Do I need winter tyres in Denmark?
No — winter tyres are not mandatory in Denmark, unlike for example Germany. But "not mandatory" is not the same as "does not matter": the tyres must always suit the weather and conditions, and it is illegal to drive on tyres obviously unsuited to the conditions. The tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm all year on both summer and winter tyres. Studded tyres may only be used from 1 November to 15 April, and if you use them they must be on all four wheels — not just the drive axle. The season can be extended by the authorities in a hard winter, and foreign cars in transit may use studs in the same period. Winter tyres are recommended below about 7 degrees, but are never a legal requirement.
📋 The rules
- Winter tyres are not mandatory in Denmark
- The tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm all year
- Studded tyres only from 1 November to 15 April
- Studded tyres must be on all four wheels
- Winter tyres recommended below about 7 degrees
🔓 Exceptions
- The studded-tyre season can be extended by the authorities in a hard winter
- Foreign cars in transit may use studded tyres in the same period
- A trailer behind a studded-tyre car must also have studded tyres if relevant
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Tyres below 1.6 mm of tread, or studded tyres out of season, can bring a fine and rejection at the inspection, and the fine for worn tyres is typically over 1,000 kr per tyre. That multiplies: four worn tyres quickly become a four-figure bill, and a rejection costs you a re-test and time off the road as well. The hidden trap is that "not mandatory" does not mean "anything goes": the tyres must always suit the weather, and tyres obviously unsuited to the conditions are illegal — so summer tyres in snow can still cost you.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need winter tyres in Denmark?
No. Winter tyres are not mandatory in Denmark, unlike for example Germany. The tyres must still suit the weather and conditions, and tyres obviously unsuited to the conditions are illegal to drive on.
How deep must the tread be?
The tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm all year on both summer and winter tyres. The requirement applies whatever the season, and worn tyres bring a fine of typically over 1,000 kr per tyre plus rejection at the inspection.
When can I use studded tyres?
Studded tyres may be used from 1 November to 15 April. The season can be extended by the authorities in a hard winter, and foreign cars in transit may use studs in exactly the same period as Danish ones.
Must studded tyres be on all wheels?
Yes. If you use studded tyres, they must be on all four wheels and not just the drive axle. A trailer behind a car on studded tyres must also have studs where that is relevant for the trailer.
What is the penalty for illegal tyres?
A fine and rejection at the inspection. The fine for worn tyres is typically over 1,000 kr per tyre, so four worn tyres quickly become a four-figure bill on top of the cost and hassle of a re-test.
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