Are winter tyres mandatory in the UK?

UK legislation surrounding winter tyres

In the UK, there is no law that states you need winter tyres. You are permitted to drive on summer tyres or all-season tyres, and this is legal regardless of the time of year.

The benefits of using winter tyres

The benefits of increased safety during the winter months are why the use of winter tyres is advocated. The fact is summer tyres are more dangerous in winter as they lose grip below 7 degrees Celsius. When your car is faced with wet and icy conditions, having winter tyres will help reduce stopping distance and improve overall control. For the sake of driver safety, winter tyres should be considered particularly in regions in the UK that experience colder temperatures during winter months.

Driving in Europe

If you're driving in Europe, you should be aware that several countries legally require the use of winter tyres during specific months. If this applies to you, you should research the country you will be driving in. This applies to Germany, Austria, Sweden and Finland. Other countries may also have this law. Different countries have different laws that may include specific requirements like a minimum tread depth on the tyre. Some even set specific dates between which winter tyres must be fitted.