Get in gear! Czechia’s winter tire deadline is Nov. 1

Drivers in Czechia from Nov. 1 will be legally obliged to equip their vehicles with special winter tires in cases of seriously adverse weather. Police officers nationwide will be conducting random checks to ensure people comply with the rule, which will be valid until the end of March 2024.

According to Section 40a of the Czech Act on Road Traffic, motorists are obliged to use the tires “from Nov. 1 to March 31 whenever continuous snow, ice, or frost is present on roads.” This applies to cars, motorcycles vans, buses, and trucks.

It is key to note that if the roads are in normal condition – without snow, ice, or frost – then no winter tires are needed.

Winter tires are required to have a tread depth of at least 4 millimeters (mm) for vehicles under 3.5 tons and 6 mm for heavier vehicles. Tires must be marked with the symbols “MS,” “M/S” or “MPT”. Alternatively, all-season tires labeled “M+S” can be used, but are not advised for mountain driving. 

If a C15a "compulsory winter equipment" road sign is in place, winter tires are always mandatory regardless of weather or date.

The inspections will determine compliance with the winter tire regulations. Using winter tires improves braking and safety in snowy or icy conditions compared to regular tires. They feature a distinctive tread pattern that provides better traction on snow and ice.