When are winter tyres mandatory in Finland?
From the start of November to the end of March — when conditions demand. The 2020 Road Traffic Act made the rule weather-based: winter tyres must be used 1 Nov–31 Mar whenever weather or road conditions require (ice, snow, slush). Studded tyres are allowed 1 Oct–15 Apr — and outside that window too if conditions genuinely demand. Studless winter (friction) tyres may be used year-round.
📋 The rules
- Winter tyres are required on cars and vans 1 Nov–31 Mar if weather or road conditions demand.
- Weather-based means: dry summer-like roads in November don't automatically make summer tyres an offence — snowy roads do.
- Studded tyres are allowed 1 Oct–15 Apr — extended to the Monday after a late Easter — and any other time conditions require.
- Minimum main-groove depth for winter tyres is 3.0 mm (5 mm recommended for winter driving).
- Friction (studless winter) tyres may be used all year.
🔓 Exceptions
- Late cold snaps: studs are legal after 15 Apr if conditions actually require them.
- Museum vehicles and some special vehicles have their own exemptions.
⚠️ Penalties
Wrong tyres in winter conditions can bring a traffic penalty fee, and insurers can cut compensation after a crash. Wrong tyres also weigh against you in fault assessment.
📎 Sources
- Nokian Tyres · When may you legally drive on winter/summer tyres →
- Finnish Tyre Association · Tyre regulations →
- Liikenneturva · Changing winter tyres by conditions →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I drive on summer tyres in December if it's dry?
By the letter of the law winter tyres are needed only when conditions demand — but sudden weather is your risk, and summer tyres midwinter are a bad idea for insurance too.
When must studs come off?
They're allowed until 15 April (or the Monday after a late Easter). After that only if conditions genuinely require.
Can friction tyres be used in summer?
Yes — year-round. They just wear fast and grip worse in heat.
What's the tread-depth minimum?
3.0 mm in the main grooves — with at least 5 mm recommended for winter.
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