Iran Ties Winter Tyres to Conditions, Not Dates, 2026-27
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4 min readIran drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The motorway speed limit is 120 km/h. The general emergency number is 110. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Iran tyre rules: Winter tyres are required when conditions demand it, but defining those conditions is where it gets complex. Check if your tyres comply with our checker below.
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Iran’s winter tyre rule follows the weather rather than the calendar: whenever snow, ice or slush appear on the road, tyres must match, and that mostly plays out from November through March in the mountainous regions. Studded tyres are permitted on a seasonal basis. Drivers touring the country need to watch the terrain, not just the date, since lowland routes may never trigger the rule at all.
For drivers visiting Iran or locals maintaining their vehicles, most fines here are avoidable with five minutes of preparation.
Tyre Law Summary for Iran
| Regulation | Status |
|---|---|
| Winter tyres | Situational |
| Required period | November - March (mountainous regions) |
| Minimum tread depth | 1.6 mm |
| Recommended tread | 3.0 mm |
| Studded tyres | Allowed (seasonal) |
| All-season accepted | Yes |
| Required markings | M+S or 3PMSF |
Winter Tyre Requirements in Iran
Iran uses a situational winter tyre system. The period when winter conditions typically occur: November - March (mountainous regions).
Minimum Tread Depth in Iran
The minimum tread depth enforced in Iran is 1.6 mm. This is measured across the central three-quarters of the tread, all the way around the tyre.
For Iran’s roads, the practical replacement threshold is 3.0 mm — well above the legal minimum. 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 |
Studded Tyres in Iran
All-Season Tyres in Iran
Penalties for Tyre Violations in Iran
Tyre Selection for Iran’s Conditions
With hot climate with monsoon seasons, tyre management in Iran differs from temperate regions:
- Summer-rated tyres work year-round in most of Iran
- Heat is the primary enemy — it accelerates ageing and can cause blowouts on under-inflated tyres
- Check pressure before any long journey, ideally in the morning before the sun heats the rubber
- If you drive on unpaved roads, consider tyres with reinforced sidewalls
Road Conditions and Tyre Wear in Iran
Practical tips for driving in Iran:
- Carry a full-size spare (not a space-saver) if driving outside major cities
- Check tyre sidewalls for cuts and bulges after driving on rough roads
- Reduce speed on unpaved sections — stones and debris cause punctures
How Iran’s Tyre Laws Compare to Neighbours
If you are driving across borders from Iran, tyre regulations may change at each crossing:
- Pakistan: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: not applicable.
- Bhutan: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: restricted.
- India: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: not applicable.
- Bangladesh: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: not applicable.
Need the full picture? Our Driving in Iran page covers speed limits, fines, equipment rules, and more.
Tyre Regulations Summary
| Winter Tyres | Situational |
| Period | November - March (mountainous regions) |
| Min. Tread Depth | 1.6 mm |
| Studded Tyres | Allowed Seasonal |
| 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 Iran — Key Facts
Speed Limits
- Urban: 50 km/h
- Rural: 85 km/h
- Motorway: 120 km/h
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 115
- Fire: 125
- General: 110
Required Equipment
- Warning Triangle: Required
- Reflective Vest: Not required
- First Aid Kit: Required
- Fire Extinguisher: Required
Country Info
- Capital: Tehran
- Driving Side: Right
- Languages: Persian (Farsi)
- Currency: Iranian rial (﷼)
- Population: 85,961,000
Useful Driving Phrases in Arabic
| English | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Where is the nearest petrol station? | أين أقرب محطة وقود؟ |
| I need help | أحتاج مساعدة |
| I had an accident | تعرضت لحادث |
| Where can I park? | أين يمكنني ركن السيارة؟ |
| Speed limit | حد السرعة |
Complete Driving Guide for Iran
Speed limits, traffic rules, mandatory equipment, license requirements and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Summer tyres rated for high temperatures are the best choice for Iran's hot, arid climate. Avoid all-season tyres as their softer compound wears faster in sustained heat. Check the speed rating on your tyres — higher-rated tyres handle heat better.
The legal minimum tyre tread depth in Iran 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 in Iran are situationally required — you must have them when winter conditions (snow, ice, slush) are present on the road. There is no fixed date mandate, but driving without appropriate tyres in wintry conditions will result in a fine.
Studded tyres are not commonly used or regulated in Iran. Given the climate, standard tyres appropriate for the season are sufficient for safe driving.
Reputable rental companies in Iran 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.
Iran 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.
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Driving in Iran
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