Winter tyre and snow chain legislation Europe
It is important that you are aware of the current legislation and regulations on winter tyres and snow chains for commercial vehicles over 3500 kg. We know this better than anyone else. That is why we are pleased to inform you about the main transport destinations in Europe. Below you will find a table with the latest information you will need.
| Country | Requirements for winter tyres | Requirements for snow chains and studded tyres | |
| France | Winter equipment is compulsory for vehicles travelling on roads marked with the B26 and/or B58 sign. The following changes apply from 2021: from 1 November to 31 March, at the discretion of local authorities (prefectures), N1/N2/N3 vehicles with trailers must be fitted with at least removable anti-skid devices (e.g. snow chains) on at least 2 driving wheels. N1/N2/N3 vehicles without trailers must be fitted with 3PMSF winter tyres on at least 2 wheels on each axle. M2/M3 buses: Must be fitted with removable anti-skid devices on at least 2 driving wheels (3PMSF winter tyres on the front steering axle and at least 2 driving wheels). | Snow chains must only be used when prescribed by road signs. | |
| The Netherlands | There are no laws or regulations concerning winter tyres. | Snow chains are not permitted on public roads. | |
| Germany | Vehicle equipment (tyres) must be adapted to the weather conditions: vehicles of less than 3.5 T must be fully equipped with tyres bearing the alpine symbol (3PMSF tyres) from 1 January 2018 on all axle positions. Vehicles over 3.5 T must be fitted with tyres bearing the 3PMSF symbol on the steering and drive axles. In winter conditions, the 3PMSF symbol is also compulsory on tyres manufactured after 1 January 2018. Tyres manufactured before 1 January 2018 bearing only the M+S symbol will continue to be accepted as suitable winter equipment until 30 September 2024. | The use of snow chains is only permitted if indicated by appropriate signs. Studded tyres are not permitted, except on the route via Kleines deutsches Eck. | |
| Spain | Winter tyres with a tread depth of at least 4 mm are compulsory on red high mountain roads (15/TV-87): vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 7.5 t are not allowed to drive on these roads. Certain restrictions also apply to vehicles of lesser weight, limiting traffic to essential transport services. | High mountain roads with red level (15/TV-87): Snow chains in lorries between 3.5 t and 7.5 t GVW and buses if winter tyres are not fitted. |
M+S marked winter tyres
Tyres bearing the M+S (Mud+Snow) label have a tread pattern or structure designed to offer better handling than standard tyres in snowy conditions. There is no defined test procedure for M+S labelling.
> See our range of M+S-marked truck tyres
3PMSF-certified winter tyres
Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) tyres offer legally certified winter performance. These tyres must be tested on a snow-covered road and have at least 25% more traction than a comparable standard tyre.
> See our range of 3PMSF-certified truck tyresFor other European countries, you can easily download our white paper with all the information.
More information?
For more information, please contact our experts. You can contact us on +31 (0)523 850 850 or send an e-mail to info@heuver.com. You'll also find a wealth of knowledge on our knowledge page.