A winter tyre (or “snow tyre” according to EU Regulation 661/2009) is defined as a “tyre whose tread pattern, tread compound or structure is primarily designed to achieve in snow conditions a performance better than that of a normal tyre with regard to its ability to initiate or maintain vehicle motion”.
Almost all Goodyear truck and bus tyres are marked with the M+S and the 3PMSF symbol. Following Goodyear tyres ranges qualify for the 3PMSF marking:
Countries with no requirements for winter tyres
Countries with local requirements for winter tyres/use of chains
Countries with requirements for winter tyres and/or other winter equipment in certain circumstances or on certain roads (e.g. “partial obligations for winter tyres”)
Countries with mandatory winter tyres legislation throughout a whole fixed period and on all roads, irrespective of whether there is snow and/or ice (e.g. “overall winter tyre laws”)
Winter conditions, depending on region/road
November 1 – April 15 + winter conditions
November 1 – April 1
November 15 – March 1
November 15 – April 15
November 1 – March 31 + winter conditions
Allowed from November 1 - April 15
December 1 - March 1
Only vehicles up to 3.5 to.:
Snow tires (with the marking M+S, MS, M.S. or M&S) shall be used from December 1 to March 1 on vehicles of categories GVW < 3500 kg
From December 1, 2022, non-studded snow tires shall bear 3PMSF marking (POR marked tires exempted)
From December 1, 2022, the Alpine symbol (snowflake) is mandatory for all-season tyres.
Minimum tread depth rules apply (3mm for vehicles > 3.5t)
November 1 – March 1
Between November 1 and March 31
Winter conditions
October to April; depending on weather conditions
November 15 – April 15 in winter conditions (signs indicate)
In winter conditions
Vehicles > 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with identical front axle tyre
November 1 – April 1
● Winter tyres legislation
None
● Use of chains
The use of snow chains is permitted on roads covered with ice and snow.
● Use of studded tyres
Allowed from November 1 – April 10
Winter conditions
December 1 – March 31 when road covered by ice/snow
November 15 – March 31
November 15 – March 15
November 15 - March 31
October 16 - April 30 in Nordland, Tromms and Finnmark
In winter conditions (snow and ice)
December 1 – February 28 ; this period may be expanded depending on weather or climate conditions
November 1 – April 1 + winter conditions
November 15 – March 31 + winter conditions
November 15 – March 15
Depending on weather conditions or road signs
November 10 – April 10
Effective November 1, 2025, winter tyres must be mounted on HDVs from November 10 to April 10, regardless of weather /road conditions.
As of December 1st, 2024, all tyres for vehicles weighing up to 3,500 kg must display the 3PMSF symbol with min. 5mm of tread. For trailers up to 3,500 kg, tyres with only an M+S marking and min. 1.6mm of tread will still be recognised as winter tyres until December,1 2029. For vehicles over 3,500 kg, winter tyres on the front axle and the driven axle must have the snowflake symbol and min. 5mm of tread from 1 December 2024.
For other axles, the M+S symbol and min. 1.6mm of tread will suffice. This applies to the axles of semi-trailers and trailers. POR and studded tyres are recognised as winter tyres in general.
● Use of chains
Allowed as alternative equipment October 1 - March 15
● Use of studded tyres
Allowed as alternative equipment from October 1 - March 15. If winter road conditions exist or are expected, it is permitted to use studded tires at other times as well.
December 1 - April 1 + winter conditions (can be extended to an additional month if weather conditions require)
Source: Goodyear. Data as of November 2024. Please check local legislation for possible changes before entering a country.
