Winter tyres must be used in Finland between 1 November to 31 March, if the weather so requires. The use of studded tyres is allowed during this time and they can also be used outside of this time span if the conditions require it.
There are two types if winter tyres: studded and non-studded. Non-studded winter tyres are called friction tyres and they work best on snowy roads. On icy roads, studded tyres offer better grip, but their use wears down the roads more and can increase the amount of fine particulate, which is harmful to health.
What kind of vehicles require winter tyres?
Winter tyres with a minimum tread depth of the principal grooves of 3.0 millimetres must be used in the following vehicles:
- Passenger cars (total mass of no more than 3.5 tonnes)
- Vans
- Special purpose vehicles (total mass of no more than 3.5 tonnes)
- Motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles and quadricycles
- Trailers with a mass of over 0.75 tonnes and no more than 3.5 tonnes
In difficult conditions, such as in snow or slush, the tyre tread is recommended to be at least 5 mm.
Tyre symbols
The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol for non-studded winter tyres
Mandatory in passenger cars and vans and other non-studded tyres starting on 1 December 2024.
Icy mountain symbol
This is not mandatory, but it indicates the tyres are suited for challenging winter conditions.
Please note: Vehicles registered abroad must follow Finnish winter tyre regulations.