Can I drive in winter without winter tyres?
It depends on the road's state, not the calendar. In Romania, winter tyres are not mandatory on a fixed date, but only when you drive on a public road covered with snow, ice or black ice. The rule is set out in GEO 195/2002 (the Road Code) and the application rules (GD 1391/2006). In other words: if it's snowing or the road is icy, the car must have winter tyres on all wheels; if the road is clear and dry, you may also drive on summer tyres. To count as winter tyres, they must carry the M+S, M.S. or M&S marking (many also have the snowflake symbol 3PMSF). The law sets no fixed tread depth, but worn tyres no longer grip — over 4 mm is recommended in winter.
📋 The rules
- Mandatory only on roads covered with snow, ice or black ice
- There's no fixed calendar date for fitting
- Tyres with the M+S marking (preferably the 3PMSF snowflake too)
- Fitted on all wheels, not just one axle
- Enough tread for grip (over 4 mm recommended)
🔓 Exceptions
- Clear, dry road: you may drive on summer tyres
- All-season tyres with the M+S marking: accepted in winter
- Snow chains: on signposted sections, over the winter tyres
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving on a road covered with snow, ice or black ice without winter tyres is fined under class IV (between 9 and 20 fine points, i.e. about 1,800–4,050 lei) plus retention of the registration certificate. The sanction applies based on the weather at the time of the check, not the date. To avoid trouble: fit M+S tyres on all wheels in good time before the cold season, check tread depth and pressure, and on signposted sections use snow chains. In summer, winter tyres aren't banned, but they wear faster and brake worse in the heat.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
When are winter tyres mandatory?
Only when you drive on a public road covered with snow, ice or black ice. The law sets no calendar date but ties the duty to the actual state of the road surface. If the road is clear and dry, you may also drive on summer tyres without breaching the Road Code.
What marking must winter tyres carry?
They must carry the M+S, M.S. or M&S marking. Many winter tyres also have the three-peak snowflake symbol (3PMSF), which indicates real performance on snow. All-season tyres carrying the M+S marking are also accepted in winter conditions.
Must they be fitted on all wheels?
Yes. To drive safely and lawfully on a snowy or icy road, winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels, not just one axle. Fitting them on a single axle unbalances the car's behaviour and isn't considered compliant with the rules.
Can I drive in summer on winter tyres?
Yes, it isn't banned. Winter tyres don't become illegal in summer, but they wear faster at high temperatures, brake worse and raise fuel use. For safety and economy, it's recommended to switch to summer tyres when roads are clear and warm.
What fine do I risk without winter tyres on snow?
The fine is class IV, between 9 and 20 fine points, i.e. about 1,800–4,050 lei, plus retention of the registration certificate. The sanction applies if the road is covered with snow, ice or black ice and the car has no winter tyres fitted at the time of the check.
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