Can I drive in winter on summer tyres?
Yes: in Poland there's no statutory winter-tyre duty. Unlike some countries, Polish rules don't require changing to winter tyres — in winter you can legally drive on summer or all-season tyres. It's only required that the tyres be sound, have an adequate tread depth (at least 1.6 mm) and be uniform on an axle. Despite the absence of a duty, in winter conditions (snow, ice, low temperature) winter tyres significantly improve safety — shorter braking distance and better grip. Note: if you plan to travel abroad, check local rules — in many countries (e.g. Czechia, Germany, Austria, Slovakia) winter tyres can be mandatory in certain conditions or periods.
📋 The rules
- In Poland no statutory winter-tyre duty
- In winter you can legally drive on summer or all-season tyres
- Tyres must be sound, tread at least 1.6 mm
- Winter tyres advised in winter conditions
- Abroad (e.g. Czechia, Germany): may be mandatory
🔓 Exceptions
- Travel abroad: in many EU countries winter tyres are mandatory
- Worn tread below 1.6 mm: an offence regardless of season
- Mixing different tyre types on one axle isn't allowed
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Although driving on summer tyres in winter carries no penalty in Poland, excessively worn tyres (tread below 1.6 mm), damaged or mismatched on an axle risk a fine, and at a check the registration document may be seized. In a crash on unsuitable tyres you may also have problems with the insurer and liability. To drive safely: match the tyres to the conditions (in winter it's genuinely worth fitting winter or good all-season tyres), watch the tread depth and pressure, don't mix different tyre types on one axle, and before travelling abroad check the winter-tyre and equipment requirements there (e.g. chains).
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Must I fit winter tyres in Poland?
No. Polish rules don't impose a winter-tyre duty — in winter you can legally drive on summer or all-season tyres. It's only required that the tyres be sound, have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm and be uniform on a given axle.
Will I be fined for summer tyres in winter?
Not for using summer tyres in winter as such. A fine does apply, though, for tyres that are excessively worn (tread below 1.6 mm), damaged or mismatched on an axle, regardless of season. At a check the registration document may also be seized.
Are winter tyres worth it if they're not mandatory?
Yes. In winter conditions — snow, ice, low temperature — winter tyres significantly improve safety: they shorten braking distance and increase grip. Despite the lack of a statutory duty, using them is strongly advised for driving safety.
Are winter tyres mandatory abroad?
Often yes. In many EU countries, e.g. Czechia, Germany, Austria or Slovakia, winter tyres can be mandatory in certain weather conditions or periods. Before travelling abroad it's worth checking local rules and requirements for extra equipment, such as chains.
What's the minimum tread depth?
At least 1.6 mm — that applies to every season. Too shallow a tread worsens grip and lengthens braking distance, and driving on such tyres is an offence. In winter, though, for safety it's worth keeping a greater tread depth than the statutory minimum.
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