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Auto Edito guide ue regulations max Tips and Advice

European laws regarding winter tyres

Tips & Advice for Car, SUV & Van tyres

Winter tyre markings

Know your equipment

Auto Edito 3pmsf Tyre Tips and Advice

M + S (Mud and Snow):

Marking indicating that the tyre is, according to European rulings, a “snow” tyre but performances under winter conditions have not been subject to testing.

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3 PMSF (3-Peak Mountain Snow Flake):

Tyres marked “3PMSF” are the only ones to guarantee real winter performance by being specifically designed for snow use and having fulfilled all of the requirements through objective testing*.

*Brake efficiency test under winter conditions according to the ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) method.

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What do European regulations say about winter tyres?

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

No performance tests are required to display the M+S marking: this is merely a self-certification from the manufacturer. The marking does not imply any sort of objective performance guarantee.

Winter tyres that display the 3PMSF marking, however, must have passed a regulated test guaranteeing a certain level of performance in wintery conditions.

In Europe, the rules regarding the usage of certified winter tyres (M+S and/or 3PMSF)* vary from one country to another. Depending on the country, winter tyres may be required during a certain part of the year or in certain weather/driving conditions. In addition, some countries have legislation requiring a minimum tyre tread depth in wintertime.

See below for regulations by country.

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Did you know?

In Europe, for tyres certified for winter (M+S and/or 3PMSF), the tyre speed rating can be slightly lower than that of the original tyres. In this case, your driving speed must be adjusted to match this lower speed rating.

A sticker with a reminder of the lowered maximum speed must then be placed inside the car in a place that is easily visible to the driver.

When should you change your tyres for the winter?

In the UK, there’s no requirement to fit winter tyres at a particular time of the year. However, it is safer to drive with winter or all season tyres in winter weather and these tyres become more effective below 7*C. To know when to change your summer tyres to winter tyres consider when the road becomes colder more regularly or there’s snow and ice. Remember this rule of thumb: “when the road temperature drops below 7*C, it’s time to put on your winter tyres!” another guide is to change to winter tyres at Halloween and summer tyres at Easter.

At temperatures below 7°C, summer tyres are less effective. The best solution is to use tyres certified for winter. These are designed for use in cold weather make it easier to control your vehicle on wet and snow-covered roads. Stopping distances for winter tyres are shorter in winter conditions and drivers can experience increased grip while driving on them, compared to summer tyres.

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What about studded tyres?

Some European countries have regulations on studded tyres and may allow them for part of the year. Other countries do not permit their use at all.

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Countries with winter tyre regulations

Winter tyres are required in some European countries at certain times of the year. In other places, such as the UK, winter tyres are optional. Given the amount of variation in the rules on snow tyres from one country to the next, we thought it would be useful to give a summary of the rules regarding the use of winter tyres by our closest European neighbours.

Always check the local legislation and regulations before travelling**.

France

Winter tyres are not required in France, nor are snow chains. However, a prefecture may issue a decree requiring specific winter equipment (winter tyres or snow chains) between 1st November and 31st March. 

Germany

In Germany, you are required to have winter tyres on snowy or icy roads. Winter tyres are usually necessary from October to April, but it’s best to check the legislation for the region you plan to visit. Be aware that studded tyres are forbidden. 

If you see a sign depicting snow chains, it means chains are required on that road during the winter. If you do not respect this signage, you can be issued a fine.

Italy

In Italy the use of snow tyres or snow chains is regulated by municipalities, regions, and motorway companies. Where required, such equipment must be used from 15th November to 15th April.
In some regions, you will see signs indicating that you must install snow chains on your vehicle. In this case, they are required, and can be used in place of winter tyres.

Belgium

Studded tyres are permitted between 1st November and 31st March, dependant on the road conditions.

Switzerland

Switzerland does not require winter tyres. However, between October and April, it is highly recommended to install winter tyres. If an accident occurs and the vehicle is not equipped with winter tyres, your insurer can refuse to cover any and all damages and even sue for negligence.
In addition, if you see a sign depicting snow chains, it means that you must have snow chains on your car on that road during the winter.

Studded tyres are permitted between 1st October and 31st May, dependant on the road condisiotns. 

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Did you know?

To find the manufacture date of your tyres, you must look at the DOT (Department of Transportation) code on the sidewall.

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LEGAL MENTIONS

* Article 3.1.5 of the 92/93 directive as well as regulations R30 states as follows:
“Snow tyres must display the letters M + S“
“Snow tyre”: tyres whose tread pattern and structure are known for, above all, better behavior in mud and fresh or melting snow than standard road tyres. The tread design of snow tyres is generally distinguished by solid grooves and/or tread blocks, spaced wider apart than those on standard road tyres.

** information correct as of 21/11/19

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