When do you need winter tyres in Sweden?
The dates, what winter road conditions mean and the minimum tread depth.
Short answer
Cars in Sweden must have winter tyres or equivalent equipment from 1 December to 31 March when there are winter road conditions. Those mean snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road, the minimum tread depth is 3 mm, and studded tyres may be used from 1 October to 15 April.
Why
- Transportstyrelsen says cars, light lorries, light buses and trailers must have winter tyres or equivalent equipment between 1 December and 31 March when winter road conditions apply.
- According to Transportstyrelsen, winter road conditions mean snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road, and the police decide whether they exist where you are.
- Transportstyrelsen says the minimum tread depth for cars and light lorries is 3 mm during this period.
Details
Studded tyres are allowed from 1 October to 15 April, and cars and light lorries may not use studded and non-studded tyres at the same time, according to Transportstyrelsen. For a fuller overview of tyres and studs, see winter tyres and studs in Sweden, and for the weather side of the season see when winter starts in Sweden.
Tip
If you rent a car and travel around 1 December or 31 March, ask the rental company which tyres the car will have. Enterprise says a car rented close to this period may already be fitted with winter tyres, but this is not a guarantee.
What may differ
Heavy lorries and heavy buses have separate rules: Transportstyrelsen says they must have winter tyres or equivalent equipment from 10 November to 10 April.
Common misconception
Winter tyres are compulsory from 1 December whatever the weather.
What actually happens
Transportstyrelsen says the requirement for passenger cars applies from 1 December to 31 March if there are winter road conditions.
People also ask
- When do you have to change to winter tyres in Sweden?
- When should I switch to winter tyres in Stockholm?
Sources
- Transportstyrelsen: Winter tyresChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: Studded tyres off by 16 AprilChecked at:
- Trafikverket: TyresChecked at:
- Enterprise Sweden: Winter tyres on rental carsChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Transportstyrelsen before you travel.
Winter tyres and studsRelated questions
-
How often does a car need inspection in Sweden?
A passenger car is inspected first within 36 months of the month it was put into traffic.
-
Can you take a Swedish rental car to Denmark or Norway?
Sixt says its rental cars may be taken from Sweden to Denmark, Finland and Norway, while Hertz and Avis require written permission before you drive outside Sweden.
-
Do you need a credit card to rent a car in Sweden?
Hertz accepts debit cards, but a renter paying with one must also show a credit card at pickup, so a credit card is the safe choice.
-
Where can you find EV charging stations in Stockholm?
You find EV chargers in Stockholm with apps and maps such as ChargeFinder and PlugShare, or in an operator's app such as Vattenfall InCharge.