Norway Winter Tyre Laws 2025: Dates, Fines & Requirements
Winter tyres are legally required in Norway from November 1st to March 31st. Driving without proper winter equipment during this period results in fines up to 6,000 kr and can void your insurance. This guide covers all the legal requirements, tyre types, and what you need to know to stay compliant.
When Are Winter Tyres Required?
The Mandatory Period
November 1 – March 31 applies to:
- All passenger cars
- Light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes
- Motorcycles (if used during winter)
Studded Tyre Season
October 15 – April 30 for most of Norway. In Northern Norway (Nordland, Troms, Finnmark), studded tyres are allowed until May 1st.
What Counts as a Legal Winter Tyre?
To be legal during the mandatory winter period, your tyres must have:
- M+S marking (Mud and Snow) or the 3PMSF snowflake symbol
- Minimum 3mm tread depth in the main grooves
- Correct size matching your vehicle's specifications
Studded vs Friction Tyres
Studded Tyres (Piggdekk)
- Excellent ice and hard-packed snow grip
- Subject to city road tolls (~30 kr/day in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim)
- Noisier on bare pavement
- Cause more road surface wear
Best for: Mountain driving, rural roads, areas with persistent ice
Friction Tyres (Piggfrie Vinterdekk)
- No road tolls — saves money for city drivers
- Quieter on bare roads
- Modern compounds provide near-studded ice performance
- Legal to use year-round
Best for: City and highway driving, mixed winter conditions
Fines for Non-Compliance
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Per tyre without winter equipment | 1,500 kr |
| All four tyres (maximum) | 6,000 kr |
| Insufficient tread depth per tyre | 1,500 kr |
Other Consequences
- Increased accident liability
- Vehicle impoundment in extreme cases
- Repeat offences may carry higher fines
Tread Depth Requirements
| Tyre Type | Legal Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Winter tyres | 3 mm | 5 mm |
| Summer tyres | 1.6 mm | 3 mm |
How to check: Use the Norwegian 2 kr coin test — insert it into the main groove. If the outer ring is hidden, you have at least 3mm of tread remaining.
Regional Differences
Northern Norway (Tromsø, Alta, Bodø)
- Change tyres by early October
- Extended studded tyre season (to May 1st)
- Studded tyres more common due to persistent ice
Mountain Regions
- Chain requirements may apply even with winter tyres
- Check road conditions at vegvesen.no before travel
- Consider studded tyres for regular mountain pass driving
Southern Norway (Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger)
- November 1st deadline usually sufficient
- Friction tyres popular to avoid urban tolls
- Watch for black ice during autumn mornings
Cost Overview
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Winter tyres (set of 4) | 4,000 – 10,000 kr |
| Mounting and balancing | 500 – 900 kr |
| Seasonal storage | 500 – 1,500 kr/season |
| City studded tyre tolls | ~30 kr/day |
Common Myths
"AWD means I don't need winter tyres"
Wrong. The law applies to all vehicles. AWD helps acceleration but does nothing for braking on ice or snow.
"All-season tyres are sufficient"
Partially true. They're legal if M+S marked with 3mm+ tread, but provide significantly less grip than dedicated winter tyres in Norwegian conditions.
"I only drive short distances"
Irrelevant. Most winter accidents happen close to home. Even short urban drives involve icy conditions.
Getting Winter-Ready: Action Steps
- Check existing winter tyres — measure tread depth, check for damage
- Book a tyre change appointment before mid-October
- Replace if needed — tyres under 4mm or older than 6 years
- Verify correct size — check your vehicle manual or door frame sticker
- Monitor pressure monthly — cold air reduces tyre pressure
Need help choosing the right winter tyres? Contact Kisolve for expert guidance on the best tyres for your vehicle and driving conditions.