Winter Tyres
In Finland, winter tyres are either studded tyres or non-studded friction tyres. From November to March they must be used whenever weather or road conditions require it, and friction tyres on cars and vans must carry the 3PMSF marking. Choose the type depending on whether you mostly drive on icy back roads or on ploughed and salted main roads. Read the guide
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
M+S
Winter tyre rules in Finland
- Cars and vans must use winter tyres from November to March if weather or road conditions require it (Road Traffic Act, section 105). There is no fixed date – actual conditions decide.
- The main grooves of winter tyres must then be at least 3.0 mm deep.
- Under Traficom's regulation, a winter tyre is a studded tyre, a 3PMSF-marked tyre or a POR-marked off-road tyre. An M+S marking alone is no longer enough as of 1 December 2024.
- If a car has studded tyres, they must be fitted on all wheels.
- Tyres on the same axle must be identical in size, construction and characteristics.
Full text (in Finnish): Road Traffic Act 729/2018.
Recommended tread depth
The legal 3 mm is a minimum, not a safe target. Traficom recommends at least 5 mm for difficult snow and slush conditions, because grip falls and the risk of slush planing rises as the tread wears. Check the age of your tyres too – the rubber hardens over the years even when there is tread left.
Studded or friction tyres
The choice depends more on your roads than on where you live. If you often drive on icy back roads and hills, studded tyres are the safer choice. If you mostly drive on ploughed and salted streets and main roads, friction tyres are quieter and wear the road surface less.
The 3PMSF marking on winter tyres
The 3PMSF symbol (a three-peak mountain with a snowflake) shows that the tyre has passed the snow grip test under UN Regulation No. 117. It is required on non-studded winter tyres (except POR-marked off-road tyres) but not on studded ones. It says nothing about grip on ice – that is the job of a separate ice grip symbol, intended for friction tyres designed for Nordic conditions. More on the markings: 3PMSF guide.
When to fit winter tyres
Fit winter tyres before the first night frosts and slippery mornings, not after the first snowfall. In northern Finland the change usually comes well before it does on the south coast. When you change, check the pressure with the tyres cold, as it drops when the air gets colder. If you change the tyres yourself, tighten the wheel nuts to the torque the car manufacturer specifies and check them again after a short drive. See when to change tyres in Finland.