Are winter tyres mandatory in Lithuania?
Yes — winter tyres are mandatory in winter. Under the Road Traffic Rules, every vehicle must run winter tyres from 10 November to 31 March. The most common confusion is that the winter-tyre and studded-tyre windows are the same. They are not: studded tyres are allowed over a wider window — from 1 November to 10 April — and studs are banned outside it. Winter tyres must have a tread depth of at least 3 mm (summer tyres 1.6 mm), and the tyres themselves must carry the M+S or snowflake (3PMSF) marking. Breaching the rules risks a fine of up to €100, and an officer may cancel your roadworthiness test on the spot, so you can no longer drive legally.
📋 The rules
- Winter tyres required 10 Nov – 31 Mar
- Studded tyres allowed 1 Nov – 10 Apr
- Winter tread — at least 3 mm (summer — 1.6 mm)
- Marking M+S or snowflake (3PMSF)
- Breach — fine up to €100 and cancellation of the roadworthiness test
🔓 Exceptions
- The studded-tyre window is wider than the mandatory winter window — studs are allowed already from 1 November but banned after 10 April
- Weather can make winter tyres necessary earlier — the dates are a minimum requirement, not a recommendation to wait
- The requirement applies to all vehicles, but separate categories (e.g. lorries) face additional tread and axle requirements
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A fine of up to €100 is not the biggest risk. Breaching the rules exposes the driver to a fine (usually up to €100), but the sharpest consequence is that a police officer may cancel the vehicle's roadworthiness test on the spot. The car is then treated as unfit for use, and every further trip is a separate offence until the tyres are changed and the test renewed. The insurance consequences are more serious still: if a crash happens on unsuitable tyres, the insurer may reduce or refuse the payout and bring a recovery claim. A slippery road on summer tyres lengthens the braking distance several times over, so liability for a crash falls on exactly that driver. A new set of tyres costs far less than a single serious claim.
📎 Official sources
- e-seimas · Road Traffic Rules →
- Lithuanian Police · winter road safety →
- Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration (LTSA) →
❓ Frequently asked
When are winter tyres mandatory?
Winter tyres are mandatory from 10 November to 31 March inclusive. That is a minimum requirement, so with early snow or ice it is worth changing your tyres sooner rather than waiting for the set calendar date.
Until when can I drive on studded tyres?
Studded tyres are allowed from 1 November to 10 April. After 10 April studs are banned, and using them earlier or later risks a fine, because their window differs from that of ordinary winter tyres.
What tread depth is required?
Winter tyres must have a tread depth of at least 3 mm, and summer tyres at least 1.6 mm. Experts advise changing tyres already at around 4 mm, because a worn tread greatly lengthens the braking distance on a slippery road.
What is the fine for the wrong tyres?
Breaching the requirement risks a fine, usually up to €100. In addition, a police officer has the right to cancel the vehicle's roadworthiness test on the spot, and then you can no longer drive the car legally.
Can I run all-season tyres all winter?
You can, if they carry the M+S or snowflake marking and meet the winter tread requirement. All-season tyres are legally treated as winter tyres, but in hard frost they brake worse than true winter tyres.
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