Winter TyresWinter Tyres in North Macedonia: Required From Oct 15
Whether you need winter tyres in North Macedonia depends on when you travel, your vehicle and the exact route. The rules have nuances. Checker tool below.
North Macedonia requires winter tyres by law. The mandatory period is 15 Nov - 15 Mar. Legal winter-tyre tread minimum: 4.0 mm (1.6 mm is the general minimum).
One of Europe’s earliest winter start dates
North Macedonia has one of the earliest winter-tyre windows in Europe, running 15 November to 15 March — so if you’re driving here in autumn, the rule may already apply before it feels like winter. You satisfy it with M+S-marked winter tyres, or by carrying and fitting snow chains on snow-covered roads. Minimum tread is 1.6mm. The mountain interior around the transit routes gets real snow, and police check equipment in the cold months. If you’re passing through on the A1/E75 corridor towards Greece in that window, make sure the rental is on winter tyres — the early start date catches a lot of drivers out.
What the Law Says About Winter Tyres in North Macedonia
North Macedonia enforces a strict winter tyre law.
The mandatory period runs from 15 Nov - 15 Mar. During this window, every vehicle on public roads must be fitted with approved winter tyres.
Tyres must carry the M+S marking to be considered compliant.
Minimum Tread Depth
For winter tyres the legal minimum in North Macedonia is 4.0 mm (6 mm for 4x4 vehicles and vehicles over 3.5 t) — 1.6 mm is the general (summer) minimum.
For winter driving, a tread depth of at least 4.0 mm is strongly recommended.
Studded Tyres
Studded tyres are prohibited in North Macedonia. Using them can result in a fine.
All-Season Tyres
All-season tyres (marked M+S or 3PMSF) are accepted in North Macedonia as a winter alternative.
Related Driving Rules
- Alcohol limit: 0.05 BAC
- Motorway speed limit: 130 km/h
- Warning triangle: Required
- Reflective vest: Required
- First aid kit: Required
Verify tyre requirements for your destination
Check Tyre RequirementsWhat Most Guides Don’t Tell You
How Strictly Is This Enforced?
Police in North Macedonia 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 North Macedonia: M+S.
The M+S (Mud and Snow) marking remains accepted in North Macedonia, but the industry is moving toward the stricter 3PMSF standard. If buying new tyres, choose 3PMSF for maximum cross-border compatibility.
All-Season Tyres: Good Enough?
North Macedonia accepts all-season tyres as a winter alternative, provided they carry the correct marking. They work well for mild winters and mixed driving.
However, dedicated winter tyres outperform all-seasons below 7 degrees Celsius. If your route includes mountain passes or areas with regular snowfall, a dedicated set is the safer choice.
Studded Tyres
North Macedonia bans studded tyres entirely. Using them — even temporarily — carries a fine and may void your insurance.
Insurance Implications
Although winter tyres are not legally mandated in North Macedonia, some insurers reduce payouts if an accident occurs in winter conditions with summer tyres fitted. Check your policy wording.
Tread Depth Reality
For winter tyres the legal minimum in North Macedonia is 4.0 mm — 1.6 mm is the general year-round figure and will not keep you legal in wintry conditions. Replacing tyres before they hit the legal limit gives you a meaningful safety margin on wet or icy roads.
How North Macedonia Compares
| Country | Winter Tyres | Period | Studded | Min Tread |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia | True | 15 Nov - 15 Mar | Prohibited | 1.6 mm |
| Greece | Not_Required | — | Unknown | 1.6 mm |
| Albania | Situational | When conditions require | Prohibited | 1.6 mm |
| Serbia | Required | 1 Nov - 1 Apr | Prohibited | 1.6 mm |
| Bulgaria | Situational | 15 Nov - 1 Mar (or when roads are snowy/icy) | Prohibited | 1.6 mm |
Key Facts at a Glance
| Country | North Macedonia |
| Winter tyres mandatory | Required |
| Mandatory period | 15 Nov - 15 Mar |
| Min tread depth | 1.6 mm |
| Recommended tread | 4.0 mm |
| Studded tyres | Prohibited |
| All-season accepted | Yes |
| Required marking | M+S |
| Emergency number | 112 |
Learn More
Get the complete details on North Macedonia 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 North Macedonia from 15 Nov - 15 Mar.
No. Studded tyres are banned in North Macedonia.
For winter tyres the legal minimum in North Macedonia is 4.0 mm (6 mm for 4x4 vehicles and vehicles over 3.5 t); 1.6 mm is the general (summer) minimum.