Winter Tyres❄️ Winter Tyres Lithuania 2026 — Mandatory Nov 10 to Apr 1
Winter tyre rules in Lithuania go beyond a simple yes or no. Dates, tread depth, marking requirements and recent changes all matter. Check with our tyre tool below.
Yes, winter tyres are legally required in Lithuania. The mandatory period is 10 Nov - 31 Mar. Minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.
A firm fixed period — and studs are welcome
Lithuania makes winter tyres compulsory from 10 November to 31 March — a fixed period, so there’s no guessing about conditions — and like its Baltic neighbours it permits studded tyres, which many drivers use on the ice. The legal minimum tread is 1.6mm, though a Lithuanian winter (long, dark and genuinely cold) rewards something deeper. The rule covers the whole road network, not just the highways, and police check during the cold months. If you’re driving the Via Baltica transit corridor or heading out of Vilnius between November and April, fit proper winter or studded tyres for the season rather than gambling on a mild spell — the Baltic weather rarely obliges, and a car caught without them can be fined.
Winter Tyre Rules in Lithuania
Lithuania enforces a strict winter tyre law.
The mandatory period runs from 10 Nov - 31 Mar. During this window, every vehicle on public roads must be fitted with approved winter tyres.
Tyres must carry the M+S or 3PMSF (min 3 mm tread in winter) marking to be considered compliant.
Minimum Tread Depth
The legal minimum tread depth in Lithuania is 1.6 mm.
Safety experts recommend maintaining at least 3.0 mm of tread for adequate winter grip.
Studded Tyres
Lithuania permits studded tyres during the winter period only, with specific date restrictions.
All-Season Tyres
Lithuania does not accept all-season tyres as a substitute for winter tyres during the mandatory period.
Related Driving Rules
- Alcohol limit: 0.04 BAC
- Motorway speed limit: 130 km/h
- Warning triangle: Required
- Reflective vest: Required
- First aid kit: Required
Verify tyre requirements for your destination
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How Strictly Is This Enforced?
Police in Lithuania can issue on-the-spot fines for non-compliant tyres during roadside checks. This is especially common at border crossings and mountain passes during winter months.
Tyre Marking Requirements
Accepted marking in Lithuania: M+S or 3PMSF (min 3 mm tread in winter).
All-Season Tyres: Good Enough?
Lithuania does not accept all-season tyres as a substitute for dedicated winter tyres. Make sure your tyres are specifically rated for winter conditions.
Studded Tyres
Insurance Implications
Although winter tyres are not legally mandated in Lithuania, some insurers reduce payouts if an accident occurs in winter conditions with summer tyres fitted. Check your policy wording.
Tread Depth Reality
The legal minimum in Lithuania is 1.6 mm, but tyre performance drops sharply below 3.0 mm. Replacing tyres before they hit the legal limit gives you a meaningful safety margin on wet or icy roads.
How Lithuania Compares
| Country | Winter Tyres | Period | Studded | Min Tread |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithuania | True | 10 Nov - 31 Mar | Restricted | 1.6 mm |
| Latvia | Required | 1 Dec - 1 Mar | Restricted | 1.6 mm |
| Poland | Not required | — | Prohibited | 1.6 mm |
| Russia | Required | Dec - Feb (varies by region; summer tyres prohibited Dec-Feb) | Allowed | 1.6 mm |
Key Facts at a Glance
| Country | Lithuania |
| Winter tyres mandatory | Required |
| Mandatory period | 10 Nov - 31 Mar |
| Min tread depth | 1.6 mm |
| Recommended tread | 3.0 mm |
| Studded tyres | Restricted |
| All-season accepted | No |
| Required marking | M+S or 3PMSF (min 3 mm tread in winter) |
| Emergency number | 112 |
Learn More
Get the complete details on Lithuania driving regulations:
Crossing more than one border this winter? See winter tyre rules, dates and legal tread minimums for every country →
Full rules, fines & requirements
Winter tyres, tread depth & rules
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Related Questions
Yes. Winter tyres are legally required in Lithuania from 10 Nov - 31 Mar.
Yes, but only during the winter period and with restrictions.
The legal minimum tread depth in Lithuania is 1.6 mm.