposition of any duties may lead to even greater resistance.

When crossing the border with Poland in the autumn-winter period, the Polish border guards cannot oblige foreign citizens to switch to winter tires. At the same time, when passing through the control at the Polish customs, employees can check the condition of the tires and measure the height of the special tread. Travel Polish roads in the cold season, it still stands on winter tires, since small and less popular roads may not be cleaned as thoroughly as. And even the absence of the obligation to switch to winter tires does not relieve anyone of the responsibility for safety on the roads of Poland.

Obligation to switch to winter tires in Europe

In many European Union countries, drivers are only partially required to use winter tires. In Austria, for example, it is mandatory to have winter tires on all four wheels if ice, snow or thaw reigns from November 1 to April 15. Italian drivers, on the other hand, are obliged to use winter tires only in the Alps region, and each region sets its own deadline. In Switzerland, drivers are not obligated at all before switching to winter tires, although if a car has been in an accident on summer tires in winter, this may be considered the cause of the accident.

November holidays are ahead. Many Kaliningraders, as usual, will hold them in Europe. Those who are going to travel to Poland or Lithuania by car are wondering: when to change tires for winter so that there are no problems there? On the eve of the long weekend, Novy Kaliningrad figured out the rules for replacing summer tires with winter ones in Poland, Lithuania and other European countries.

Should it be changed and when?

As reported, there is currently no law in Poland obliging to change summer tires to winter ones. Polish legislators have been working on introducing this obligation for several years, but so far no specific decisions have been made on this issue. Therefore, even if you ride the same set of tires all year round, you cannot be fined for it. But there is a small "but" here. In Poland, there are rules according to which the tread must have at least 1.6 mm of height.

But in Lithuania, the rules are different - you need to start changing summer tires to winter tires from November 1. By November 10, the tires must be replaced without fail. These rules also apply to tourists. According to the publication, drivers who are caught by the police on summer tires face a warning, a fine of 5 to 11 euros and the abolition of technical inspection.

Rubber with spikes. Can?

No, in Poland, as well as in Lithuania, you can only drive on tires without studs. In these countries, the law prohibits the use of tires "equipped with a permanent anti-skid system."

In which countries is it mandatory to change tires?

• Austria - from November 1 to April 15,
• Czech Republic - from November 1 to April 30.
• Estonia - from December 1 to April 1. This period may be extended or shortened depending on road conditions.
• Finland - from December 1 to the end of February.
• Latvia - from December 1 to March 1.
• Germany - situational requirement for winter tires (depending on weather conditions).
• Slovenia - from October 15 to March 15.
• Sweden - from December 1 to March 31.
• Romania - from November 1 to March 31.

Where is it necessary to change tires?

It is not necessary to use winter tires in Croatia and France (with the exception of the French Alps). In Slovakia, winter tires should only be used if there are special winter conditions.

About common sense

The absence in Poland and other countries of a law that regulates the replacement of summer tires with winter ones does not mean that tires do not need to be changed. Summer tires due to their design, they do not contribute to the safety of a trip in sub-zero temperatures. Winter tires are constructed from a special rubber compound that does not harden in the cold and provides better traction in difficult conditions. Don't forget that timely replacement tires are your safety first.