Can I use studded tyres right now?
Only in season — studded tyres are allowed from 1 November to 14 April. Outside that window their use is prohibited, and the fine is 20,000 kr per tyre under section 85 and regulation 1240/2019 — four studded tyres therefore mean 80,000 kr. The myth many hold: that it is only about the dates. Not quite — if there is snow or ice on the road after 15 April, no fine may be issued, because safety comes before the calendar. But the rule of thumb is still clear: fit the tyres in good time and take them off before 15 April under normal conditions. Non-studded winter tyres are allowed all year. Tread depth matters too: at least 3.0 mm in winter and 1.6 mm in summer. A studded tyre with too little tread is a double problem — both out of season and unfit.
📋 The rules
- Studded tyres are allowed from 1 November to 14 April. Outside that period they are banned (vehicle construction and equipment rules, enforced by the police and Samgöngustofa).
- The fine for unlawful studded tyres is 20,000 kr per tyre (section 85, regulation 1240/2019) — up to 80,000 kr for four tyres.
- Weather exception: if there is snow or ice on the road after 15 April, no fine may be issued for studded tyres, because conditions come before the calendar.
- Tread depth: at least 3.0 mm in winter (1 Nov – 14 Apr) and 1.6 mm in summer. A worn tyre is a separate offence.
- Non-studded winter tyres are allowed all year and are often the best choice in town — the ban covers studs only, not winter tyres in general.
🔓 Exceptions
- Snow or ice on the road after 15 April: no fine may be issued even though the season is formally over, because safety in real conditions decides.
- The transport authorities can extend the season by decision if winter conditions continue — watch for announcements in spring and autumn.
- The ban targets studded tyres specifically. Non-studded all-season and winter tyres fall outside it and may be used at any time.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The fine is calculated per tyre, not per car: 20,000 kr for each studded tyre out of season, which makes 80,000 kr for four tyres under regulation 1240/2019. That catches many people off guard, because they expect one fine and get four. On top of that comes a separate fine if the tread depth is below the limit — 20,000 kr per unfit tyre under section 69. The hidden cost is twofold: road wear caused by studs is the reason for the season and the rule, and insurance and liability can become more complicated if an accident happens on unfit or unlawful tyres. The weather exception protects you if there really is snow or ice on the road after 15 April, but it is not an excuse to forget to change — under normal spring conditions the date applies.
📎 Official sources
- Ísland.is · Fine calculator — unlawful studded tyres →
- Samgöngustofa (Transport Authority) · tyres and winter driving →
- Lögreglan (Police) · traffic and studded tyres →
❓ Frequently asked
When can I use studded tyres?
Studded tyres are allowed from 1 November to 14 April each year. Outside that period they are banned and the fine is 20,000 kr per tyre, but if there is snow or ice on the road after 15 April no fine may be issued even though the season is formally over.
What does keeping studs on too long cost?
The fine is 20,000 kr for each studded tyre, so four tyres cost 80,000 kr under regulation 1240/2019. Many people expect one fine and get four, because the amount is charged per tyre rather than on the vehicle as a whole.
Can I be fined if there is still snow after 15 April?
No, the weather exception protects you: if there really is snow or ice on the road after 15 April, no fine may be issued for studded tyres. Safety in real conditions comes before the date, but under normal spring conditions the season applies and you are expected to change.
Are winter tyres and studded tyres the same thing?
No, non-studded winter tyres and all-season tyres are allowed all year and fall outside the ban. The ban covers studded tyres only, so you may drive on non-studded winter tyres at any time — many people choose them in town, where studs are rarely necessary.
What is the minimum tread depth in winter?
In winter (1 November to 14 April) the minimum tread depth is 3.0 mm, and in summer it is 1.6 mm. A worn tyre is a separate offence costing 20,000 kr per unfit tyre, so a studded tyre with too little tread can be a double problem.
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What people search to land here:
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