EDWINTERTIRES.COM
European Laws
GermanyWinter tires are not compulsory in Germany but they are a legal requirement in some mountainous areas. However, in the event of an accident in Wintry conditions, a user of a vehicle without Winter tires may well find the motor insurance to be invalidated. Also, the lack of Winter tires in such a situation will usually be judged as a significant factor in judging which driver is at fault in a traffic incident or road accident. AustriaThe use of winter tires is mandatory in Austria if there is snow, slush or ice on the road. In snowy areas drivers have two options; either use winter tires or fit snow chains around the car's summer tires. Driving with snow chains fitted on roads that do not have snow-cover will cause damage to the tires. All-season tires can be accepted as winter tires if they carry the M+S mark and have at least 4 mm of tread. Any tire with a tread depth of less than 4 mm is regarded as a summer tire. Snow chains may be used when the motorist deems them necessary. In addition chains can be made compulsory in certain regions and conditions. Spikes can be used with cars that weigh up to 3.5 tonnes and speed limits are enforced for these vehicles. Failure to comply with the law results in fines and a possible ban on driving the vehicle any further until conditions no longer require the use of winter equipment. FranceThe use of winter tires is not mandatory in France. Nevertheless in some situations special signs indicate that winter tires should be used. In mountainous areas signs warn drivers that snow chains are necessary. In France, drivers of automobiles that weigh up to 3.5 tonnes can use spikes from November until the end of March. Vehicles using spikes are restricted to a maximum speed of 90 km/h on out-of-town roads and 50 km/h in residential areas. In addition vehicles have to bare a badge indicating the use of spikes. SwitzerlandThe Swiss regulations are similar to those used in France. There is no general obligation to use winter tires, although most motorist associations highly recommend the use of winter tires for insurance reasons. If an accident has been caused by the use of summer tires during the winter months this can lead to liability on the part of the driver, regardless of whether or not they have fully comprehensive insurance. Snow chains and spikes are generally optional, but their use can be enforced through road signs. Drivers using spikes are not generally allowed on motorways. Again, 50km/h and 80km/h speed limits are in place, in and out of town. ItalyIt is not compulsory to use winter tires in Italy although you are obliged to when the authorities request it. There are no regulations on the use of snow chains. Motorists using spikes have to comply with 90km/h and 50 km/h speed limits. FinlandIn Finland winter tires are compulsory on all vehicles driven in the country between 1st December and 1st March. LatviaIn Latvia winter tires are compulsory on all vehicles driven in the country between 1st December and 1st March. NorwayAs in Latvia, Norwegian drivers must ensure that winter tires are fitted during the coldest months. Winter tires are not, however, mandatory for cars registered outside of the country. SwedenSwedish drivers must ensure that winter tires are fitted during the coldest months. Winter tires are not, however, mandatory for cars registered outside of the country. SloveniaFrom 15 November until 15 March Slovenian motorists are legally required to use winter equipment. This means either winter tires or radial tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm. According to Slovenian law two winter tires per automobile is sufficient. United KingdomThe use of Winter tires is not compulsory in the United Kingdom.
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