Winter Tyres in Poland – Are They Mandatory? Rules in Poland and Europe [2026/2027]
Every autumn the same question comes up: are winter tyres mandatory in Poland? The short answer is no – Polish law does not require you to drive on winter tyres. That does not mean you can get away with summer tyres in the snow, though. In many countries popular for skiing and winter holidays, winter tyres are a legal requirement and driving without them can mean a hefty fine. Here is what you need to know about winter tyres in Poland and across Europe, when to change your tyres and how to recognise a tyre that meets winter requirements.
No. Poland is one of over a dozen European countries where the law does not explicitly require winter tyres during a set period. Proposals to introduce such a requirement – for example from 1 December to 1 March – have been put forward many times, but none has been passed so far.
There is, however, one rule worth remembering. Article 66 of the Polish Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym) requires drivers to keep their vehicle in a condition that ensures safe driving. If a police officer decides that summer tyres on snow or black ice pose a hazard, they can issue a fine and even retain the vehicle registration certificate. And if you have a collision on summer tyres in winter, the insurer may dispute the amount of compensation paid out under comprehensive (AC) cover.
Polish regulations set the minimum tread depth at 1.6 mm. That is only the legal limit, though. A winter tyre loses its grip on snow once the tread drops below about 4 mm, which is why experts recommend replacing winter tyres at that point. In many European countries, 4 mm is a legal requirement.
The most popular rule of thumb is to switch tyres when the average daily temperature drops below 7°C. At that temperature, the rubber compound of a summer tyre hardens and loses grip, while a winter tyre is only just starting to work at its best. In Poland, this usually means late October or early November – and even earlier in the mountains.
Not every tyre marked “M+S” is a true winter tyre. Check the markings on the sidewall:
You can read more about tyre markings in our article what the symbols on tyres mean – speed index and load capacity.
All-season tyres with the 3PMSF symbol are legally treated as winter tyres, including in countries where winter tyres are mandatory. In Polish conditions, if you mostly drive in town and on national roads, they perform very well. If you often head to the mountains or drive in heavy snow, however, a dedicated winter tyre will give you better performance.
Heading off skiing, on a winter break or to visit family abroad? In many countries winter tyres are required by law, and driving without them can lead to fines, your car being immobilised and problems with your insurance.
| Country | When winter tyres are required | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | In wintry conditions (snow, ice, slush, frost), with no fixed dates | Tyres with the 3PMSF symbol; a fine and penalty points in the Flensburg register if you do not have them |
| Czech Republic | From 1 November to 31 March when there are wintry conditions on the road, and at any time on roads marked with a mandatory winter tyre sign | Minimum tread depth of 4 mm for passenger cars |
| Slovakia | When there is snow, ice or frost on the road | Minimum tread depth of 3 mm |
| Austria | From 1 November to 15 April in wintry conditions | Minimum tread depth of 4 mm; alternatively, snow chains on the driven wheels on roads fully covered with snow or ice |
| Lithuania | From 10 November to 31 March | Winter tyres mandatory during the set period |
| Slovenia | From 15 November to 15 March and in wintry conditions | Winter tyres, or summer tyres with snow chains carried in the car |
| Italy | Usually from 15 November to 15 April on roads marked with signs | Winter tyres or snow chains carried in the car; rules vary by region |
| France | From 1 November to 31 March in mountain départements | Winter tyres, or snow chains (or snow socks) carried in the car |
Regulations in individual countries can change. Before you travel, check the current rules on the websites of automobile clubs or in your government’s official travel advice.
In Alpine regions, including Austria, Italy, France and Switzerland, some roads require snow chains, indicated by a round blue sign showing a tyre with a chain. On access roads to ski resorts, it is worth keeping chains in the boot even if your car has good winter tyres. In Poland, snow chains may only be used on roads covered with snow or ice.
If you rent a car in winter, you do not have to worry about changing tyres. During the winter season, MobiCars cars are prepared for the conditions and fitted with winter tyres or high-quality all-season tyres. So you can head to the mountains or drive to see family over the holidays with peace of mind.
Planning a trip abroad? With MobiCars you can take your rental car to countries including Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania (zone 1), as well as Austria, Switzerland and Hungary (zone 2). Simply add the right “Travel abroad” add-on when you book. You will find the details of the formalities in our guide can you drive a rental car abroad.
Before a winter trip, also read our guides: renting a car in winter – what to watch out for, tyre pressure warning light – what to do when it comes on and winter school holidays 2027 in Poland – dates by region. You can book a car for your winter trip in the daily car rental section.
No. There is no legal requirement to drive on winter tyres in Poland. However, drivers must make sure that the condition of their vehicle, including its tyres, ensures safe driving.
Formally, there is no fine simply for not having winter tyres. However, the police can fine a driver if they consider that the tyres are unsafe for the conditions, and they can also retain the vehicle registration certificate for worn tyres.
Ideally when the average daily temperature drops below 7°C. In Poland, this is usually in late October or early November.
Yes, in wintry conditions. Germany has a situational winter tyre requirement, and only tyres with the 3PMSF symbol are recognised.
Yes. In the Czech Republic, winter tyres are mandatory from 1 November to 31 March when there are wintry conditions on the road, and at any time on roads marked with the relevant sign.
Yes, if they carry the 3PMSF symbol (a snowflake inside three mountain peaks). Such tyres also meet the requirements in countries where winter tyres are mandatory.
At MobiCars, during the winter season cars are fitted with winter tyres or high-quality all-season tyres.
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