AUTONEWS

In which cases you must have winter tires already

The Assistant Director of the Traffic Safety Agency, Veljko Ćurčić, told RTS that at any temperature below seven degrees, summer tires lose their properties and pointed out that the law requires that, if there is snow, ice or slush on the road, road users must have winter tires with a minimum tread of four millimeters.

The snow that surprised the mountainous regions also reminded drivers that winter is coming faster than we think. Veljko Ćurčić pointed out that he had not seen such weather conditions at this time of year for a long time, especially snow in October.

"Drivers who participate in traffic every day are required to be extra careful and to adjust their speed to the conditions and state of the road, for better visibility," said Ćurčić.

In just a few hours last night and yesterday, there were several serious traffic accidents. Ćurčić points out that investigations are underway, which will determine the cause of the accident.

"In the new weather conditions, the stopping distance is much longer. Drivers overestimate their abilities, they easily relax into situations, they are not sufficiently prepared for these sudden weather changes. This leads to mistakes that result in traffic accidents. It is important to monitor the weather forecast, the advice of experts and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which actively advertises new weather conditions," emphasized Ćurčić.

When are winter tires mandatory...By law, drivers are not required to have winter tires until November 1. However, the interviewee points out that the law requires that, if there is snow, ice or slush on the road, road users must have winter tires with a minimum tread of four millimeters.

"At any temperature below seven degrees, a summer tire loses its properties, it loses the most important thing, which is adhesion to the surface, and in that situation we must have winter tires. They have four times better adhesion to the surface, which is the most important for the stability and sustainability of the vehicle on the road, which provides additional strength and impact resistance for these weather conditions," said Ćurčić.

The Assistant Director of the Traffic Safety Agency emphasized that summer tires stop twice as long as winter tires.

Advice for drivers...Ćurić listed several tips for drivers before setting off on a trip in similar weather conditions. "We must prepare our vehicle, monitor the weather forecast, familiarize ourselves with the situation on the ground and respect traffic regulations. Plan the trip in advance, in order to reduce the likelihood of a traffic accident," concluded Ćurčić.

You must have winter tires when there is a risk of snow, ice, or slush on the roads, which is often mandated by local law in countries like Germany, Austria, and parts of Canada from November to March. Even without a legal requirement, switch to winter tires when temperatures consistently drop below 7°C (46°F), as the rubber in all-season tires hardens, reducing grip and increasing braking distances in cold conditions. 

When Winter Tires Are Legally Required

-Local Laws: Many European countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Finland, mandate the use of winter tires during specific months (e.g., November to March) or whenever snow, ice, or slush is present on the road. 

-Heavy Vehicles: In some regions, like Germany, commercial vehicles and motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes have specific requirements for winter tires, including mandatory fitting on both driven and steering axles. 

-Regional Differences: In Spain, winter tires or snow chains are only compulsory in specific regions as indicated by traffic signs. Always check local regulations before traveling. 

When Winter Tires Are Recommended

-Temperature Drops Below 7°C (46°F): Winter tires are designed with a softer rubber compound that remains flexible and provides better grip on cold, dry, wet, and icy roads. All-season tires, by contrast, stiffen at this temperature, losing traction. 

-Early Season Cold: It is crucial to switch to winter tires before the first snowfall or icy conditions occur, as waiting for snow means it's already too late to safely change them. 

-Driving in Cold Climates: Even without mandatory laws, if you regularly drive in an area where temperatures regularly drop below 7°C, winter tires are strongly recommended for enhanced safety and control. 

Key Differences to Consider 

-All-Season Tires: A compromise for various weather conditions, they perform adequately on dry and wet roads but are mediocre in most seasons and generally inadequate in snow and ice. 

-Winter Tires: Specifically designed for cold conditions, they offer superior grip, shorter braking distances, and better steering control on snow, ice, and cold surfaces compared to all-season tires. 

-Tread Depth: For some vehicles, especially in Germany, a minimum tread depth of 4 mm is required for winter tires. 

Winter tire regulations...If you are driving in Europe this winter, it’s important to stay up to date with the differing winter tire regulations; whether they are mandatory or recommended. The failure to know where and when to fit winter-ready tires could result in costly penalties or, more crucially, contribute to the increased risk of a dangerous road traffic accident.

In addition to winter tires, drivers should remember to adhere to other safety tips. These include checking your car over before you set off on a journey and inspecting tires for tread depth and pressures; grip is affected by under and over-inflated tires. Drivers should adapt their driving style to the prevailing conditions and slow down in colder, more slippery conditions.

Crucial elements of the relevant regulations, as they stand today1, appear below. It is important to note that it is the driver’s responsibility to determine the most up-to-date winter tire rules during a trip in each region or country.

France...In France, 3PMSF-marked winter tires or snow chains are mandatory from 1 November to 31 March in 34 French départements, situated in mountain regions such as the Alps, the Massif Central, and the Pyrenees. Signs are displayed at the entrance and exit of each mandated département to clearly signal the need for winter tires and/or snow chains.

As of 1 November 2024, M+S-marked tires no longer fulfill this obligation; this winter, only winter tires with the 3PMSF marking are permitted in these regions.

Germany...Germany introduced a legal requirement to equip vehicles with 3PMSF-marked tires, in winter conditions, in 2017. A transitional phase allowing the continued use of M+S-marked tires manufactured before 1 January 2018 expired on 30 September 2024. Therefore, like France, only 3PMSF tires meet the requirements this winter.

Unlike in France, there is no defined date period when winter tire legislation applies, and you are only legally mandated to fit winter tires if the weather conditions require it. The use of snow chains does not fulfill this requirement.

Italy...Winter tires or snow chains are mandatory in several areas in Italy based on the sections of the highway and ordinary roads2 marked with road signs showing the text: obbligo di pneumatici invernali o catene a bordo (obligation to have winter tires or chains on board).

In general, this obligation is applicable from 15 November to 15 April, subject to exceptions. For instance, in northwestern Italy, in the Aosta Valley region, winter tires are mandatory between the 15 October and 15 April. In Bozen/South Tyrol winter tires are always compulsory in the case of snow, ice or similar weather conditions. Tires marked with the M+S symbol or the 3PMSF symbol are legal here.

Spain...Similarly to the Italian legislation, winter tires, or the use of snow chains, are only mandatory in Spain on roads marked by a specific road sign, or in the case of a specific public authority order. In Spain, tires are considered as winter tires if they are M+S or 3PMSF-marked; studded tires are not allowed.

The rest of Europe...In the rest of Europe, time periods and the required winter tire markings differ depending on the country, so it is the driver’s responsibility to check the relevant rules for the country that they are driving in.

Other European countries and regions where the fitment of winter tires is legally mandatory include Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, Slovenia and Turkey.

If you live or are driving in Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Moldova, Norway, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia or Sweden you are only legally mandated to fit winter tires if the weather conditions require it or on specific defined roads. For example, in Austria, between 1 November and 15 April winter tires or snow chains must be fitted when roads are covered in snow, slush or ice, but in other conditions during this period, there is no legal obligation. In addition, winter tires must have a minimum tread depth of 4mm.

Sweden has a similar change in legislation to France and Germany this winter. As of 1 December 2024, M+S tires will no longer be permitted and 3PMSF-marked tires must be used. These tires are only required when there are winter weather conditions between 1 December and 31 March.