Are M+S tyres allowed in winter?
Not any more — an M+S marking alone no longer qualifies in winter. This is a change many drivers still have not registered. From 1 December to 1 March, cars and buses with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3.5 t must run winter tyres. And since 1 October 2024 those tyres must carry the mountain-and-snowflake symbol — known internationally as 3PMSF. A tyre marked only M+S, M&S or M.S without that symbol does not satisfy the requirement during the mandatory period. The minimum tread depth for a winter tyre is 4 mm. The fine for driving without compliant tyres is €30.
📋 The rules
- Mandatory from 1 December to 1 March
- Applies to cars and buses up to 3.5 t
- The mountain-and-snowflake marking is required (3PMSF)
- M+S alone does not qualify in that period
- Minimum tread depth: 4 mm
🔓 Exceptions
- Outside the mandatory period an M+S tyre may still be used if otherwise compliant
- The calendar rule covers cars and buses, not motorcycles
- Using studded tyres from 1 May to 1 October also carries a €30 fine
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The fine itself is modest — €30. The same applies to using studded tyres from 1 May to 1 October. What follows the fine is more dangerous: insufficient tread depth or dangerous tyre damage is a technical-condition breach, which can penalise both the driver and the person responsible for the vehicle's operation. And the practical consequence bites harder than the money: a dangerous tyre defect cannot be bought off with a roadside fine — you may lawfully continue only once it is corrected. Check the sidewall before you buy: if it says only M+S, that is not enough for a Latvian winter.
📎 Official sources
- likumi.lv · Road Traffic Regulations →
- CSDD · Mountain and snowflake marking →
- likumi.lv · Road Traffic Law (penalties) →
❓ Frequently asked
From what date are winter tyres required?
From 1 December to 1 March. The requirement covers cars and buses whose maximum authorised mass does not exceed 3.5 tonnes. It is a calendar rule, not a weather-dependent one.
Do M+S tyres qualify for winter?
Not during the mandatory period. The tyre must carry the mountain-and-snowflake symbol. M+S, M&S or M.S without that symbol no longer satisfies the requirement — that changed on 1 October 2024.
What is the minimum tread depth?
Four millimetres for a winter tyre. Insufficient depth is a technical-condition breach, which can penalise both the driver and the person responsible for operating the vehicle.
What is the fine?
Thirty euros for driving during the mandatory period without compliant winter tyres. The same €30 applies to using studded tyres between 1 May and 1 October, when they are prohibited.
Does the rule apply to motorcycles?
The calendar provision refers to automobiles and buses, not motorcycles. Motorcycles remain subject to the general duty to be technically safe and suitable for the road conditions.
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