Mandatory winter tires are returning in Europe starting November. Drivers face high fines.

In Poland, using winter tires is only recommended, while in many Central and Western European countries, it is mandatory during the autumn-winter season. Different countries have varying regulations regarding winter tire usage, with some enforcing strict deadlines for tire changes and others depending on weather conditions. Countries with mandatory winter tire requirements include Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia, and Sweden, each with specific dates and tread depth requirements. Some countries, like Austria and Germany, require winter tires only under hazardous conditions. Others, such as France and Italy, mandate winter tires based on road signs. However, in several countries, including Poland, there is no formal obligation to use winter tires, although it is still recommended for safety reasons, as driving on summer tires in adverse conditions can lead to penalties or insurance issues.