Please note that laws may be updated and modified based on fluctuating average local temperatures, so we recommend checking local laws before travelling abroad in winter. For example, large parts of the country in the UK rarely experience prolonged periods of extreme cold, and when this happens, most drivers simply choose not to drive. It would not make economic sense to make winter tyres compulsory. Motorists should remove their winter tires at the end of winter or when the weather is constantly warm. Be careful, Colorado tends to receive its heaviest snowfall in March. At the same time, however, in some European countries, such as Austria, winter tyres with a residual tread depth of less than four millimetres are legally considered summer tyres and are no longer even allowed to drive on certain roads. Snowflake Three-Peak Mountain Tires (3PMSF) offer legally certified winter performance. These tires must pass a test on a snowy road and have at least 25% more traction than a standard reference tire. High Mountain Roads with Red Level (15/TV-87): Buses can run with tires marked with the symbol 3PMSF (ThreePeak Mountain Snowflake) in all positions and a minimum tread depth of 4 mm.
Rigid trucks between 3.5 t and 7.5 t GVW only for garbage collection, food distribution, flow transport and assistance vehicles can drive with winter tires in all positions and a minimum tread depth of 4 mm. Other trucks are not allowed to drive. At present, Greece, Malta and Cyprus do not have general regulations on winter tyres for trucks. Regulations specific to the snow chain and crampons can be found in the traffic rules of the respective countries. When it comes to snow or ice on the road, some tires are safer because they offer better traction in winter conditions. Consider investing in safety by having a winter-proof set of tires so you`re prepared for any conditions Colorado throws at you. Below is a guide to approved winter tires – all of these tires comply with the traction law, as long as they have a tread depth of at least 3/16″: Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to March 31, depending on winter road conditions or when indicated by the „Winter Kit“ sign. M+S tyres with a tread depth of at least 6 mm shall be mounted on the driving axle of vehicles > 3,5 t GVW. If you are driving a trailer, the same tread depth rules apply to the trailer as to the motor vehicle.
For more information on tire requirements, see Section 1-4 of the Vehicle Operation Regulation (Lovdata, Norwegian only) In Germany, for winter 2022/2023, tyres must be fitted to trucks on all permanent driving axles of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in „winter conditions“, i.e. in cold conditions, slippery, snowy or muddy. But: Since 2021, there are also new rules for trucks. These stipulate that commercial vehicles with a maximum permissible mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes (categories M2 and M3 and N2 and N3) must be fitted with winter tyres not only on the driving axle but also on the „front steered axles“ in winter conditions. For fleets buying new tires for the upcoming winter season, it makes sense to buy „real“ winter tires directly. It is important to note that winter tyres for steered axles will be mandatory from 2020. „It is important to note that only a tyre that bears the symbol of a mountain with a snowflake is then considered a winter tyre within the meaning of the regulations,“ explains Koch. Whether it`s a new, used or retreaded tyre doesn`t matter, says expert Christian Koch, DEKRA tyre expert. Winter tires are not mandatory. Snow chains are allowed.
While snow and ice are the most obvious hazard for motorists, most drivers are changing their driving style to accommodate these conditions. However, cold and wet roads are visually no different from wet conditions during the warmer months and drivers tend not to adapt their driving style. However, the performance of a tire is significantly reduced by this combination of conditions, making cold and wet roads one of the highest safety risks for the driver. In winter weather conditions, the minimum tread depth on all axles except trailers is 5 mm (1.6 mm). Vehicles > a total laden weight of 3.5 t must be equipped with 3PMSF, POR or studded tyres on the front and driving axles, M+S tyres are also allowed on other axles. Until 30 November 2024, M+S (specially developed for winter) can be used on all axles. Vehicles > a total laden weight of 3.5 t must be equipped with winter tyres from 15 November to 31 March: 3PMSF tyres on the driving and front axle, M+S or 3PMSF tyres on free roller axles. Depending on the region, tires must have a minimum tread depth of 5 mm during the winter season. In southern Norway: between 1 November and the first Monday after Easter. In northern Norway: between 16 October and 30 April.
Also, be warned: using winter tires in the summer is a bad idea. Due to the peculiarities of the tread and the rubber compound from which they are made, their braking distance is significantly greater than that of summer tires. Cold and wet roads can significantly affect tire performance, leading to an increased risk of accidents. It is well known that the minimum legal tread depth for all passenger car tyres in Europe is 1.6 mm. Most drivers know that snow and ice can significantly affect their safety on the road. Steering, acceleration and braking are more difficult because normal tires have less grip in these conditions. But these extreme winter conditions are not the only ones that can affect your safety in road traffic. Even cold and wet roads can significantly affect tire performance, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
Fortunately, however, tire manufacturers have developed a range of winter tires specifically designed to operate in these conditions, providing improved safety throughout the winter period. Download our free brochure Winter tyres (230k) Used tyres with a worn tread depth of 4 mm start swimming at 63 km/h, while new winter tyres resist the aquaplaning effect until the speedometer needle reaches the 87 km/h mark. Winter tires without studs can be used all year round. If you drive a truck to Austria or another EU country, you should find out about the regulations there. Indeed, regulations differ considerably from one country to another. Using Continental`s comprehensive overview, here we show how other countries handle winter tyre requirements. Im Winter, vom 1. From November to the first Sunday after Easter Monday inclusive, the required tread depth is at least 3 millimetres. The duration of this requirement varies from year to year, depending on when Easter takes place in that year. During the test, ADAC experts tried, among other things, to find out what traction summer tires offer on snow, but the best result they got was only a quarter of the traction of a new winter tire and more than 7.5 meters of additional braking distance at 30 km / h. However, extensive ADAC research has shown that the legal minimum tread depth only describes the tyre`s safety margin. For summer tyres, the remaining tread depth shall be at least 3 mm, for winter and all-season tyres at least 4 mm.
A smaller tread depth can be critical on wet surfaces, mud or snow. If weather and road conditions make it necessary, studded tires and chains may be used beyond these times. If you use studded tires, the vehicle must have studded tires on all wheels.