Driving Questions & Answers

Quick answers to common driving questions — winter tyres, speed limits, licenses, and fines for countries worldwide.

🇭🇷 UK Licence in Croatia: Legal for 12 Months (2026)

Yes — your UK licence is legal in Croatia for up to 12 months post-Brexit, no IDP required (only recommended). Croatia drives on the right; A1 is tolled.

❄️ Snow Tyres NZ: No Law, But Studs Are Banned (2026)

No snow tyre law in New Zealand and studded tyres are banned — but South Island alpine passes (Crown Range, Lindis, Milford) can demand chains June–Sept.

❄️ Winter Tyres Finland 2026-27 — Required 1 Nov–31 Mar, 3mm

Finland winter tyre rules 2026-27: required 1 Nov-31 Mar when weather or road conditions demand it (2020 law change). Legal winter minimum 3 mm tread.

❄️ Winter Tyres Lithuania 2026 — Mandatory Nov 10 to Apr 1

Lithuania winter tyre rules 2026: Nov 10–Apr 1 mandatory, 3mm min tread, M+S/3PMSF accepted. Fines €60+. Updated May 2026. Free.

🚗 Drive in South Africa on a UK Licence? Yes, No IDP Required by Law

Yes — a UK licence works in South Africa for up to 12 months. It is in English, so no IDP is legally required, but most rental firms ask for one anyway.

Albania Motorway Speed: 110 km/h — Police Work the SH8 Coast Road

Albania's motorway limit is 110 km/h, with a near-zero 0.01 alcohol limit.

Argentina Motorway: 130 km/h — Vast Roads, Zero-Alcohol Cities

Argentina's motorway limit is 130 km/h, but the distances are vast and the alcohol rules vary.

Australia Open-Road Speed: 110 km/h — Among the World's Strictest

Australia's open-road limit is generally 110 km/h, enforced more strictly than almost anywhere: point-to-point cameras.

Austria Motorway: 130 km/h — and Dashcams Are Illegal

Austria's motorway limit is 130 km/h, but dashcams are illegal under privacy law (€10,000+ fine) and 'section control' averages speed on the A2, A9 and A22.

Belgium Motorway Speed: 120 km/h — Section Control Everywhere

Belgium's motorway limit is 120 km/h, backed by one of Europe's fastest-growing section-control networks.

Bosnia Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — but the M17 Is Where Police Wait

Bosnia's short A1 motorway is 130 km/h, but most driving is the single-carriageway M17 spine, where police handheld radar is common.

Brazil Highway Speed: 110 km/h — Zero Alcohol, Lei Seca Roadblocks

Brazil's highway limit is around 110 km/h, but the rule that catches drivers is the Lei Seca — a strictly enforced zero alcohol limit with police roadblocks.

Bulgaria Motorway Speed Limit 2026 — 140 km/h, and Police Collect on the Spot

Bulgaria allows 140 km/h on motorways, among Europe's highest — and traffic police issue and collect fines at the roadside. Limits, the tolerance, and what a tourist should expect.

Can a UK Licence Drive in Japan? 2026 — Only With a 1949 Convention IDP

A UK licence alone is not accepted in Japan. You need a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, from a PayPoint store, obtained before you travel.

Can a UK Licence Drive in Thailand? 2026 — Only With an IDP, or the Fine Follows

A UK licence alone is not valid in Thailand and police check at roadside stops. You need a 1949 Convention IDP obtained before you travel, and insurance depends on it.

Can I Drive in Australia With a UK Licence? It's Left-Hand

Yes — your UK licence (in English) is valid in Australia for visits, with an IDP only recommended.

Can I Drive in Croatia With a US License? Yes, for 12 Months

Yes — your US license is accepted in Croatia for up to 12 months, and an IDP (an official translation) smooths car rental and any police stop.

Can I Drive in France With a UK Licence? Yes — Now on the Right

Yes — post-Brexit your UK photocard licence is valid for visits to France, with an IDP only recommended.

Can I Drive in France With a US License? Yes — With an IDP

Yes — your US license lets you drive in France as a visitor, and an IDP is strongly recommended as the official translation.

Can I Drive in Iceland With a UK Licence? Mind the F-Roads

Yes — your UK licence is valid in Iceland, with an IDP only recommended.

Can I Drive in Italy With a UK Licence? Yes — Beware the ZTL

Yes — post-Brexit your UK licence is valid in Italy, with an IDP only recommended.

Can I Drive in Mexico With a UK Licence? Buy Mexican Insurance

Yes — your UK licence works in Mexico with an IDP recommended, but the real requirement is insurance: foreign policies are void.

Can I Drive in Portugal With a UK Licence? Yes — Now on the Right

Yes — post-Brexit, your UK photocard licence is valid in Portugal for visits, with an IDP only recommended.

Can I Drive in Portugal With a US License? Yes, With an IDP

Yes — your US license works in Portugal with an IDP strongly recommended.

Can I Drive in Spain With a UK Licence? Yes — Now on the Right

Yes — post-Brexit your UK licence is valid for visits to Spain, with an IDP only recommended.

Can I Drive in Spain With a US License? Yes, With an IDP

Yes — your US license works in Spain with an IDP strongly recommended as the official translation.

Can I Drive in Thailand With a US License? Yes, for 3 Months + IDP

Yes — your US license works in Thailand for up to 3 months, but only with an International Driving Permit alongside it.

Can I Drive in the Netherlands With a UK Licence? Mind the Bikes

Yes — post-Brexit your UK licence is valid in the Netherlands, with an IDP only recommended.

Can I Drive in Turkey With a UK Licence? Only With an IDP

You can drive in Turkey on a UK licence, but an International Driving Permit is required alongside it.

Can I Drive in Turkey With a US License? Only With an IDP

Your US license alone isn't sufficient in Turkey — you need an International Driving Permit alongside it, valid up to 6 months.

Canada Highway Speed: 100 km/h — Ontario Seizes Speeders' Cars

Canada posts speed limits in km/h, not mph, typically 100–120 by province.

Colombia Highway Speed: 120 km/h — Tolls, Mountains, 0.02 Alcohol

Colombia's highway limit is 120 km/h, but mountain switchbacks keep real speeds low, peaje tolls are frequent.

Croatia Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — Tolls + a Summer A1 Crackdown

Croatia's motorway limit is 130 km/h, but the motorways are tolled and the A1 to Split is heavily policed each summer with immediate on-the-spot fines.

Czechia Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — Zero Alcohol in Beer Country

Czechia's motorway limit is 130 km/h (150 trialled on some sections), but the alcohol limit is an absolute zero despite the country's beer culture.

Denmark Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — Reckless Driving = Car Seized

Denmark's motorway limit is 130 km/h, but its vanvidskørsel law lets police confiscate the car — even a rental — for extreme speeding.

Driving in Italy on a US License: Italian Law Requires an IDP

In Italy a US license must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit — Italian law requires it, so it's not merely advised.

Driving in Mexico on a US License: You Must Buy Mexican Insurance

Your US license is valid in Mexico, but the real requirement isn't the license — it's insurance.

Egypt Highway Speed: 100 km/h — Checkpoints and No Night Driving

Egypt's highway limit is around 100 km/h, but the real cautions are the frequent police and military checkpoints, a zero alcohol limit.

Estonia Motorway Speed: up to 110 km/h — Only in Summer

Estonia's higher 110 km/h limit applies only in the summer months; the rest of the year the main roads drop back to 90.

Expressway Speed Limit in India: 120 km/h — but Only on 3 Roads

India's 120 km/h limit applies only to the newest expressways — Yamuna, Mumbai-Pune and Delhi-Mumbai. Everywhere else it is 80 rural, 50 urban, camera-enforced.

Finland Motorway Speed: 120 km/h Summer, 100 in Winter

Finland's motorway limit changes with the season — 120 km/h in summer, dropped to 100 for winter.

France Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — but Only 110 in the Rain

France's motorway limit is 130 km/h in the dry but drops to 110 when it rains — a rule that catches tourists.

Germany Autobahn: No Limit — but 130 Is the Number That Matters

Germany's autobahn has no general speed limit — but 130 km/h is the official 'recommended' speed, and posted or roadworks limits are fully enforced by camera.

Greece Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — Police Radar, Cash Fines

Greece's motorway limit is 130 km/h, but unlike most of Europe the enforcement is mobile police radar, not fixed cameras.

Hungary Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — but the Alcohol Limit is Zero

Hungary's motorway limit is 130 km/h, yet the rule that catches tourists is the 0.00 alcohol limit — one drink is an offence.

Ireland Motorway Speed: 120 km/h (Not mph) — the M50 Toll Trap

Ireland's motorway limit is 120 km/h — kilometres, not miles, which trips up UK visitors.

Is 150 km/h Legal in Poland? No — It Is 140 km/h in 2026

Poland's motorway limit is 140 km/h everywhere; the 150 km/h idea for three-lane sections is still under ministry review. Expressways run at 120 km/h.

Italy Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — the Tutor Averages Your Speed

Italy's motorway limit is 130 km/h (with 150 trialled on a few three-lane sections), but the Tutor system averages your speed across long stretches.

Japan Expressway Speed Limit: 100 km/h — 120 Only on Upgraded Sections

Japan's expressway limit is 100 km/h, raised to 120 only on a few upgraded stretches. Enforcement tolerance, the JPY 9,000-35,000 fine ladder, and left-hand drive.

Latvia Motorway Speed: 110 km/h — Radar on the Via Baltica

Latvia's top limit is 110 km/h, enforced by fixed cameras near Riga and mobile radar along the Via Baltica transit corridor.

Lithuania Motorway: 130 km/h — Police Watch the A1 Vilnius–Kaunas

Lithuania's motorway limit is 130 km/h, but police concentrate on the A1 between Vilnius and Kaunas.

Luxembourg Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — Small But Camera-Watched

Luxembourg's motorway limit is 130 km/h (110 in rain), and although you can cross the country in under an hour, cameras on the A1.

Mexico Highway Speed: 110 km/h — Toll Roads, Topes, Checkpoints

Mexico's highway limit is 110 km/h, split between paid cuota roads and free libre roads.

Montenegro Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — Mostly Mountain Roads

Montenegro's 130 km/h limit barely applies — the country has just one short motorway, and almost everything else is winding mountain and coastal road.

Morocco Motorway Speed: 120 km/h — Tolled Autoroutes + Radar Stops

Morocco's autoroutes are limited to 120 km/h, well-built and tolled, but police radar and checkpoints are frequent with on-the-spot cash fines.

Netherlands Motorway Speed Limit 2026 — 100 km/h by Day, 130 at Night

The Dutch daytime limit is 100 km/h from 06:00 to 19:00, rising to 130 on some stretches at night. Which roads, the exact hours, and the tolerance before a fine.

New Zealand Open-Road Speed: 100 km/h — Slower Than It Looks

New Zealand's open-road limit is 100 km/h (110 on a few expressways), but narrow.

North Macedonia Motorway: 130 km/h — Lights On All Day, Nov–Mar

North Macedonia's motorway limit is 130 km/h, but two rules catch drivers heading to Greece.

Norway Motorway Speed: 110 km/h — Among the World's Priciest Fines

Norway's motorway limit is only 110 km/h, backed by some of the planet's harshest penalties: income-based fines around €920 for 30 km/h over.

Portugal Motorway Speed: 120 km/h — the Electronic-Toll Trap (A22)

Portugal's motorway limit is 120 km/h, but the toll system catches tourists: Via Verde reads every plate.

Romania Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — Zero Alcohol + Rovinieta Needed

Romania's motorway limit is 130 km/h, but the alcohol limit is an absolute zero and you need a rovinieta (e-vignette) to use national roads.

Serbia Motorway: 130 km/h — On-the-Spot Dinar Fines, Get a Receipt

Serbia's motorway limit is 130 km/h, but police use handheld radar and collect fines on the spot in dinars — always ask for a receipt.

Slovakia Motorway Speed: 130 km/h — Zero Alcohol + a Vignette

Slovakia's motorway limit is 130 km/h, but you need an electronic vignette to use the D-motorways and the alcohol limit is an absolute zero.

Slovenia Motorway 130 km/h — the €300 Vignette Fine Catches More Drivers

You need an e-vignette before you touch a Slovenian motorway; there are no toll booths to remind you and the fine starts near €300. Plus A1 section control.

South Africa Speed Limits: 60 in Town, 100 Rural, 120 on Freeways

South Africa's residential limit is 60 km/h, rural roads 100 and freeways 120, with trucks capped lower. Speeding 30 km/h over starts around EUR 130.

South Korea Expressway: 110 km/h, a Camera Every Few Km

South Korea's expressway limit is 110 km/h, but it runs one of the world's densest speed-camera networks — fixed cameras plus average-speed sections.

Spain Motorway Speed: 120 km/h — Now Watched by DGT Drones

Spain's motorway limit is 120 km/h, but many secondary roads dropped to 90 in 2019, and the DGT now uses drones and helicopters alongside unmarked cars.

Speeding Fine in Italy 2026 — €42 to €3,382, and 30% Off Only on the Lowest Two Bands

Italy's speeding fines run EUR 42-3,382 depending how far over you were. The 30% early-payment discount applies only below 40 km/h over.

Speeding Fines in Australia: Double Points on Holiday Weekends

Australia's speeding fines are among the world's steepest — up to about €1,500 for 30 over.

Speeding Fines in Austria: €30 to €2,180 — Paid on the Spot

Austria's speeding fines start around €30 but reach €2,180 for extreme cases, often settled on the spot by an Organstrafverfügung.

Speeding Fines in Belgium: €53 to a Court Summons — Pay at Once

Belgium's speeding fines start at €53 but escalate to a court appearance for serious cases.

Speeding Fines in Croatia 2026: €30 to €2,650 — Doubled Since July

Croatia doubled its speeding fines from 1 July 2026: outside towns it is now EUR 60-1,990 by how far over, with even steeper tiers inside built-up areas.

Speeding Fines in Czechia: Sharply Higher Since the 2024 Reform

A January 2024 reform sharply raised Czech speeding fines and reworked the points system. Thirty over now runs about €200–400, with on-the-spot fines up to €200.

Speeding Fines in France: €135 — but €90 If You Pay in 15 Days

France's standard speeding fine is €135, reduced to €90 if paid within 15 days.

Speeding Fines in Germany: €20–30 Minor — But Points and Bans Bite

Germany's cash fines are low by European standards — about €30 in town, €20 outside for 10 km/h over.

Speeding Fines in Greece: €150 to €2,000+ Under the New Traffic Code

Greece's 2025 Traffic Code sets EUR 150 up to 20 km/h over, EUR 350 for 30-50 over, EUR 700 plus a 60-day ban above 50 over, EUR 2,000 above 200 km/h.

Speeding Fines in Hungary: Fixed Tariff, Billed to the Car's Owner

Hungary's speeding fines follow a fixed tariff with no officer discretion, and camera fines go to the registered owner — so a rental firm forwards them to you.

Speeding Fines in Japan: 30 km/h Over Can Be a Criminal Case

Japan's speeding fines are modest for small overages, but 30 km/h over on the highway (or 50 in town) crosses into criminal territory with court and six points.

Speeding Fines in Netherlands: from €30, and the Tolerance Is Tiny

Dutch speeding fines start around €30–70, but the tolerance is only about 3 km/h, so small overages still cost you.

Speeding Fines in Poland: from €12 — but Phone Use Is 12 Points

Poland's speeding fines are low in cash — about €12 for a minor slip, €47–117 for 30 over — but the points bite: phone use costs 12 points.

Speeding Fines in Portugal: €60 to €1,500 by Severity Band

Portugal grades speeding into light, serious and very serious bands, with fines from €60 up to €1,500 and licence suspension at the top.

Speeding Fines in South Korea: Doubled in School Zones

South Korea's speeding fines are modest on the open road but doubled in school zones under Minsik's Law, where cameras are dense and penalties severe.

Speeding Fines in Spain: €100–400 — Pay in 20 Days, Save 50%

Spain's speeding fines run €100 to €400 with penalty points, but paying within 20 days halves them.

Speeding Fines in Switzerland: Small Ones Fixed, Big Ones Criminal

Switzerland splits speeding into two worlds: minor overages are small fixed fines, but serious speeding triggers income-based penalties and the Raser law.

Speeding Fines in Turkey: 25% Off If You Pay Within 15 Days

Turkey's speeding fines are set in lira and rise every January with inflation — about €300 for 30 km/h over.

Sweden Motorway Limit: Only 110 km/h — and Income-Based Fines

Sweden's motorway limit is just 110 km/h — lower than most of Europe — and serious speeding brings income-based day-fines, so a richer driver pays far more.

Switzerland Motorway: 120 km/h — Where Speeding Can Be a Crime

Switzerland caps motorways at 120 km/h and enforces harder than anywhere in Europe: fines are income-based, radar-detector apps are illegal and confiscated.

Thailand Motorway Speed: 120 km/h — and They Drive on the Left

Thailand's few real expressways are limited to 120 km/h, but the country drives on the left and most roads are single-carriageway with lower limits.

Turkey Motorway Speed: 120 km/h — EDS Cameras + the HGS Toll Trap

Turkey's motorway limit is 120 km/h, enforced by EDS average-speed cameras, with foreign drivers often stopped at the exit.

UK Licence in Germany: Yes, No IDP — but Only for 6 Months

Post-Brexit a UK photocard is valid in Germany with no IDP, but only for visits up to 6 months. Autobahn left-lane rules and what happens if you stay longer.

UK Licence in Greece: Valid 12 Months — the Scooter Rule Catches People

No IDP needed for a hire car in Greece, valid 12 months. But on Santorini, Mykonos and Crete your licence must cover the motorcycle category for a scooter.

UK Motorway Speed: 70 mph (Not km/h) — Smart-Motorway Cameras

The UK motorway limit is 70 mph — in miles, not kilometres — and smart motorways set variable limits shown on overhead gantries.

UK Speeding Fines: £100 to £2,500 — or a Speed-Awareness Course

UK speeding fines start at £100 and 3 points, but a first minor offence often qualifies for a speed-awareness course instead of points.

US Highway Speed Limits 2026 — It Varies by State, and Texas Hits 85 mph

There is no national US speed limit. Texas allows 85 mph, most states sit at 65-75, and a few still cap at 55. State-by-state limits and how tolerance differs.

US Licence in Greece: Yes for 12 Months — but Not for a Scooter

A US licence covers a hire car in Greece for 12 months. But rent a scooter or quad on Santorini, Mykonos or Crete and your IDP must cover the motorcycle category.

US License in Australia: Valid 3 Months, Drives on the Left

Your US license (in English) is accepted in Australia for up to 3 months, with an IDP advised.

US License in Germany: Valid 6 Months — Some States Can Swap It

Your US license is accepted in Germany for up to 6 months, with an IDP advised.

US License in Iceland: Valid — but F-Roads Void Your Insurance

Your US license is accepted in Iceland for up to 12 months, but the real trap isn't the license — it's the F-roads.

US License in Japan: You Need the 1949 IDP — and Drive on the Left

To drive in Japan on a US license you need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention (US AAA issues it), valid up to 12 months.

US License in South Africa: You Need an IDP, Drive Left

To drive in South Africa on a US license you need an International Driving Permit alongside it, and the country drives on the left.

US License in the Netherlands: Valid 6 Months — Watch the Cyclists

Your US license is accepted in the Netherlands for up to 6 months, with an IDP advised.

US Speeding Fines: $200–1,000+ by State — and Insurance Jumps

US speeding fines vary hugely by state, from $200 to over $1,000, and serious speeding is 'reckless driving' — a criminal misdemeanor.

Winter Tyres in Albania: Only When Snow and Ice Demand It

Albania has no fixed winter-tyre dates, but tyres are required whenever roads are covered in snow, ice or slush — which, in the mountainous interior.

Winter Tyres in Argentina: Patagonia & the Andes (Jun–Sep)

Argentina only needs winter tyres in Patagonia and the Andean regions, and remember the seasons are flipped — winter runs June to September.

Winter Tyres in Australia: Not Required — Except Alpine Ski Roads

Australia has no winter-tyre law, and across most of the country they're pointless.

Winter Tyres in Austria: Required Nov 1–Apr 15 in Snow

Austria requires winter tyres from 1 November to 15 April whenever there's snow, ice or slush — or you can fit snow chains on a snow-covered road.

Winter Tyres in Belgium: No Law — but the Ardennes See Snow

Belgium doesn't require winter tyres by law, but the hilly Ardennes get real snow, and neighbouring Germany and Luxembourg have condition-based rules.

Winter Tyres in Bosnia: Mandatory Nov 15–Apr 15, Carry Chains

Bosnia and Herzegovina requires winter tyres from 1 November to 1 April, and you must also carry snow chains for the mountain passes.

Winter Tyres in Brazil: Not Needed — the Climate Never Asks

Brazil has no winter-tyre law and, being overwhelmingly tropical, genuinely never needs them. Even the cooler far south sees frost rather than road snow.

Winter Tyres in Bulgaria: Required Nov 15–Mar 1 in Snow

Bulgaria requires winter tyres from 15 November to 1 March when roads are snow- or ice-covered.

Winter Tyres in Canada: Mandatory Only in Quebec (Dec 1–Mar 15)

Canada leaves winter tyres to the provinces: only Quebec makes them mandatory (1 December to 15 March).

Winter Tyres in Colombia: Not Required — High but Snow-Free

Colombia has no winter-tyre law and doesn't need one. Even at Andean altitude the roads don't get snow — the high páramo is cold and misty, not snowy.

Winter Tyres in Croatia: Required Inland When Conditions Demand

Croatia requires winter equipment from 15 November to 15 April when roads are wintry — mainly in the inland Lika and Gorski Kotar regions.

Winter Tyres in Czechia: Required Nov–Mar Where the Sign Shows

Czechia requires winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March, but only on roads marked with the blue winter-equipment sign or when snow and ice are present.

Winter Tyres in Denmark: No Law — but Sweden Requires Them

Denmark doesn't require winter tyres by law, thanks to its flat, mild, maritime climate.

Winter Tyres in Egypt: Not Needed — Heat, Not Cold, Is the Issue

Egypt has no winter-tyre law and never needs one — it's a desert country.

Winter Tyres in Estonia: Mandatory Dec 1–Mar 1 (Studs Allowed)

Estonia requires winter tyres from 1 December to 1 March, extendable to 15 October–31 March in bad weather. Studded tyres are permitted and widely used.

Winter Tyres in France: 34 Mountain Areas (Loi Montagne)

France's Loi Montagne requires winter tyres or chains from 1 November to 31 March in 34 designated mountain départements.

Winter Tyres in Germany: No Date — the Snowflake Rule

Germany has no fixed winter-tyre dates: the law is condition-based (Situationsbereifung), requiring proper winter tyres whenever there's snow or ice.

Winter Tyres in Greece: Not Required — but Mountains Need Chains

Greece has no winter-tyre law, and the islands and coast never need them.

Winter Tyres in Hungary: No Fixed Rule — but Snow Changes That

Hungary has no compulsory winter-tyre period for cars, but police can require suitable tyres in snow and stop a vehicle that's blocking traffic.

Winter Tyres in Iceland: Required Nov 1–Apr 14, Studs Common

Iceland requires winter tyres from 1 November to 14 April, and studded tyres are common and legal in that window.

Winter Tyres in India: Not Required — Except the Himalayan Passes

India has no winter-tyre law, and across its warm plains they're irrelevant.

Winter Tyres in Ireland: No Law — It's Wet Ice, Not Deep Snow

Ireland has no winter-tyre law, and its mild, wet, maritime climate rarely brings lasting snow.

Winter Tyres in Italy: Signed Roads Require Them Nov 15–Apr 15

Italy's winter-tyre rule is set road-by-road: from 15 November to 15 April, many routes and autostrade post an obligation for winter tyres or on-board chains.

Winter Tyres in Japan: Studless Tyres for Hokkaido & the North

Japan sets winter-tyre rules by prefecture — Hokkaido, Tohoku and the snow country require them.

Winter Tyres in Latvia: Mandatory Dec 1–Mar 1

Latvia requires winter tyres from 1 December to 1 March, and studded tyres are allowed.

Winter Tyres in Luxembourg: Required in Wintry Conditions

Luxembourg requires suitable winter tyres whenever there's snow, ice or frost — a condition-based rule with no fixed dates.

Winter Tyres in Mexico: Not Needed Anywhere You'll Drive

Mexico has no winter-tyre law and effectively never needs them — the populated regions and highways stay warm year-round.

Winter Tyres in Montenegro: Required Nov 15–Apr 1 + Chains

Montenegro requires winter tyres from 15 November to 1 April, and snow chains are needed on the mountain passes.

Winter Tyres in Morocco: Not Required — but the Atlas Gets Snow

Morocco has no winter-tyre law, and the coast and plains never need them.

Winter Tyres in North Macedonia: Required From Oct 15

North Macedonia requires winter tyres from 15 November to 15 March — one of Europe's earliest start dates.

Winter Tyres in Norway: Situational — and Cities Charge for Studs

Norway requires adequate winter tyres in winter conditions (1 Nov to just after Easter, longer in the north), with a minimum 3mm tread.

Winter Tyres in Poland: No Law Despite the Snow — Just Advised

Surprisingly for a country with cold, snowy winters, Poland has no winter-tyre law.

Winter Tyres in Portugal: Not Required — Except Serra da Estrela

Portugal has no winter-tyre law, and its mild climate rarely needs them.

Winter Tyres in Romania: Required Nov–Mar on Snow and Ice

Romania requires winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March whenever roads are covered in snow, ice or slush.

Winter Tyres in Serbia: Mandatory Nov 1–Apr 1, Carry Chains

Serbia requires winter tyres from 1 November to 1 April when there's snow on the road, and you must carry snow chains.

Winter Tyres in Slovakia: Required Nov 15–Mar 31 in Snow

Slovakia requires winter tyres from 15 November to 31 March when there's compacted snow or ice on the road.

Winter Tyres in Slovenia: Mandatory Nov 15–Mar 15 (Tyres + Chains)

Slovenia requires full winter equipment from 15 November to 15 March: winter tyres, or summer tyres plus snow chains carried in the car.

Winter Tyres in South Africa: Not Required — the Passes Aside

South Africa has no winter-tyre law, and its mostly warm, high-veld climate rarely brings road snow.

Winter Tyres in South Korea: No Law — but Gangwon Gets Buried

South Korea has no winter-tyre law, but the mountainous north-east — Gangwon Province and its ski resorts — gets heavy snow.

Winter Tyres in Spain: Not Required — Except Mountain & Ski Roads

Spain has no blanket winter-tyre law, and most of the country never needs them.

Winter Tyres in Sweden: Mandatory Dec 1–Mar 31, Studs Allowed

Sweden requires winter tyres from 1 December to 31 March when winter conditions prevail. Studded tyres are legal (roughly Oct–mid-April) and widely used.

Winter Tyres in Switzerland: No Law, but You're Liable Without

Switzerland has no explicit winter-tyre law, but you must have your car under control — so on snow or ice, summer tyres can mean a fine, blame in a crash.

Winter Tyres in Thailand: Never Needed — It's Tropical

Thailand has no winter-tyre law and never needs one — it's a tropical country that stays hot all year.

Winter Tyres in the Netherlands: No Law — the Neighbours Differ

The Netherlands has no winter-tyre law — it's flat, mild and coastal.

Winter Tyres in the UK: No Law — but Snow Still Catches It Out

The UK has no winter-tyre law, and its mild, wet climate means most drivers manage on all-season tyres.

Winter Tyres in the US: It's About Chain Laws on Mountain Passes

The US rarely mandates winter tyres, but mountain states run 'chain laws': when posted, vehicles crossing passes in the Sierra.

Winter Tyres in Turkey: Mandatory Dec 1–Apr 1 for Some Vehicles

Turkey requires winter tyres from 15 November to 15 April for commercial and intercity vehicles, and increasingly for cars on snowy routes.