The winter tyre law in Sweden: a comprehensive guide from Däckgruppen
Winter tyres are essential for safe driving during Sweden's cold months. Here are the rules in brief, followed by the details.
Key dates and rules
- 1 December–31 March: winter tyres are required when winter road conditions apply, meaning snow, ice, slush or frost on the road.
- 1 October–15 April: studded tyres are permitted.
- 16 April–30 September: studded tyres are banned unless winter road conditions apply or are expected.
- Heavy trucks and buses: a fixed period of 10 November–10 April, regardless of road conditions.
- Minimum tread depth on winter tyres: 3 mm for cars and light vehicles, 5 mm for heavy vehicles.
Winter tyre requirements
Winter tyres, which can be either studded or non-studded friction tyres, are mandatory for cars and light vehicles during the stated winter months when winter road conditions apply; heavy trucks and buses instead follow the fixed 10 November–10 April period regardless of road conditions. It's important to note that mixing studded and non-studded tyres on the same vehicle isn't allowed. For those who prefer studded tyres, the permitted period is from 1 October to 15 April. However, if winter road conditions apply or are expected, it's allowed to use studded tyres outside this period too.
Possible fines and exemptions
Breaking the winter-tyre law can lead to fines. There are exemptions from these rules, though, such as vehicles on their way to an inspection or historic vehicles over 30 years old. For a full list of exemptions, visit the Swedish Transport Agency's website.
Tread depth and safety
Safety comes first, which is why winter tyres are required by law to have a minimum tread depth. For cars and light vehicles it's 3 millimetres, while heavy vehicles must have at least 5 millimetres of tread depth. Remember that the best tyres, with the greatest tread depth or stud protrusion, should always go on the rear axle to minimise the risk of skidding.
Foreign vehicles
It's also important to note that Sweden's winter-tyre rules also apply to foreign vehicles on Swedish roads during the winter period. This ensures that all vehicles on the road maintain a high safety standard.
Bans and local restrictions
Several Swedish cities have introduced bans on studded tyres on selected streets to reduce air pollution and promote a cleaner environment. Below is an overview of the current bans in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Uppsala that car owners should be aware of:
Stockholm
On Hornsgatan, Fleminggatan and part of Kungsgatan, driving with studded tyres is banned. These measures aim to reduce air pollution in the city's busiest areas.
Gothenburg
A studded-tyre ban applies on Friggagatan and Odinsgatan, as part of the city's efforts to improve air quality.
Uppsala
On Kungsgatan between Strandbodgatan and S:t Olofsgatan, and on Vaksalagatan between Storgatan and Kungsgatan, studded tyres are banned. These restrictions are meant to protect residents from the negative effects of air pollution.
These bans are an important part of Sweden's broader efforts to fight air pollution and protect the environment. It's important for all car owners and drivers to be aware of these restrictions to avoid fines and help create a healthier urban atmosphere.
Note that these bans are subject to change, and further restrictions may be introduced in the future. Däckgruppen is committed to continuously updating our customers on any new bans or changes to existing rules. For the latest information, regularly check the Swedish Transport Agency's website and the relevant municipalities' official sources.
By following these rules you help create a safer, cleaner environment for everyone. If you have questions or need advice on alternatives to studded tyres, our team at Däckgruppen is here to help.
Däckgruppen's commitment
At Däckgruppen we're committed to helping our customers navigate winter-tyre legislation and choose the best tyres for their needs. Whether you're looking for studded tyres for maximum grip on icy roads or non-studded friction tyres for flexible use, we have the expertise and range to keep you safe on the road.
For more information about our range of winter tyres, visit our website or contact us directly. Together we'll make sure you're prepared for winter's challenges, in line with Swedish law and with care for your safety and that of others on the road.
Sources
- Däckbranschens informationsråd, the Swedish tyre industry information council (dackinfo.se)
- Swedish Transport Agency (transportstyrelsen.se)
- Swedish Police (polisen.se)