Iran Requires Winter Tyres in Its Mountains for 2026

Iran’s winter tyre rule applies seasonally in mountainous regions, running from November through March. The blood alcohol limit is set at 0.0%, so no amount is tolerated. Motorway speeds reach 120 km/h, dropping to 85 km/h on rural roads and 50 km/h in towns.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 85 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero. You must be at least 18 to drive.

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Iran drives on the right. If you are arriving from Pakistan (which drives on the left), be especially careful during your first hours on the road.

Emergency Numbers in Iran

General Emergency: 110 | Police: 110 | Ambulance: 115 | Fire: 125

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Iran, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Iran

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Iran are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 85 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 75 km/h rural, and 100 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Bhutan (100 km/h).

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Iran vary based on how much you exceed the posted limit. Fines increase sharply for higher violations and may include licence points or driving bans for serious offences.

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. Hands-free systems are permitted.

Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.

Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

Iran enforces a zero-tolerance drink-driving policy. Any detectable alcohol in your blood while driving is illegal. There is no safe amount — even one drink can put you over the limit. Penalties include heavy fines, licence confiscation, and potential imprisonment.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Winter tyres in Iran are situational — they are required when road conditions demand it (snow, ice, slush). There is no fixed calendar period, but you are legally responsible for equipping your vehicle appropriately.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are allowed in Iran during winter months. Check specific dates and conditions.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Iran guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Iran must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

Parking and Fuel

Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.

Current fuel prices in Iran: petrol approximately $0.05/litre, diesel $0.03/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Iran has hot climate with monsoon seasons. Check weather forecasts before long journeys and adjust your driving to conditions. Road surfaces and visibility can change quickly with weather.

Useful Driving Phrases in Arabic

Knowing a few phrases in Arabic helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:

Download the Arabic language pack in your translation app for offline use.

Practical Driving Tips for Iran

• Download offline maps of Iran before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.