Mozambique Tyre Law — No Studs, No Mandate, 2026-27

Mozambique’s Codigo da Estrada has no category for studded tyres and no winter tyre mandate of any kind. What it does hold constant is a 1.6mm minimum tread depth, checked regardless of season. Traffic here drives on the left, so a car built for right-hand markets is worth a closer tyre-wear check before a long trip.

For anyone driving in Mozambique, from residents to tourists on safari, the rules above are what a traffic stop will actually test you on.

Tyre Law Summary for Mozambique

Tyre Requirements in Mozambique

Forget winter tyres — Mozambique does not need them. Temperatures stay high enough year-round that summer tyre compounds perform well in all months.

The real tyre issue in Mozambique is rain. When heavy downpours hit, worn tyres with minimal tread lose grip almost completely. Keep tread well above the 1.6 mm legal minimum, and choose tyres designed for wet grip over dry performance.

Minimum Tread Depth in Mozambique

In Mozambique, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6 mm, measured across the central three-quarters of the tread width around the full circumference.

Safety organisations recommend that drivers in Mozambique replace tyres at 3.0 mm rather than running them down to the legal limit. The difference in wet braking at 80 km/h:

Road surface temperatures in Mozambique can exceed 60°C in summer, softening rubber and accelerating wear. A tyre near 1.6 mm in these conditions has far less grip than the same tread depth in a cooler climate.

Penalties for Tyre Violations in Mozambique

Driving with illegal tyres in Mozambique 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 Choice for Mozambique’s Climate

Mozambique has diverse terrain from coastal to highland. Tyre selection here is about wet grip and heat resistance, not winter performance.

Key considerations for Mozambique:

• Choose tyres rated for wet performance — hydroplaning is the main tyre hazard in Mozambique
• Heat degrades rubber faster, so check tyre age (DOT code on sidewall) and replace after 4-5 years
• Higher tyre pressures may be needed to compensate for heat expansion — check when tyres are cold
• Unpaved roads outside Mozambique’s main cities accelerate tread wear; inspect tyres after rough sections

Road Conditions and Tyre Wear in Mozambique

Outside the main cities of Mozambique, road surfaces deteriorate quickly. Expect potholes, loose gravel, and unpaved stretches on secondary routes.

Tyre survival tips for Mozambique:

• A full-size spare is essential outside urban areas — space-savers are not enough
• Inspect sidewalls daily if you are driving on unpaved roads
• Lower tyre pressure slightly (by 0.2-0.3 bar) on soft sand or deep gravel, then reinflate on tarmac

Mozambique drives on the left. If your vehicle was originally configured for right-hand traffic, weight distribution is slightly different, which can cause uneven wear patterns over time.

How Mozambique’s Tyre Laws Compare to Neighbours

Tyre requirements change at borders. Here is what to expect near Mozambique:

• Comoros: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: not applicable.
• Tanzania: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: not applicable.
• Zambia: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: not applicable.
• Eritrea: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: not applicable.

Check our Driving in Mozambique guide for speed limits, penalty details, and equipment requirements.