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European tyre regulations for heavy trucks and buses
Staying compliant with European tyre regulations is crucial for the safety and reliability of heavy trucks and buses. By following the regulations on tyre tread depth and winter tyres, European transport operators can not only avoid fines but also ensure safer and smoother journeys year-round. Find out all you need to know on the subject.
European tyre tread depth regulations
One of the primary safety requirements concerns the minimum tread depth for tyres. According to the European tyre regulations, the minimum legal tread depth for most vehicles is 1.6 mm1 across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s tread.
The minimum legal tread depth may vary from one European country to another, as you can see from the table below.
European tyre tread depth regulations
New or used, MICHELIN tyres give you optimum grip. The various tests we carry out on this subject demonstrate this. That being said, regular inspections and tyre maintenance are essential for transport operators to ensure that all tyres meet the legal requirements, including checking for uneven wear or damage that could lead to premature tyre failure.
LEGAL WEAR LIMITS OF TRUCK TYRES FOR THE MAIN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
(Updated: December 2024)
Country | Minimum depth |
Austria | 2,0 mm |
Belgium | 1,6 mm |
Bulgaria | 1,6 mm |
Croatia | 1,6 mm |
Czech Republic | 1,6 mm |
Denmark | 1,0 mm |
Eurasian EU(1) | 2.0 mm for coaches and buses |
Finland | 1,6 mm |
Estonia | 1,6 mm |
France | 1,0 mm |
Germany | 1,6 mm |
Greece | 2.0 mm for steering axle |
Hungary | 1.6 mm if the dimension of the tire is < 750 mm |
Ireland | 1,6 mm |
Italy | 1,6 mm |
Latvia | 1,6 mm |
Lithuania | 7.0 mm for coaches and buses carrying more than 8 passengers |
Luxembourg | 1 mm for towed vehicles |
Netherlands | 1,6 mm |
Norway | 1,6 mm |
Poland | 3 mm for coaches reaching speeds of 100 km/h |
Portugal | 1,0 mm |
Romania | 1,6 mm |
Serbia | 2,0 mm |
Slovakia | 1,6 mm |
Slovenia | 1,6 mm |
Spain | None |
Sweden | 1,6 mm (2) |
Switzerland | 1,6 mm |
Turkey | 1,6 mm |
Ukraine | 2 mm for coaches and buses |
UK | 1,0 mm |
(1) Eurasian Economic Union: Armenia, Belorussia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
(2) The tyres must be designed specifically for winter conditions.
Provided for informational purposes only, may be subject to changes in local regulations.
Winter tyre markings
Winter tyre regulations in Europe2 are critical for safe driving in colder climates, particularly in countries that experience harsh winter conditions.
Winter tyre markings
Two tyre markings, 3PMSF and M+S, were introduced to help drivers identify tyres that meet specific performance standards for safety and traction in challenging winter conditions.
● The tyres marked with M+S are designed for use in less extreme winter conditions, offering some traction in mud and snow but without the rigorous testing requirements of 3PMSF tyres.
While M+S tyres may be accepted in some European countries, they are often not considered sufficient in countries with more severe winter weather.
● The 3PMSF marking (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) is awarded to tyres that have passed specific tests for winter performance, including braking on snowy and icy roads. These tyres are designed to provide maximum traction and safety in severe winter conditions, making them mandatory in some European countries during winter months.
The table below shows, for European countries, the minimum legal tread for winter use. It also indicates whether a winter marking is compulsory (in some cases, a specific particular axle is also specified).
You'll notice that in some countries the legal tread depth is greater in winter than outside this season (for example, in Croatia: 4 mm in winter instead of 1.6 mm in summer.
WINTER REGULATIONS FOR HEAVY VEHICLES IN THE EU
(Updated: December 2024)
Country | Minimum Tread Depth | Mandatory Use of M+S or 3PMSF Tyres | Use of Snow Chains | Winter Period |
Austria | Radial: 5 mm, Diagonal: 6 mm | Yes, at least on one drive axle. | Mandatory when signposted, or a pair of chains must be carried. | Trucks: 1 November to 15 April. |
Belgium | 1.6 mm | No, but symmetrical mounting mandatory for M+S tyres. | Permitted in winter conditions | None |
Bosnia & Herzegovina | 4 mm | Yes, at least on one drive axle. | Mandatory if the current tyres are not M+S/3PMSF. | 15 November - 15 April |
Bulgaria | 1.6 mm for M+S/3PMSF tyres, | No | Mandatory if the current tyres are not M+S/3PMSF. | 15 November - 15 April |
Croatia | 1.6 mm for M+S/3PMSF tyres, | No | Mandatory if the current tyres are not M+S/3PMSF. | 15 November - 15 April |
Czech Republic | 6 mm on drive axle, | Mandatory on drive axle. | Permitted and even mandatory when signposted. | From 1 November to 31 March, unless local signage indicates otherwise |
Denmark | 1 mm | No | Permitted in winter conditions. | 1 November to 15 April. |
Finland | 5 mm on drive axle, | M+S marking mandatory on all motor vehicle axles. | Permitted in winter conditions. | 1 December to 28 February. |
France | 1 mm | No. | Authorised and even compulsory when signposted. | 1 November to 31 March, unless local signage indicates otherwise. |
Germany | 1.6 mm | 3PMSF mandatory in winter conditions on steer and drive axles. Tolerance until 2024 for M+S tyres manufactured before 2018. | Permitted with a speed limit of 50 km/h. | None. Road conditions (snow, ice) determine the period. |
Greece | 2 mm for steer axle, | No | Permitted and mandatory on 2 tyres of the drive axle when signposted. | None |
Hungary | 1.6 mm for tyres < 750 mm, | No | Permitted and mandatory on 2 tyres of the drive axle when signposted. | None |
Ireland | 1.6 mm | No | Permitted in winter conditions. | None |
Italy | 1.6 mm | On drive axle only. Mandatory when signposted unless the vehicle is equipped with M+S tyres. | Mandatory when signposted unless the vehicle is fitted with M+S tyres. | From 15 October to 15 May |
Kosovo | 4 mm | No | Mandatory in winter conditions. | None. The road conditions (snow, ice) determine the period. |
Luxembourg | 1.6 mm for trucks, | Yes. On drive axle. | Permitted in winter conditions. | None. The road conditions (snow, ice) determine the period. |
Montenegro | 4 mm | Yes. On drive axle. | Permitted in winter conditions. | From 15 November to 15 March |
Netherlands | 1.6 mm | No | Prohibited | None |
North Macedonia | 6 mm | Yes. On all axles. | Permitted in winter conditions. | From 15 November to 15 March |
Norway | 5 mm | 3PMSF mandatory on steer and drive axles, M+S on others. | Mandatory during winter period. | From 15 November to 31 March |
Poland | 1.6 mm for goods transport, | No | Mandatory when signposted. | Variable. The period is defined by local authorities. |
Portugal | 1 mm | No | Mandatory when signposted. | None |
Romania | 4 mm | Yes | Permitted on drive axle. | From 1 November to 31 March |
Serbia | 4 mm | Yes. On drive axle. | Mandatory if the vehicle's current tyres are not M+S/3PMSF. | From 1 November to 31 March |
Slovakia | 3 mm on drive axle, | Yes. On drive axle. | Permitted in winter conditions. Mandatory when signposted. | From 15 November to 31 March |
Slovenia | 3 mm | Yes. On drive axle. | Permitted unless equipped with M+S/3PMSF tyres. | From 15 November to 31 March |
Spain | Main grooves must be visible | No. But since 2020, 3PMSF tyres are mandatory for passenger transport vehicles in poor driving conditions. | Mandatory when signposted. | None. Local authorities can stop vehicles if road conditions require. See also(1) |
Sweden | 5 mm for all axles on motor vehicle, | 3PMSF mandatory on steer and drive axles, M+S on others. | Permitted | From 1 October to 15 April |
Switzerland | 1.6 mm | No | Mandatory when signposted. | None |
Turkey | 4 mm | Yes on drive axle. | Permitted | From 1 December to 31 March |
Ukraine | 1 mm for goods transport | None | Permitted | None |
United Kingdom | 1 mm | No | Permitted | None |
UEEA(3) | 4 mm | 3PMSF mandatory on steer and drive axles. | Permitted in winter conditions. | From 1 December to 28 February, but each member country can define its own period. |
Other EU countries | 1.6 mm | No | Mandatory when signposted. | Variable. The period is defined by local authorities. |
(1) In severe winter conditions, exceptions may be made for passenger transport, provided that :
- all axles are fitted with 3PMSF tyres,
- they have a certificate guaranteeing 3PMSF approval,
- the tread depth of the tyres is not less than 4 mm,
- the windscreen must bear a sticker stating that the vehicle is authorised to travel.
(2) Transition period tolerated until 11/2024 if tyres are at least M+S.
(3) Eurasia, comprising the following countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia .
Provided for informational purposes only, may be subject to changes in local regulations.
Please note that most MICHELIN truck tyres have the 3PMSF marking. Check your tyres here.
Mandatory tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Another important aspect of European tyre regulations is the requirement for the use of a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in certain vehicle categories, including heavy trucks and buses.
Tyres that are under-inflated or over-inflated pose a serious safety risk, reducing the vehicle's handling performance and have an impact on fuel consumption. Since 2014, new commercial vehicles in the EU must be equipped with a TPMS to continuously monitor tyre pressures and alert the driver if any tyres are significantly under or over-inflated³.
Maintaining the correct tyre pressures is essential not only for safety but also for ensuring the longevity of tyres.
Under-inflated tyres generate more heat and wear out faster, while over-inflated tyres may lead to reduced grip and uneven wear. Tyres that are not properly inflated are more likely to fail, which is a major concern for long-haul vehicles, where tyre failure can have catastrophic consequences. Proper tyre pressure monitoring is a critical part of compliance with EU tyre safety standards and helps reduce the risk of accidents.
Future possible trends in tyre regulations
Looking ahead, the future of tyre regulations in Europe is likely to focus on sustainability and advanced tyre technology. The EU has already introduced tyre labelling requirements that provide information on a tyre’s fuel efficiency, noise level, and wet grip performance.
These labels allow operators to choose tyres that not only comply with European tyre regulations but also contribute to lower fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact. As sustainability becomes a priority, we may see more stringent rules around tyre materials, recycling, and energy efficiency.
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