Andorra Asks Only One Thing of Tyres: 1.6mm Tread, 2026-27
Data verified:
3 min readAndorra drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The general emergency number is 112. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Andorra: Winter tyres are not legally required, but road conditions and insurance implications tell a different story. Use our tyre checker to see exactly what you need.
Personalise for Your Trip
See how Andorra differs from your home country
Andorra keeps tyre rules straightforward. Winter tyres are not legally required, but minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm applies all year. Most rental companies expect M+S marking or dedicated winter tyres in colder months, so check your booking terms. Using summer tyres below 7°C risks both safety and insurance claims.
Whether you are driving to Andorra on a cross-border trip or renting a car locally, compliance takes minutes; contesting a fine abroad takes weeks.
💡 Calculate yours: Tyre Pressure Calculator — instant correct PSI/bar for any car + load, free.
Tyre Law Summary for Andorra
| Regulation | Status |
|---|---|
| Winter tyres | Not required |
| Required period | N/A |
| Minimum tread depth | 1.6 mm |
| Recommended tread | 3.0 mm |
| Studded tyres | Not specified |
| All-season accepted | Yes |
| Required markings | M+S or 3PMSF |
Winter Tyre Rules in Andorra
Winter tyres are not mandated in Andorra, but they are still a smart choice if temperatures regularly drop below 7°C. At that point summer tyre rubber becomes too hard for effective braking, and the stopping distance increases dramatically.
Minimum Tread Depth in Andorra
Andorra sets the legal tread depth minimum at 1.6 mm. Inspectors measure across the central three-quarters of the tread surface.
Safety organisations recommend that drivers in Andorra replace tyres at 3.0 mm rather than running them down to the legal limit. The difference in wet braking at 80 km/h:
| Tread Depth | Wet Braking (80 km/h) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 8 mm (new tyre) | ~26 metres | Low |
| 3 mm | ~32 metres | Moderate |
| 1.6 mm (legal minimum) | ~43 metres | High |
Checking tread depth: most tyres sold in Andorra have wear indicators (TWI) moulded into the grooves. When the tread surface is level with these bars, you have reached 1.6 mm and the tyre must be replaced.
Studded Tyres in Andorra
Studded tyre regulations in Andorra are not clearly defined. Check with local authorities or your rental company before fitting studded tyres.
All-Season Tyres in Andorra
All-season tyres are a legal option in Andorra provided they carry the M+S marking. They are a popular choice for drivers who want year-round convenience without maintaining two sets of tyres.
Penalties for Tyre Violations in Andorra
Driving with illegal tyres in Andorra risks fines and, more critically, insurance problems. If you have an accident and your tyres do not meet the legal standard, your insurer may reduce or refuse your claim entirely.
Tyre Considerations for Andorra’s Conditions
With Mediterranean climate with hot summers, Andorra presents moderate tyre challenges:
- Wet autumn and winter roads demand good tread — do not push tyres to the 1.6 mm legal limit before replacing them
- Summer heat increases pressure; winter cold decreases it. Check monthly
- If you mainly drive in urban areas with mild winters, all-season tyres are practical. For mountain routes or frequent winter driving, dedicated seasonal tyres are the safer option
Road Conditions and Tyre Wear in Andorra
Andorra has a well-maintained road network. Tyre wear tends to be predictable and even on main roads. Urban stop-and-go traffic causes shoulder wear, while longer highway stretches wear the centre. Regular rotation (every 8,000–10,000 km) keeps wear even.
How Andorra’s Tyre Laws Compare to Neighbours
If you are driving across borders from Andorra, tyre regulations may change at each crossing:
- Cyprus: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.
- Portugal: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: not_verified.
- Malta: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.
- Spain: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.
For speed limits, traffic rules, and licence requirements in Andorra, see our Driving in Andorra guide.
Related tools
Tyre Regulations Summary
| Winter Tyres | Not required |
| Period | No fixed dates |
| Min. Tread Depth | 1.6 mm |
| Studded Tyres | Unknown |
| All-Season | Accepted |
| Marking | — |
Driving through more than one country this winter? Compare winter tyre rules, dates and legal tread depths for every country →
Driving in Andorra — Key Facts
Speed Limits
- Urban: 50 km/h
- Rural: 90 km/h
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 112
- Fire: 112
- General: 112
Required Equipment
- Warning Triangle: Required
- Reflective Vest: Required
- First Aid Kit: Not required
- Fire Extinguisher: Not required
Country Info
- Capital: Andorra la Vella
- Driving Side: Right
- Languages: Catalan
- Currency: euro (€)
- Population: 88,406
Complete Driving Guide for Andorra
Speed limits, traffic rules, mandatory equipment, license requirements and more.
View driving guideRenting a Car in Andorra?
Compare prices from all major rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare Car Rental PricesSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Andorra's temperate climate means all-season tyres with M+S marking are a practical year-round choice. However, if your area sees regular winter frost or snow, dedicated winter tyres from October to March will provide significantly better grip and shorter braking distances.
The legal minimum tyre tread depth in Andorra is 1.6 mm. However, tyre safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3 mm for wet conditions and 4 mm before winter. At 1.6 mm, wet braking distance at 80 km/h is approximately 65% longer than with new tyres.
Winter tyres are not legally required in Andorra. However, if you drive in areas that experience cold temperatures below 7°C, winter or all-season tyres will provide better grip and safety than summer tyres.
Studded tyres are not commonly used or regulated in Andorra. Given the climate, standard tyres appropriate for the season are sufficient for safe driving.
Reputable rental companies in Andorra should provide vehicles with season-appropriate tyres. Always confirm this when booking, especially if travelling during winter. Inspect the tyres when collecting the vehicle — check tread depth and look for visible damage. Report any concerns before driving away.
Andorra drives on the right. Tyre wear patterns may differ if your vehicle was designed for left-hand traffic, as weight distribution changes. Check tyre pressure monthly, inspect for damage regularly, and never mix tyre types on the same axle.
Related Articles
Dashcam Bans 2026: Austria Can Fine You EUR 10,000
Austrian privacy law makes filming the road effectively illegal, Luxembourg bans them in private cars, and German courts have taken footage since 2018.
Driving LawsEurope Speeding Fines 2026: EUR 15 to an Uncapped Day-Fine
The same 20 km/h over the limit costs EUR 15 at the cheap end and EUR 70 on a German Autobahn, and in Switzerland a share of income with no ceiling.
Driving LawsRadar Detectors in Europe 2026 — €1,500 Fine in France
France seizes the device and fines €1,500 plus six licence points; Germany charges €75 for using one, and Waze camera alerts are unlawful in two countries.
Driving in Andorra
Speed limits, driving rules & travel tips