Austria
As from the 1st of January 2008, cars and light trucks up to a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes must all be equipped with winter tyres on all wheels when driven under wintry road conditions. Under certain conditions, snow chains may be used on the drive wheels (in combination with summer tyres) as an alternative.
Belgium / Netherlands / Luxemburg
Winter tyres are not mandatory, studs are forbidden. It is advisable to use winter tyres though as temperatures are often below freezing and snow is generally a certainty in hilly areas. Without winter tyres the breaking distances become longer and longer.
Czech Republic
Winter tyres are highly recommended in the Czech Republic, but not mandatory by law.
Denmark
The cold temperatures of Denmark make winter tyres recommended during the season. The Danes are not required to change tyres but a large proportion of motorists do.
Estonia
Winter tyres are compulsory between 1st December and February, although this date can vary depending on conditions. Studs are not permitted.
Finland
All vehicles must have winter tyres between 1st December and the end of February.
France
In France winter tyres are not mandatory, but are required when indicated by signs, this is often the case in the Alps. Snow chains are also obligatory for certain stretches. From November to March studs can be used but the vehicle must display a sticker stating that studs are fitted to the tyres.
Germany
Since May 2006 German motorists have been required by law to use the most appropriate tyres for the weather conditions. In practice this means most drivers keep two sets of tyres – 'winter tyres' for the colder months when many roads are snow-covered and 'summer' tyres for the remainder of the year. Summer tyres may not be used when there's ice or snow on the road. Alternatively, German motorists may use so-called 'all-season-tyres' and leave them on the car all year round.
Italy
Winter tyres are not a requirement but can be necessary on certain stretches as advised by signs. If you want to use studs you must observe a speed limit of 90 km/h out of town and 50km/h in town. There are no specific rules about snow chains.
Latvia
Winter tyres are mandatory from 1st December until the end of February.
Lithuania
Winter tyres are mandatory from 1st November until 1st April.
Norway
It is obligatory for Norwegian vehicles to have winter tyres, although this is not the case for foreign vehicles. All motorists are required to ensure that their vehicle is equipped to deal with the weather conditions, so essentially during winter months you need to have winter tyres to be safe.
Poland
Winter tyres are not a legal requirement however because there is minimal snow clearing on country roads driving without winter tyres is a major risk.
Slovenia
Winter tyres are a legal requirement between 15th November and 15th March, the minimum tread depth is 4mm. Slovenian law only stipulates that 2 winter tyres need to be fitted, however we always recommend to fit them in sets of 4.
Sweden
Winter tyres are compulsory for Swedish residents but not for foreigners. Because the necessity exists for Swedish nationals common sense would suggest that winter tyres are highly recommended.
Switzerland
Winter tyres are not mandatory in Switzerland, yet they can be stipulated by signs. Winter tyres are recommended as if you have an accident and are not using winter tyres and it is deemed that they should have been used then you can be held liable. Snow chains are optional but can be mandated by signs. Vehicles may be equipped with studs between November 1st and March 31st.
