Ever heard about winter tyre regulations?

There are three types of tyres mentioned in this article that can be used for almost every wintery conditions: Winter tyre, All-weather tyre and All-season tyre.
So how do each of these tyres compare? Winter tyres are good at gripping cold, damp roads below about 7C. Next is the all-weather tyre, like the MICHELIN CrossClimate, which is the first summer tyre with winter certification. This all-weather tyre is a new category of tyre with impressive grip, cornering, wet braking, dry braking, longevity, and fuel efficiency that does not compromise on performance. The All-season tyres, on the other hand, are a half-way-house between winter and summer tyres. So they are a solution built on compromise.

Driving in winter can be quite challenging. Rain, cold, snow and ice make roads slippery, and driving hazardous. Prepare your car for travelling in winter conditions with Michelin winter or all-weather MICHELIN CrossClimate tyres. It's not just common sense, it's also the law in some European countries.
With the holiday season just around the corner, and other things on your mind, changing from summer to winter or all-weather tyres probably isn't on top of your list. However, they need to be fitted before the bad weather strikes. Don’t wait until the winter rain and snow to change tyres.

In some European countries that experience prolonged periods of extreme weather winter tyres are mandatory. In countries where winter tyres aren’t legally required, you should still prepare your vehicle for the possibility of sudden and unexpected low temperatures, winter rainfall, snow and ice. Because winter roads are less safe to drive on with summer tyres, fitting winter or all-weather tyres is your best option. These tyres offer better grip, handling and reduced braking distances on slippery roads.

Fitting winter or all-weather tyres is your best option as they offer better grip, handling and reduced braking distances on slippery roads. We strongly recommend that you use four all-weather tyres on your car. After all, you brake with four wheels. Using different types of tyres on one vehicle can unbalance the vehicle's handling in poor weather, or when pushed to the limit in an emergency. For this reason, we recommend fitting four Michelin tyres, plus having a spare Michelin wheel in the boot.

If you're prepared, you can actually enjoy driving in wintery conditions. The Michelin Alpin winter tyres are a good choice in countries that require winter tyres. The MICHELIN CrossClimate is a summer tyre with winter tyre certification which can also be used in winter conditions. In fact, winter tyre regulations in some European countries only permit driving on winter or all-weather tyres, but in case of harsh winter condition (mountains, ice & snow) Michelin recommends fitting your car with winter tyres.

To find the best choice of tyre and size for your type of vehicle and winter driving conditions, we strongly recommend that you head over to the Michelin Tyre Selector.

How to recognise a winter tyre

Winter tyres are mandatory in some European countries that experience extreme weather for prolonged periods, each and every winter. A minimum depth of 3mm is required for winter tyres in most countries (some countries now requires 4mm). Winter tyres must be marked M+S on the sidewall. (In some countries it’s mandatory to use winter tyres with one of the following markings: 'M&S', 'MS', 'M.S', 'M+S', 'M-s' or 'Mud and Snow’). The three peak mountain snow flake symbol (3PMSF) is an additional marking on M+S tyres, which indicate they are designed for severe snow conditions.

Country	Tyres for winter	Snow Chain requirements	Suitable Michelin Tyre
Andorra	Winter Tyres also known in common world as snow tyres are not legally required in Andorra.	Road signs across Andorra indicate when snow chains are compulsory. So when driving in Andorra you should definitely bring snow chains along.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Austria	If you are planning on driving in Austria between November 1st and April 15th and the roads are covered with ice or snow the use of winter tyres is mandatory. The tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm.	Road signs across Austria indicate when snow chains are compulsory. So bring them along when travelling in Austria. When the roads are fully covered by snow and/or ice and the road surface will not be damaged, snow chains on the driving wheels will only be allowed as an alternative to snow tyres. Failing to comply with the legislation can result in fines or the temporary loss of your vehicle.	ICE NORTH, ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN, CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN LA2, AGILIS X-ICE NORTH, AGILIS ALPIN
Belgium	Winter tyres are not legally required in Belgium.	Snow chains are not a mandatory requirement in Belgium, but you are permitted to use snow chains where there is ice or snow if you don't damage the road. The road has to be covered with ice of snow.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Bulgaria	Winter tyres are not legally required in Bulgaria.	When travelling in Bulgaria between November 1st and March 31st you should bring snow chains along and watch out for road signs indicating the compulsory use of snow chains.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Cyprus	Winter tyres are not legally required in Cyprus.	Not applicable.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Czech Republic	Winter tyres are not generally required in the Czech Republic. However when travelling in the Czech Republic between November 1st and April 1st the mandatory use of winter tyres can be indicated by road signs. So bring them along.	In the Czech Republic road signs indicate when the use of snow chains is compulsory. So you should carry snow chains when travelling in the Czech Republic.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Denmark	Winter tyres are not legally required in Denmark.	The use of snow chains is permitted in Denmark.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Estonia	Winter tyres are a legal requirement in Estonia if you plan to drive there between December 1st and March 1st. Extreme weather conditions outside of these dates may extend the time for mandatory use of winter tyres.	Snow chains are not mandatory but you are permitted to use them in Estonia.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN PA4, X-ICE 3, ALPIN A4, PRIMACY ALPIN, X-ICE NORTH, LATITUDE ALPIN LA2, LATITUDE ALPIN HP, LATITUDE X-ICE, LATITUDE X-ICE NORTH, AGILIS ALPIN, AGILIS X-ICE NORTH
Finland	The use of winter tyres is legally required when driving in Finland between December 1st and March 31st.	Snow chains are not mandatory but you are permitted to use them in Finland.	X-ICE NORTH, X-ICE, LATITUDE X-ICE NORTH 2+, LATITUDE X-ICE NORTH, LATITUDE X-ICE, AGILIS X-ICE NORTH,
France	Winter tyres are not legally required in France.	In France road signs indicate when the use of snows chains is compulsory. So carry them when travelling in France.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Germany	The use of winter tyres on snow or ice covered roads is mandatory in Germany. Failure to comply can result in a fine which can be increased if you cause an accident. In addition the level of your insurance could be reduced by up 30%.	In Germany it is compulsory that snow chains are fitted to vehicles. So when travelling in Germany bring snow chains along.	ALPIN5 PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN, CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN LA2, AGILIS ALPIN
Greece	Winter tyres are not legally required in Greece.	Not applicable.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Hungary	Winter tyres are not legally required in Hungary.	Carrying snow chains when travelling in Hungary is a legal requirement. If you do not comply your vehicle will not be permitted to travel in Hungary.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Iceland	In Iceland it is a legal requirement to use winter tyres between November 1st and April 14th.	Not applicable.	ALPIN, PILOT ALPIN, X-ICE NORTH, X-ICE, LATITUDE ALPIN, LATITUDE ALPIN HP, LATITUDE X-ICE NORTH2,AGILIS ALPIN, AGILIS X-ICE NORTH
Ireland	Winter tyres are not legally required in Ireland.	Snow chains are not mandatory but you are permitted to use them in Ireland.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Italy	Winter tyres are generally not legally required but recommended in Italy. However in some areas in Italy road signs may indicate when the use of snow chains or winter tyres is compulsory. In the Val d'Aosta area, all vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres or snow chains between October 15th and April 15th.	When driving in Italy in winter you should carry snow chains. Watch out for road signs indicating the compulsory use of snow chains.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Latvia	Between December 1st and March 1st the use of winter tyres is a legal requirement if your vehicle weighs less than 3.5 tons.	Snow chains are not mandatory but you are permitted to use them in Latvia.	ALPIN5, X-ICEX13, PILOT ALPINE PA4, ALPIN A4, PRIMACY ALPIN, X-ICE NORTH, LATITUDE NORTH LA2, LATITUDE ALPIN HP, LATITUDE X-ICE, LATITUDE X-ICE NORTH, AGILIS ALPIN, AGILIS X-ICE NORTH
Liechtenstein	Winter tyres are not legally required in Liechtenstein.	Snow chains are not mandatory but you are permitted to use them in Lichtenstein.	ICE NORTH, ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN, CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN LA2, AGILIS X-ICE NORTH, AGILIS ALPIN
Lithuania	Between November 10th and April 1st the use of winter tyres is a legal requirement when driving in Lithuania.	Snow chains are not mandatory but you are permitted to use them in Lithuania.	ALPIN5, X-ICEX13, PILOT ALPINE PA4, ALPIN A4, PRIMACY ALPIN, X-ICE NORTH, LATITUDE NORTH LA2, LATITUDE ALPIN HP, LATITUDE X-ICE, LATITUDE X-ICE NORTH, AGILIS ALPIN, AGILIS X-ICE NORTH
Luxembourg	The use of winter tyres on snow or ice covered roads is mandatory in Luxembourg. Failure to comply can result in a fine which can be increased if you cause an accident.	The use of snow chains is not mandatory in Luxembourg. But they can be used when there is ice or snow on the road.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Netherlands, the	Winter tyres are not legally required in the Netherlands.	Snow chains are not a mandatory requirement in the Netherlands. However you are allowed to use snow chains where there is ice or snow on the roads.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Norway	As the driver you are responsible for correctly equipping your vehicle according to the weather conditions. So while it is not mandatory it is the norm and highly recommended to use studded tyres or winter tyres in Norway. It is forbidden to drive with studded tyres or chains from the first Monday after the 2nd day of Easter to October 31st in South and Central Norway. In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark studded tyres or snow chains are forbidden from May 1st to October 15th.	Snow chains are not a mandatory requirement but you are permitted to use them during winter.	X-ICE, X-ICE NORTH, ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN, LATITUDE X-ICE, LATITUDE X-ICE NORTH 2+, LATITUDE XICE NORTH, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS X-ICE NORTH, AGILIS ALPIN
Poland	Winter tyres are not legally required in Poland.	Not applicable.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Portugal	Winter tyres are not legally required in Portugal.	In Portugal road signs indicate when the use of snow chains is compulsory - so bring show chains along when driving in Portugal.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Romania	It is a legal requirement to use winter tyres when travelling in Romania between November 1st and March 31st if the roads are covered with ice or snow.	Even though snow chains are not compulsory when travelling in Romania you should bring them along since weather conditions can cause the use of snow chains to become compulsory at any point in time.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Serbia	It is compulsory to use winter tyres when travelling in Serbia in winter.	When driving in Serbia in winter you should carry shown chains.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Slovakia	Winter tyres are not legally required in Slovakia.	Not applicable.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Slovenia	When travelling in Slovenia between November 15th and March 15th it is compulsory to use either winter tyres or snow chains. All tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm.	Road signs across Slovenia indicate when the use of snow chains is compulsory. So you best bring them along when travelling in Slovenia in winter.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Spain	Winter tyres are not legally required in Spain.	When travelling in Spain you should bring snow chains along and watch out for road signs indicating the compulsory use of snow chains.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN
Switzerland	Winter tyres are not legally required in Switzerland.	Road signs across Switzerland indicate when the use of snow chains is compulsory. So when travelling in Switzerland you should carry snow chains.	ICE NORTH, ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN, CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN LA2, AGILIS X-ICE NORTH, AGILIS ALPIN
Sweden	When driving in Sweden between December 1st and March 31st it is mandatory to use winter tyres with one of the following markings: 'M&S', 'MS', 'M.S', 'M+S', 'M-s' or 'Mud and Snow'. All tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 3 mm.	Not applicable.	X-ICE NORTH, X-ICE, ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN, LATITUDE X-ICE NORTH 2+, LATITUDE X-ICE NORTH, LATITUDE X-ICE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS X-ICE NORTH, AGILIS ALPIN
United Kingdom	Winter tyres are not legally required in the United Kingdom.	Snow chains are not mandatory but you are permitted to use them in the United Kingdom.	ALPIN5, PILOT ALPIN, ALPIN,CROSSCLIMATE, LATITUDE ALPIN, AGILIS ALPIN