Winter Tyres in Sweden: Rules, Dates and Studded Tyres
Winter tyres in Sweden are mandatory from 1 December to 31 March when roads are wintry, including for foreign cars. Dates, tread depth, studded tyres and exceptions at a glance.
If you drive through Sweden in winter, you need the right tyres: between 1 December and 31 March, winter tyres are mandatory whenever road conditions are wintry. The rule also applies to vehicles with foreign number plates. This guide summarises the rules of the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen). Updated: October 2026.
When do winter tyres have to be fitted?
According to Transportstyrelsen, cars, light lorries, light buses and trailers must have winter tyres or equivalent equipment from 1 December to 31 March when winter road conditions apply. Winter road conditions (vinterväglag) exist when there is snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road. The police decide on the spot whether this is the case. It is therefore enough if only one section of the road is affected.
The rules also apply to foreign vehicles travelling to or through Sweden. The operator of the Øresund Bridge, among others, points this out in its travel information.
What tread depth is required?
During the winter period the tyres must have at least 3 millimetres of tread. For motorhomes classed in Sweden as “personbil klass II” with a total weight over 3,500 kilograms, the minimum is 5 millimetres.
Which tyres count as winter tyres?
Both studded tyres (dubbdäck) and non-studded tyres are allowed. Non-studded tyres must carry the Alpine symbol, a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake. Cars and light lorries may not be driven with studded and non-studded tyres at the same time.
When are studded tyres allowed?
Studded tyres may be used from 1 October to 15 April. If winter road conditions apply or are expected before or after that period, they are also allowed outside it. Individual cities can also have local bans on studded tyres, which are signposted. If you drive on studs, check for such signs before heading into a city centre.
Rules for trailers and caravans
Trailers also need winter tyres from 1 December to 31 March in wintry conditions if they are towed by a vehicle of up to 3,500 kilograms. If the towing vehicle has studded tyres, the trailer must have studs too. A car without studs may, however, tow a trailer with studs.
Exceptions
Transportstyrelsen lists a few exceptions, provided road safety is not put at risk. They include:
- test drives or towing in connection with a repair
- the shortest suitable route to and from the nearest inspection station
- vehicles with rims of up to 10 inches in diameter according to the vehicle register
- vehicles that are 30 years old or older according to the vehicle register
Heavy lorries and buses have had separate, stricter rules with a different period since 2025. They do not usually affect holidaymakers.
And in Denmark?
If you travel via Denmark, note that there is no legal date for winter tyres there. In wintry weather, however, you are responsible for having suitable tyres, and driving with the wrong ones can lead to a fine. The operator of the Øresund Bridge gives a minimum tread depth of 4 millimetres for Denmark when winter conditions apply. If you are continuing to Sweden, it is best to follow the Swedish rule from the start of your journey.
Practical tips
- Transportstyrelsen recommends fitting the tyres with the best tread or sidewall grip on the rear axle.
- Store tyres in a cool, dry, dark place and check the tyre pressure regularly.
- Breaking the rules can lead to penalties. Transportstyrelsen can tell you the exact amount.
- The weather can change quickly. In October, Swedish police warned of black ice after several fatal accidents; read more in our report on icy roads and black ice.
You will find more on driving in Sweden in our guides Getting Around Sweden, Driving to Sweden and Winter Holidays in Sweden.