When to Switch to Winter Tyres in Norway
Switching to winter tyres too late is both a safety risk and a legal violation in Norway. Summer tyres on cold roads means longer braking distances, less cornering grip, and potential fines. Here's exactly when to make the switch.
The 7°C Rule: When Summer Tyres Fail
The most important number: 7°C. Below this temperature, summer tyre rubber hardens and loses grip — even on dry roads.
- Below 7°C: Summer tyre rubber stiffens, braking distance increases 30-50%
- At 7°C: The crossover point — winter tyres start outperforming summer tyres
- Below 3°C: Summer tyres become genuinely dangerous
ℹ️ Why 7 Degrees?
Summer and winter tyres use fundamentally different rubber compounds. Summer compounds are optimized for warmth and harden in cold. Winter compounds contain silica and special polymers that stay flexible down to -40°C. The 7°C point is where the performance lines cross.
Regional Timing Guide
| Region | Recommended Change | Typical First Frost |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Norway (Tromsø, Alta) | Early October | Late September |
| Central Norway (Trondheim) | Mid-October | Early October |
| Mountain regions (Geilo, Lillehammer) | Early October | Late September |
| Southern Norway (Oslo, Bergen) | Late October | Mid-October |
| Coastal South (Stavanger, Kristiansand) | Late October – Early November | Late October |
Signs It's Time to Switch
Don't wait for the calendar — watch for these signals:
- Morning frost appearing on your windshield
- Nighttime temperatures consistently below 5°C
- Weather forecast showing sustained cold ahead
- Snow warnings for your region or travel routes
⚠️ Don't Wait for Snow
Snow is not the trigger — cold temperatures are. Summer tyres lose grip on cold, dry pavement just as much as on wet or snowy roads. Many accidents happen on cold autumn mornings before any snow falls.
Legal Requirements
Mandatory Period
- November 1 – March 31: Winter tyres (or all-weather with M+S marking) required
- Applies to all passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes
- Minimum 3 mm tread depth during the mandatory period
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 |
🚨 Insurance Risk
If you crash on summer tyres during the mandatory winter tyre period, your insurance company can reduce or deny your claim. This can cost far more than any fine.
What Counts as a Legal Winter Tyre?
For your tyres to be legal during the mandatory period:
- M+S marking (Mud and Snow) or 3PMSF snowflake symbol on the sidewall
- Minimum 3 mm tread depth in the main grooves
- Correct size matching your vehicle's specifications
💡 Go For 3PMSF
The 3PMSF symbol (mountain with snowflake) means the tyre is tested and certified for winter performance. These tyres perform significantly better than basic M+S-marked tyres in Norwegian conditions.
Studded vs Friction (Studless) Winter Tyres
| Feature | Piggdekk (Studded) | Piggfrie (Friction) |
|---|---|---|
| Ice grip | Excellent | Good |
| Snow grip | Excellent | Excellent |
| Wet road noise | Loud | Quiet |
| Road wear | High (fees apply) | None |
| Allowed from | October 15 | Year-round |
| Must be off by | April 15 (May 1 north) | No deadline |
| Seasonal fee | 250-2,000 kr (varies by city) | None |
How to Beat the October Rush
The October-November period is extremely busy at tyre shops. Here's how to secure a good appointment:
- Book in September for an October change date
- Be flexible — weekday mornings have better availability
- Ask about early-bird pricing — many shops offer discounts for September bookings
- Consider midweek — Saturdays fill up first
ℹ️ Storage Tip
Many tyre shops offer "dekkhotell" (tyre hotel) seasonal storage. They store your summer tyres and swap them when you come in for winter tyres. One visit handles everything. Typical cost: 500-1,500 kr per season.
Winter Tyre Checklist Before Mounting
Before putting on your stored winter tyres:
- Check tread depth — minimum 3 mm legal, 4-5 mm recommended for good performance
- Inspect for damage — cracks, bulges, or embedded objects
- Check age — replace if older than 6-8 years (DOT code on sidewall)
- Verify matching — all four tyres should be same type and size
- After mounting: check pressure within the first week
Dangers of Switching Too Late
What happens if you're still on summer tyres when it gets cold:
- Braking at 80 km/h on 2°C wet road: Summer tyres need ~55m, winter tyres need ~40m — that's 3 car lengths difference
- Reduced cornering grip — the car can slide in turns with no warning
- No grip on ice — summer tyres are essentially skating shoes
- Legal violations and insurance issues after November 1
Weather Resources
- Yr.no — Norwegian Meteorological Institute forecasts
- Vegvesen.no — Road conditions and mountain pass status
- 175.no — Real-time traffic information
Ready to switch to winter tyres? Contact Kisolve for appointments, expert advice, and seasonal storage.
Looking for summer tyre timing? See our guide to switching to summer tyres.