Ukrainians told when winter tires should be installed in European countries.

Rules for changing tires in European countries

European countries have their own requirements for changing tires to winter ones. In Moldova, tire change is carried out from November 1 to December 1. The use of winter tires is mandatory from December 1 to March 1 only on roads with snow or ice. Summer tires can be used up to 7 years on roads with snow or ice.

Moldova

In Poland, tire change is not mandatory, but snow or ice on the roads may require chains. It is recommended to use winter or all-season tires from November 1 to April 1. Drivers in Romania must have winter tires with M+S marking from November 1 to March 31. Violation of this rule is punishable by a fine. Studded tires are prohibited, but vehicles with a mass over 3.5 tons must have M+S marking on main bridges. In Hungary, tire change is not mandatory, but chains may be necessary under certain weather conditions. The use of studded tires is prohibited. In Slovakia, tire change is mandatory for trucks weighing over 3.5 tons from November 15 to March 31 on the main axle.

In Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, drivers must have winter tires. In Latvia, from December 1 to March 1, vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons must have winter tires with M+S marking and a tread depth of at least 4 mm. In Lithuania, winter tires are mandatory from November 10 to April 1 for vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons, and motorcyclists must use winter tires from December 1 to March 1. In Estonia, winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 1 for vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons. Anti-skid chains must be used on sections indicated by road signs. In Germany, it is recommended to use winter tires from October to Easter, and drive on summer tires from Easter to October. Below 7 degrees temperature, it is recommended to replace summer tires with winter tires. The use of summer tires in winter may result in a fine of 60 euros, and the insurance company may refuse to pay compensation in case of an accident. In the Czech Republic, tire change is mandatory from November 1 to March 31 on roads with winter conditions or on accordingly marked sections. In France, tire change is not mandatory, but vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons must have tires with 3PMSF marking for driving safety on snow. The use of winter tires in European countries is an important safety condition on the road for Ukrainian drivers traveling abroad.