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    • 09/07/2026

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    A fine for summer tires in winter is not provided as a separate sanction. A driver is not fined only for having summer tires installed on the car in winter. The law does not contain a date after which every passenger car in Ukraine must drive only on winter tires, but the police can react not to the seasonality of the tire, but to its technical condition: remaining tread, damage, size compliance, load, design and correct installation of tires on the axles.

    Is there a fine for summer tires in winter in Ukraine?

    In Ukraine, there is no separate ban on the use of summer tires in winter. The Ukrainian traffic regulations do not set a calendar date for switching to winter tires. The rules do not specify that all cars must be on winter tires from “November 1”, “December 1” or “after the first snow”.

    The Ukrainian traffic regulations regulate the technical condition of tires. Clause 31.4.5 states that tires for passenger cars and trucks up to 3.5 tons cannot have a residual tread pattern height of less than 1.6 mm. For trucks over 3.5 tons, 1.0 mm is set, for buses 2.0 mm, for motorcycles and mopeds 0.8 mm. The same clause prohibits the use of tires with local damage, cuts, tears, exposed cord, delamination of the carcass, delamination of the tread or sidewall. Tires that do not match the size or permissible load of the car are also prohibited.

    The Traffic Regulations also prohibit a number of incorrect tire combinations on the same axle. It is not possible to install diagonal and radial tires together, studded and non-studded, frost-resistant and non-frost-resistant, tires of different sizes or designs, and for passenger cars, also different tire models with different tread patterns. It is separately stated that operation is prohibited if a wheel mounting bolt or nut is missing, or there are cracks in the disk or rim.

    The note to paragraph 31.4.5 of the Traffic Regulations states that with constant operation of a vehicle on roads with a slippery road surface, it is recommended to use tires that match the condition of the road.

    Therefore, in Ukraine there is no fine for the mere fact of summer tires in the winter month. There is a fine for violating the technical requirements for tires and wheels. If a summer tire is worn below the permitted norm, has cuts or does not match the car, the problem is not in its seasonality, but in a technical malfunction.

    What is the fine for summer tires in winter in Ukraine?

    If a car is on serviceable summer tires in winter that meet the requirements of the traffic rules, the very name “summer tires” does not give grounds for a separate sanction. A different situation arises when the tires have technical violations.

    Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and Traffic Regulations provides for liability for driving a vehicle with technical malfunctions, operation with which is prohibited in accordance with the established rules. Part one of this article provides for a fine in the amount of twenty non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens. In practical terms, this is 340 UAH, since one non-taxable minimum for such fines is 17 UAH.

    A repeated violation within a year of parts one, two or three of Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses has stricter consequences. The law provides for a fine of fifty to one hundred non-taxable minimums with deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of three to six months or administrative arrest for five to ten days.

    Therefore, there is no direct fine for summer tires in winter in Ukraine, but a fine for worn or damaged tires is possible as for a technical malfunction.

    What can they actually be fined for in Ukraine?

    In Ukraine, a driver can be fined for the fact that summer tires do not meet the requirements of the traffic rules. A summer tire can be legally valid if it has sufficient tread, is not damaged, matches the vehicle and is installed correctly. A winter tire can also be a violation if it is worn, cut or installed in violation of the axle requirements.

    Basis

    What does a violation mean

    How does this relate to the summer tire request

    Tread below the norm

    For a passenger car, the minimum residual tread height is 1.6 mm. If the tread is smaller, the operation of a car with such tires is prohibited.

    This is a fine for worn tires. Seasonality does not change the essence of the violation.

    Cuts, tears, oshaved cord

    SDA prohibits the operation of tires with local damage that exposes the cord, as well as with delamination of the carcass, tread or sidewall.

    The police may react to the physical condition of the tire.

    Size mismatch

    Tires must match the vehicle model in size and permissible load.

    If the size does not match, this is a technical violation.

    Different tires on one axle

    Prohibited tires cannot be installed on one axle combinations of tires of different design, size, type or tread pattern for passenger cars.

    If there are different tires on the front or rear axle with a traffic violation, a fine is possible regardless of the season.

    A cracked disk or a missing bolt

    The traffic regulations include such violations in the “wheels and tires” block.

    This has no direct connection with the seasonality of the rubber, but is one of the real grounds for complaints about the wheels.

    Will there be a fine for summer tires?

    As of July 2026, there is no current regulation in Ukraine that establishes a separate fine for summer tires in winter. If such a law appears, it should stipulate specific conditions: season or dates, type of tires, marking, exceptions for individual vehicles, inspection procedure and amount of the fine. Without such elements, a separate fine for seasonal tires does not work.

    Ukraine and Europe: where is the fine for summer tires in winter?

    The rules in different countries work differently. Some countries have a situational approach, when winter tires are required in snow, ice, slush or snow. Some countries do not have a general obligation. Some countries use local regulations or signs on specific roads.

    Country

    How the rule works

    Can you drive on summer tires

    Fine or risk

    Ukraine

    In Ukraine, there is no separate ban on summer tires in winter. Traffic regulations establish requirements for the technical condition of tires: minimum tread, no damage, size compliance, load and correct installation of tires on the axles. For a passenger car, the minimum remaining tread is 1.6 mm.

    You can drive on summer tires in winter if the tires are technically sound, match the car and do not violate the requirements of the traffic regulations. On slippery roads, the traffic regulations recommend using tires that match the condition of the roadway, but this is not a separate fine for seasonality.

    There is no separate fine for summer tires in winter. If the tires are worn or damaged, liability for technical malfunction applies. Part 1 of Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and Traffic Regulations provides for twenty non-taxable minimums, i.e. 340 UAH.

    Germany

    A situational rule applies in Germany. The vehicle may only be operated on ice, snow, slush, ice or frost with the appropriate tires. The German §2 StVO directly links the requirement not to the calendar, but to winter road conditions.

    On a dry road without winter conditions, summer tires do not constitute a violation in themselves. If there is snow, ice, slush, snow or frost on the road, summer tires do not meet the rule. After October 1, 2024, tires with Alpine/3PMSF are required for winter conditions; M+S without Alpine is no longer sufficient for such conditions.

    The fine for the driver starts at 60 euros and a point in Flensburg. If the violation created an obstacle, the fine is 80 euros; if it is dangerous, 100 euros; if it is an accident, 120 euros. The car owner can receive a fine of 75 euros and a point if he allowed driving without the necessary tires.

    Poland

    In Poland, there is no general obligation to install winter tires. Winter tires are recommended, but the law does not establish a mandatory seasonal replacement for all passenger cars. The European Consumer Center indicates that winter tires are not required by law in Poland.

    Driving on summer tires in winter in Poland is not prohibited as a separate violation. The driver must comply with the general requirements for the technical condition of the car, safe driving and road signs. If chains are required on a specific section due to a sign or conditions, this requirement must be complied with.

    There is no separate fine for the mere fact of having summer tires. The risk arises due to the condition of the car, violation of the sign, the circumstances of the accident or the insurance assessment after the accident.

    Italy

    In Italy, there is noThere is one uniform rule for the whole country. Many roads have local regulations or signs that require winter tires or chains. For example, on the Brenner A22 motorway, it is required to have winter equipment from November 15 to April 15, i.e. winter tires or chains on board.

    If there is no sign or local regulation on the road, summer tires do not automatically constitute a violation for the whole country. If the road has a requirement for winter equipment, the driver must comply with it: drive on winter tires or have chains, if this option is allowed.

    A fine is possible for violating a specific road sign or local requirement for winter equipment.

    Spain

    In Spain, there is no general obligation to fit winter tires throughout the country. Winter tires or chains may only be mandatory by special order of the authority or by road sign, most often in mountainous areas. The European Consumer Centre explicitly states that winter tires are generally not mandatory in Spain.

    Under normal conditions, summer tires are not a separate violation. In a snowy area where a sign or police officer requires chains or winter equipment, the driver must comply with the specific requirement. If the driver ignores the sign, the problem is no longer with the summer tires themselves, but with the failure to comply with the requirement for that road.

    A fine is possible for violating a specific road sign or local requirement for winter equipment.

    Czech Republic

    In the Czech Republic, winter tires are required from November 1 to March 31 if there is a solid layer of snow, ice or frost on the road, or if such conditions can be expected due to the weather. The Czech Ministry of Transport also indicates that the “Winter Equipment” sign may require winter tires regardless of the actual condition of the road in that area.

    In dry weather without winter conditions, summer tires do not always create a violation. If there is snow, ice, frost, expected winter conditions or the “Winter Equipment” sign, winter tires are required. For a passenger car after November 1, in such conditions, an appropriate tread, at least 4 mm, is required.

    If a driver does not use winter tires when required, an on-the-spot fine can be up to 2,000 CZK. If the case goes to administrative proceedings, the fine can be up to 2,500 crowns.

    Romania

    In Romania, there is no simple calendar rule according to which all cars must have only winter tires from a certain date. The requirement is tied to roads covered with snow, ice or icy conditions. The European Consumer Center indicates that in Romania, winter tires are required under such road conditions, and the tires must be M+S or M&S.

    On dry roads, summer tires are not a separate basis for a fine. If the road is covered with snow, ice or icy conditions, summer tires do not meet the rule. For transit through Romania in winter, the main issue is not the calendar date, but the actual condition of the road.

    A fine is possible for driving without appropriate tires on a road with snow, ice or slush. The article should not indicate a single amount without checking the current Romanian fine rate, because the basic requirement applies specifically to winter road conditions.

    How do the rules for summer tires in winter work in different countries

    The rules for summer tires in winter in Europe depend on the specific country. In some countries, the requirements are tied to the condition of the road: snow, ice, slush, frost or slush. In other countries, the obligation arises after the installation of a road sign or local ordinance. There are also countries where seasonal tire replacement is not mandatory, but the driver is responsible for the technical condition of the car, the remaining tread, tire damage and safe driving.

    In Ukraine and Poland, there is no separate general fine for summer tires in winter. The driver can be held liable for defective tires, worn tread, damage, incorrect tire installation or violation of road signs. If the summer tires are in good condition, match the car and do not violate the requirements for technical condition, the seasonality itself does not create a separate penalty.

    In Germany, the Czech Republic and Romania, the main thing is the condition of the road. In Germany, the car must be on appropriate tires in snow, ice, slush or frost. For such conditions, the Alpine/3PMSF marking is required. In the Czech Republic, the rule is valid from November 1 to March 31, if there are winter conditions on the road or such conditions can be expected; in some areas the requirement is also indicated by a Winter Equipment sign. In Romania, suitable tyres are required on roads covered with snow, ice or slush.

    In Italy and Spain, the rules are more often road-specific. In Italy, the requirement for winter tyres or chains may apply to a specific region, province, motorway or section of road marked with acom. In Spain, the obligation to use chains or other winter equipment usually occurs on snowy mountain roads, where a sign or order from the road service requires it, so the risk of a fine in these countries is determined not only by the season, but also by the route, road signs and current traffic conditions.

    What to check before leaving Ukraine for Europe

    Before leaving Ukraine, you need to check not only the destination country, but also all transit countries. If a driver is traveling from Ukraine to Germany, the route may pass through Poland or the Czech Republic. Poland does not have a general obligation to install winter tires, but the Czech Republic has a rule for winter conditions from November 1 to March 31. If the route passes through Romania, you need to take into account the condition of the road: snow, ice or slush change the requirements for tires.

    The route to Italy also needs to be checked on specific roads. Some Italian motorways and roads have seasonal regulations for winter equipment. One region may have a requirement from November 15 to April 15, while another route may have a different regime. For Spain, it is not the entire country that matters, but a specific section of the road, especially in mountainous areas.

    Before traveling, a driver should know three things.

    1. is there a general obligation to have winter tires in the country?
    2. is there a situational rule for snow, ice, slush or frost?
    3. is there a road with signs for winter equipment on the route?

    If you need a winter set without buying new tires, you can pick up used winter tires at Eurowheels. Before buying, you should check the year of manufacture, remaining tread, even wear, sidewalls, signs of repair and compliance with the size of the car.

    Examples of situations when a fine for summer tires in winter arises

    The fine for summer tires in winter depends on the country, road conditions, road sign and technical condition of the tires. In Ukraine, the basis for a fine arises due to faulty or worn tires. In Germany, the Czech Republic and Romania, the basis for a fine arises under winter road conditions. In Italy and Spain, the main thing is a sign, local order or requirement of the road service.

    Situation

    What happens according to the rules

    Result for the driver

    Ukraine, January, dry road, car on summer tires, tires in good condition

    In Ukraine, there is no separate fine for the mere fact of summer tires in winter. If the tread meets the standard, the tires do not have cuts, delamination, exposed cord, swelling and are installed without traffic regulations violations, the seasonality of the tires does not create a separate violation.

    A fine for summer tires is not imposed. There is no basis for a sanction if the tires are technically sound and match the car.

    Ukraine, car on summer tires, 1 mm tread

    For a passenger car, the minimum residual tread height is 1.6 mm. A 1 mm tread means that the tire does not meet the requirements of the traffic regulations. In this situation, it is not the seasonality of the tires that matters, but the technical malfunction of the tires.

    The driver is fined for operating a car with a technical malfunction. The same basis applies to summer, winter and all-season tires if the tread is below the norm.

    Ukraine, summer tires have a cut sidewall or exposed cord

    The traffic regulations prohibit the operation of tires with damage that exposes the cord, as well as with delamination of the carcass, delamination of the tread or sidewall. The condition of the tire directly violates the requirements for the technical serviceability of the vehicle.

    A fine is imposed for defective tires. The formal reason is not “summer tires in winter”, but damage with which the operation of the car is prohibited.

    Ukraine, different summer tires with different tread patterns are on the same axle

    For passenger cars, the traffic rules prohibit the installation of tires of different models with different tread patterns on the same axle. This violation applies regardless of the season.

    A fine is imposed for improper installation of tires on the axle. Seasonality does not change the basis for liability.

    Germany, December, dry road, car on summer tires

    In Germany, the rule about winter tires works according to road conditions. If there is no snow, ice, slush, sleet or frost, the date on the calendar itself does not constitute a violation.

    A fine for summer tires is not imposed if there are no winter road conditions.

    Germany, road covered with snow, car on summer tires

    In the event of snow, ice, slush, sleet or frost in Germany, tires with the appropriate winter marking are required.Summer tires do not meet the requirements for such conditions.

    A driver is fined for driving without appropriate tires in winter road conditions. The basic fine is 60 euros and 1 point in Flensburg.

    Germany, summer tires on snow create an obstacle for other cars

    If driving on unsuitable tires in winter conditions creates an obstacle for other road users, the penalty in Germany increases.

    The fine is 80 euros and 1 point in Flensburg.

    Germany, summer tires on ice lead to a dangerous situation

    Summer tires on ice do not meet the German situational requirement for winter tires. If this creates a danger for other road users, an increased sanction is applied.

    The fine is 100 euros and 1 point in Flensburg.

    Germany, accident with summer tires in winter conditions

    If the accident occurred while driving on summer tires on snow, ice, slush or slush, the violation is recorded as driving without appropriate tires in winter conditions with consequences.

    The fine is 120 euros and 1 point in Flensburg. Additionally, the condition of the tires affects the assessment of the circumstances of the accident.

    Czech Republic, November 15, dry road without a winter equipment sign

    In the Czech Republic, the winter rule is in effect from November 1 to March 31 in the presence of snow, ice, frost or expected winter conditions. If the road is dry, there are no winter conditions, and the winter equipment sign is not installed, the date itself does not create an automatic sanction.

    A fine for summer tires is not imposed if there are no winter conditions, predicted winter conditions, or a Winter Equipment sign.

    Czech Republic, November 15, route passes through a section with snow

    From November 1 to March 31, winter tires are required in the event of snow, ice, or frost. For a passenger car, the minimum tread depth of winter tires is 4 mm.

    Summer tires create a violation. The police impose a fine of up to 2,000 CZK on the spot or up to 2,500 CZK in administrative proceedings.

    Czech Republic, the road is dry, but a Winter Equipment sign is installed

    The Winter Equipment sign sets a direct requirement for winter equipment on a specific section. In this situation, the requirement applies regardless of whether there is snow on the road at the time of the inspection.

    Driving on summer tires violates the requirement of the sign. The driver receives a fine for not having the required winter tires on a marked area.

    Czech Republic, winter tires are available, but the tread is less than 4 mm

    For a passenger car in the Czech Republic, a winter tire must have a tread of at least 4 mm. If the tread is lower, the tire does not meet the requirements for the winter period and winter conditions.

    The driver is fined in the same way as for not having the proper winter tires. The name “winter” does not matter if the tread is below the established limit.

    Poland, December, car on summer tires, tires in good condition

    In Poland, there is no general obligation to install winter tires on a passenger car. If the tires are in good condition, the tread is normal, the car does not violate the requirements for technical condition, the seasonality of the tires does not create a separate penalty.

    A fine for summer tires is not imposed. The driver is responsible for the condition of the car, safe driving and compliance with road signs.

    Poland, a car on summer tires with a damaged sidewall

    The Polish rule does not punish for the fact of summer tires, but the faulty condition of the tires creates a basis for claims during the inspection. A damaged sidewall means that the car does not meet the requirements for safe operation.

    A fine is imposed for the technical condition of the car. The reason for the sanction is a faulty tire, not the seasonality of the tire.

    Poland, snowy area with a sign about chains, car without chains

    If a road sign requires the use of chains, the driver must comply with this requirement. In such a situation, it is not the general seasonal obligation that matters, but the specific sign on the road.

    A fine is imposed for failure to comply with the requirement of the road sign. Summer tires without the necessary equipment do not give the right to continue driving on such an area.

    Romania, dry road in winter, car on summer tires

    In Romania, the rule about winter tires is tied to the condition of the road. If the road is not covered with snow, ice or slush, the winter date itself does not create a separate penalty for summer tires.

    There is no fine for summer tires on dry roads.

    Romania, road covered with snow, car on summer tires

    On roads covered with snow, ice or slush, Romania requires appropriate winter tires. Summer tires do not meet this requirement.

    A driver is fined for driving without appropriate tires in winter road conditions. In addition, the vehicle registration certificate will be withdrawn.

    Italy, road with seasonal winter equipment regulations in force, vehicle with summer tires without chains

    In Italy, seasonal requirements for winter tires or chains apply on certain roads, motorways, provinces or regions. If the option “winter tires or chains” is allowed on the section, the driver must have one of these options.

    Driving on summer tires without chains violates the local requirement. A fine is imposed for not having winter equipment on a section where it is mandatory.

    Italy, road with winter equipment requirement, car with summer tires, chains in the car

    If a local rule or sign allows the option “winter tires or chains”, having chains fulfills the requirement. The driver must install chains when required by road conditions or the police.

    A fine is not imposed for not having winter equipment if the chains meet the requirement of the specific road.

    Italy, road without seasonal regulations and without a winter equipment sign

    Italian requirements for winter tires and chains are not uniform throughout the country. If a specific road does not have a seasonal requirement, sign or local ordinance, the seasonality of the tire does not in itself create a separate sanction.

    There is no fine for summer tires. The only reason for a sanction is another violation: tire condition, sign, local rule or dangerous driving.

    Spain, dry road without chain sign, car on summer tires

    In Spain, there is no general obligation to install winter tires for the entire country. On a normal dry road without a special sign, summer tires do not constitute a separate violation.

    There is no fine for summer tires.

    Spain, snowy mountain road with sign R-412, car on summer tires without chains

    Sign R-412 requires the use of chains or other permitted anti-skid devices. Summer tires without such equipment do not meet the sign's requirement.

    A driver is fined for failing to comply with the road sign's requirement. Driving without chains in such a section is prohibited.

    Spain, police or road service imposes restrictions due to snow

    In snow, the road service establishes a traffic regime for a specific section. If chains or winter equipment are required for travel, a car on summer tires without such equipment is not allowed to drive.

    The driver receives a sanction for violating the established traffic regime. The car is stopped until the requirement for winter equipment is met.

    FAQ about fines for summer tires in winter

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