Are winter tyres mandatory?
No — winter tyres are not legally mandatory in Belgium, not even in 2026. You may fit them (advised below 7 °C), but you are never obliged to, unlike in Germany or Austria for example. What does apply to all tyres: a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm (4 mm advised for winter tyres) and the same tyres on each axle. If you fit winter tyres with a lower speed rating than your car can reach, a sticker showing that maximum speed must be visible; M+S tyres without the 3PMSF mark may only be used between 1 October and 30 April. Snow chains may only be used on a snow- or ice-covered road. Studded tyres are in principle forbidden, except from 1 November to 31 March on vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, with a '60 km' plate at the rear and max 60 km/h (90 km/h on the motorway). Driving abroad (Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, French mountain areas), check the local winter-tyre rules.
📋 The rules
- Winter tyres are not mandatory in Belgium, not even in 2026 — you may fit them
- For all tyres: at least 1.6 mm of tread (4 mm advised for winter) and the same tyres on each axle
- Lower speed rating than the car: a sticker with the maximum speed must be visible
- M+S tyres without 3PMSF: usable only from 1 October to 30 April
- Snow chains only on a snow- or ice-covered road
- Studded tyres: forbidden, except 1 Nov–31 March (≤ 3.5 t, max 60/90 km/h, '60 km' plate)
🔓 Exceptions
- Abroad, winter rules often do apply: Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and French mountain areas (loi Montagne, Nov–March) — check before you leave
- Priority vehicles and a few exceptions may use studded tyres above 3.5 tonnes too
- Winter tyres with a lower speed rating than your car can reach: allowed, provided a sticker showing that maximum speed is visible
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Not having winter tyres is not an offence — there is no penalty at all. What does get fined is driving with less than 1.6 mm of tread: a traffic offence with an immediate settlement, and since 1 December 2024 it also earns you a red inspection certificate in Flanders — a driving ban, with 14 days to put it right. Studded tyres outside the 1 November–31 March window or without the '60 km' plate, and snow chains on a snow-free road, are offences too. And driving on to Germany or Austria does bring a winter-tyre duty: the Belgian freedom stops at the border.
📎 Official sources
- Local Police · winter tyres, snow chains, studded tyres →
- Wegcode.be · MB 28 September 1976 (studded tyres) →
- Michelin Belgium · winter-tyre law in Belgium →
❓ Frequently asked
Are winter tyres mandatory in Belgium?
No. Unlike some neighbouring countries, you are never required to fit winter tyres in Belgium, not in 2026 and not in the depths of winter. They are advised at temperatures below 7 °C.
How much tread must my tyres have?
Legally at least 1.6 mm, for all tyres all year round. For winter tyres, manufacturers advise at least 4 mm, because below that they lose much of their grip on snow — and the same tyres must sit on each axle.
Can I drive on winter tyres all year?
Yes, if the speed rating is sufficient: tyres marked M+S and 3PMSF may be used all year, with a visible speed sticker if the rating is lower than your car can reach. M+S without 3PMSF, only from 1 October to 30 April.
And snow chains or studded tyres?
Chains may only be used on a snow- or ice-covered road. Studded tyres are forbidden, except from 1 November to 31 March on vehicles up to 3.5 t, with a '60 km' plate at the rear and max 60 km/h (90 on the motorway).
What do I risk with worn tyres?
Below 1.6 mm of tread it is a traffic offence with an immediate settlement. In Flanders it also earns you, since 1 December 2024, a red inspection certificate: a driving ban, with 14 days to replace the tyres.
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