European winter driving laws

You may be asking yourself "should I take a break and go abroad?". Here at DiscoverCars, we think you should!

Taking a break offers many benefits and studies have shown that taking time away from your job can improve both your physical and mental health. For instance, a Canadian study of over 800 lawyers found that going on holiday reduced depression and decreased job stress. People who travel more than the average person have lower stress levels, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and even more motivation to achieve goals.

There are also important factors to take into consideration when traveling. Naturally, when you travel abroad you'll need a way to get around; and expensive taxis and crowded public transport aren't always the best options.

Here at DiscoverCars, we recommend renting a car at your destination. This is because it allows you to have freedom and flexibility, especially if your itinerary changes while you're abroad. It also means you don't have to carry around heavy baggage on public transport.

Countries around Europe have many different driving laws, sometimes with specifications that may leave foreigners slightly confused.

Not all countries have winter driving laws that are easy to follow. Some have different requirements which are important to remain mindful of when renting a car abroad. This will give you peace of mind on your next trip.

To help you avoid facing a problem with law enforcement in a foreign country, we decided to do the hard part for you and delve into the complicated policies surrounding winter driving laws around Europe.

European countries' winter driving laws vary widely. We have broken down some of the laws so you don't have to. If you've booked a rental car to get to your next holiday destination or even a business meeting, read on to find out more about European driving laws.

European regulations on winter tyres indicate that "tyres must be marked M+S if they are snow tyres".

No performance tests are needed to display the M+S marking, it is simply a self-certification from the car manufacturer.

However, if the tyres have a 3PMSF marking, which indicates whether they are winter or all-season tyres, they must have passed a regulated test that guarantees they will perform well in winter conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth for winter tyres in the majority of European countries is 3 mm.

Depending on the country, winter tyres may be required during certain times of the year in wintery conditions.

Here is where it is legally required to have winter tyres:

Non-studded winter tyres are mainly designed for countries in Central Europe because the weather conditions are milder than other European countries.

In Nordic countries, winter is typically more snowy and icy.

Studded winter tyres are a popular choice in Nordic countries but are completely forbidden in Hungary and Poland.

To help people know which tyres are suitable, a specific Ice Grip marking is being created by the tyre industry.

The use of tyre studs must be shown with a sign attached to the car.

Here is where studded tyres are forbidden:

In Belgium, studded tyres are usually forbidden; however, they may be allowed in exceptional weather conditions from November 1 to March 31 for vehicles up to 3,500 kg.

In addition, although studded tyres are allowed in Switzerland, it is forbidden to use them when driving on motorways.

Finally, winter tyres are compulsory in winter conditions for vehicles that are registered in Bulgaria and are recommended for visitors.

The Netherlands is the only country that forbids snow chains in Europe.

In Liechtenstein, although snow tyres are not compulsory, vehicles must carry snow chains. These must be used where signs tell drivers to and the chains must be fitted on at least two drive wheels of the car (the ones that get the power).

Carrying snow chains in your vehicle is recommended in some European countries and mandatory in some others. Traffic signs generally indicate the locations with steeply-graded roads where you must chain up before traveling further.

So if you are looking to visit a destination in the colder months of the year, make sure you're aware of the specific laws that country has. This will ensure your stay will run as smoothly as possible!

Disclaimer:
The winter driving laws and regulations were correct as of October 2021.