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Do you need winter tyres in Denmark?

The 2025 rules for winter conditions

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Short answer

Denmark has no fixed date when cars must switch to winter tyres. Under the rules in force since 1 July 2025, a car driven on ice, slush or snow must have winter tyres or all-season tyres with a winter marking, and summer tyres are banned in those conditions. If the police find your tyres clearly unsuitable for the weather, the fine is DKK 1,000 per tyre. With summer tyres you have to leave the car parked when the roads are wintry.

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Why

  1. Summer tyres skid and brake poorly on snow and ice.
  2. The fine is counted per tyre, so four tyres cost DKK 4,000.
  3. All-season tyres count if they carry a winter marking.

Details

Winter tyres are marked M+S, MS or M&S, and tyres for hard winter weather should also carry the 3PMSF snowflake symbol.

Tip

Keep at least 3 mm of tread on winter tyres, even though the legal minimum for a car is 1.6 mm.

What may differ

Other European countries have their own rules on winter and studded tyres, so check them before you drive abroad.

Common misconception

Many believe that winter tyres are compulsory from a set date every winter.

What actually happens

There is no date: the rule depends on the road, and summer tyres are banned only in snow, slush or ice.

People also ask

  • What is the minimum tread depth in Denmark?
  • Are Danish roads salted in winter?
  • Can you drive in Denmark during a storm?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules, fines and fees can change, so check the Danish authorities before you drive.

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