Continental launches European Winter Tyre Regulations guide

John Loughran

Continental Tyres has produced an update to its comprehensive guide for truck and coach operators travelling to mainland Europe this winter. Winter tyre regulations differ greatly between countries, and complying with local legislation is essential to stay safe and avoid costly fines. 


The guide includes information for the winter equipment requirements of each European country. While European markets have their own legislation regarding winter tyre fitments, specific to the respective local country, there are some basic requirements all drivers should bear in mind. Tyres across all axle positions should have a minimum tread depth of at least 4mm, and if winter tyres are not fitted all round, then priority should be given first to the drive axle, then the steer axle and then to all other remaining axle positions

To ensure drivers are safe Continental offers the Scandinavia range of tyres for trucks, trailers, semitrailers, and buses, with specific options for the steering, driver, and trailer axles. The company’s winter tyres significantly exceed the legal requirements that apply to the M + S (Mud and Snow) symbol in the UK, and even go beyond the values of the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol, which is mandatory in the USA for car winter tyres, and whose introduction is currently under discussion in Europe for commercial vehicle tyres.

Tracey Hyem, Commercial Marketing Manager at Continental said: “Regulations for coping with winter weather differ greatly across Europe. Our recently updated range of winter tyres will ensure that vehicles can operate legally within each country, and with up to 20 per cent more traction, safety and fuel consumption are improved too.” 

The European Winter Tyre Regulations 2014 guide is available from the Continental website.