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Winter Tyres in Switzerland

Quick answer: No. Switzerland has no general winter tyre requirement for cars. No law requires winter tyres. But you must be able to control your car: if you hold up traffic or crash on summer tyres on a wintry road, you can be fined and share the blame. Today: No requirement.

Required?
No no general rule
Right now
No requirement
Dates
No fixed dates

The rule

No law requires winter tyres. But you must be able to control your car: if you hold up traffic or crash on summer tyres on a wintry road, you can be fined and share the blame.

What tyres count

Legal minimum tread 1.6 mm; 4 mm is recommended for winter tyres.

Snow chains

Compulsory where the 'snow chains compulsory' sign is posted, on at least two drive wheels. An extra plate can exempt 4x4 vehicles.

Studded tyres

Allowed 1 November to 30 April on vehicles up to 3.5 t, on all wheels, with a rear sticker and a maximum of 80 km/h. Not allowed on motorways or expressways except the A13 (San Bernardino) and A2 (Gotthard) tunnel sections. Cantons can change this.

Fine

From about EUR 105 if unsuitable tyres hold up traffic (OeAMTC).

Tips for visiting drivers

Carry chains if you drive to Alpine resorts or passes: chain signs can go up at short notice, and police can turn you back.

Driving from the UK or Ireland? There is no winter tyre rule at home, so check your own tyres before you book the crossing: look on the sidewall for the 3PMSF mountain-snowflake symbol and pack chains or snow socks that fit your tyre size before you leave.

Notes: We could not open an official Swiss federal page on winter tyres on 2026-11-02 (the ch.ch page returned 404), so this row relies on OeAMTC.

Source

Official source and last check

OeAMTC country guide: Switzerland · Cited, not copied · last checked

Also checked: OeAMTC: winter rules in neighbouring countries

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and local signs always apply; check the official source before you travel. "Right now" is worked out from today's date and the dates above; where the rule depends on snow, ice or signs, it applies only when those are present.

Before you drive

Check the road and the weather

Will the roads be icy? Hour-by-hour check for your townWeather warnings in force today in SwitzerlandDriving laws in Switzerland: speed limits, drink-drive limitLive road accident reports: SwitzerlandDriving in Europe: what to carryStopping distance on snow and ice
Questions

Winter tyres in Switzerland: FAQ

Are winter tyres compulsory in Switzerland?
No. Switzerland has no general winter tyre requirement for cars. No law requires winter tyres. But you must be able to control your car: if you hold up traffic or crash on summer tyres on a wintry road, you can be fined and share the blame.
When do you need winter tyres in Switzerland?
No fixed dates. Today: No requirement.
What winter tyres are accepted in Switzerland?
Legal minimum tread 1.6 mm; 4 mm is recommended for winter tyres.
Do you need snow chains in Switzerland?
Compulsory where the 'snow chains compulsory' sign is posted, on at least two drive wheels. An extra plate can exempt 4x4 vehicles.
What is the fine in Switzerland?
From about EUR 105 if unsuitable tyres hold up traffic (OeAMTC).
Are studded tyres allowed in Switzerland?
Allowed 1 November to 30 April on vehicles up to 3.5 t, on all wheels, with a rear sticker and a maximum of 80 km/h. Not allowed on motorways or expressways except the A13 (San Bernardino) and A2 (Gotthard) tunnel sections. Cantons can change this.
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