How to choose wheels for a car? Can studded tires be used? Let's figure out which tires and wheels are worth choosing before a trip.
Can studded tires be used?
In this matter, EU countries are ambiguous: in some, the use of studded tires is allowed, in others it is not. Countries where studded tires are PROHIBITED:
Germany;
Poland;
Hungary:
Netherlands;
Greece;
Spain;
Ireland;
Macedonia;
Romania;
Portugal;
Slovenia;
Slovakia;
Croatia;
Montenegro;
Czech Republic;
Switzerland.
Studded tires are more allowed in post-Soviet countries and part of northern European countries. But even if you plan a trip with children to Santa Claus in Finland, to cross the Polish border you need to equip your car with winter tires without studs.
Which winter tires are allowed in Europe?
We've figured out studded tires, but some countries also have special requirements for winter tires. For example, in Austria, winter tires must have the M S (for mud and snow) mark, and the tread depth must be at least 4 mm. The tread pattern does not matter; the driver can choose tires at their discretion.
Snow chains
Despite the fact that studded tires are prohibited in most European countries, in mountain regions, driving on some sections is simply prohibited without snow chains. Before entering such sections, there will be a corresponding sign and a plate with additional information, for example, that chains must be used from November 15 to April 15.
Winter tires in Austria
To visit the ski resorts of Austria in your own car, you should take into account in advance that winter tires with the M S mark are mandatory from November 1 to April 15. In Austria, the use of studded tires is allowed from October 1 to May 31. And what to do if you arrived in the country in summer on summer tires and stayed until winter? There is a way out. In Austria, the use of summer tires is also allowed, but in combination with snow chains, provided that the road is completely covered with ice.
Winter tires in Germany
Studded tires are prohibited in Germany. There are no strict deadlines for winter tires, but there is an unwritten rule according to which locals "change shoes" from October to Easter (Oktober and Ostern).
Winter tires in Norway
Studded tires are allowed in Norway and can be used from November 1 to May 1 inclusive. If difficult weather conditions persist longer, these periods may be extended. But do not rush to install "studs": for example, when entering Oslo, a fee of 30 Norwegian kroner per day will be charged for such a car. It is better to opt for winter tires and chains for difficult mountain sections.
We hope our article helped you understand the rules for using winter tires in Europe.
