Winter Tires in Sweden and Denmark
Different rules apply to the use of winter tires and studded tires in Sweden and Denmark during the winter months. Here, you can read about various laws and regulations regarding the use of winter tires and studded tires in both countries.
In Sweden, it is mandatory to use winter tires between December 1 and March 31 in winter road conditions.
Winter tires in Denmark: rules and recommendations
In Denmark, there is no law requiring the use of winter tires; however, tires on passenger cars and vans must always have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimetres in all road conditions.
If you are driving in winter conditions, it is recommended that you use all-season tires or winter tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 millimetres.
On 1 July 2025, a change was made to the Danish Færdselsloven (fstyr.dk), stating that drivers are responsible for using tires suitable for the current and expected road conditions. The law recommends switching to winter tires in good time. If you drive without winter tires in Denmark when there is snow or freezing rain creating slippery conditions, you risk receiving a fine during inspection.
Winter tires in Denmark
There is no law specifying dates for using winter tires in Denmark. However, there are several recommendations related to weather conditions, including:
As a driver, you are responsible for having the correct tires in winter conditions. Anyone driving with unsuitable tires will be fined.
Studded tires are only permitted from 1 November to 15 April.
The minimum tread depth for tires in winter conditions is 4 millimetres.
Additional information on which tires are suitable for different road conditions can be found at Færdselsloven (fstyr.dk).
Winter tires in Sweden: rules and recommendations
In Sweden, it is mandatory to use winter tires between 1 December and 31 March when winter road conditions occur. Winter road conditions include snow, ice, slush or frost on the road surface or road shoulder. The winter tire requirements also apply to foreign vehicles travelling to and from Sweden.
Winter tires may be studded or non-studded friction tires. Passenger cars and light vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must have a minimum tread depth of 3 millimetres. Trucks, buses and passenger cars over 3.5 tonnes must have a minimum tread depth of 5 millimetres.
Since 1 December 2024, winter tires must also carry the “Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake” symbol if they are not studded.
The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol must be present on winter tires. Photo: Transportstyrelsen
Between 16 April and 30 September, it is prohibited to use studded tires unless winter road conditions exist or are expected. Bans on studded tires may apply in some places where only friction tires are permitted. Exceptions to the winter tire requirement exist for certain situations, such as travel to a vehicle inspection company or for vehicles older than thirty years.
Between 10 November and 10 April, heavy trucks and heavy buses, as well as any trailers attached to them, must be equipped with winter tires or equivalent equipment. This applies regardless of whether winter road conditions are present.
Winter tires in Sweden
In Sweden, the use of winter tires is regulated by both date and road conditions. This applies:
Between 1 December and 31 March, it is mandatory to use winter tires in winter road conditions.
Passenger cars must have winter tires with a tread depth of at least 3 millimetres. Trucks, buses and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must have winter tires with a tread depth of at least 5 millimetres.
Winter tires must carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol if they are not studded.
It is prohibited to use studded tires if winter road conditions do not exist or are not expected between 16 April and 30 September.
Between 10 November and 10 April, heavy trucks must have winter tires—regardless of whether winter road conditions are present.
More information on winter tires, regulations and markings is available from the Swedish Transport Agency, Transportstyrelsen (transportstyrelsen.se).