Time for summer tires? Here is the official deadline and which omission can cost you 130 euros

What does the law say?

The law is clear: winter equipment is mandatory on defined winter sections of public roads from November 15 to April 15. This road network includes 839.2 km of highways and 1,863.3 km of state and county roads, mostly in continental Croatia and Gorski Kotar. It is important to know that on these sections, winter equipment must be used regardless of weather conditions, so even on a sunny day with dry pavement. For passenger vehicles up to 3.5 tons, winter equipment includes either four winter tires (marked M+S, MS, M&S or the snowflake symbol 3PMSF) or a set of four summer tires with a profile at least 4 mm deep, provided that the vehicle also has snow chains for the drive wheels.

A trap called “winter conditions”

The biggest challenge for the drivers will be after April 15. The Law on Road Traffic Safety knows the term “winter conditions”, which is always applied when the road is covered with snow or ice. When such conditions occur, regardless of the date, the obligation to use winter equipment applies to all roads in Croatia, not only those marked as winter sections. In practice, this means that if you are surprised by snow in Lika or Gorski Kotar at the end of April, and you have summer tires on your car (and no chains in the trunk), you risk a fine.

The penalties are not negligible

Failure to comply with regulations on winter equipment is sanctioned by the police on the spot. A fine of 130 euros is prescribed for a driver (natural person) who drives a vehicle without appropriate equipment. In addition to a fine, the police can also take other measures. If it is estimated that the vehicle poses a traffic hazard, the officer may issue an order to stop driving or exclude the vehicle from traffic. Sanctions are much harsher for companies and craftsmen: the fine for a legal entity is from 660 to 1,990 euros, and for a responsible person within a legal entity from 190 to 660 euros.

The rule of seven degrees and practice in Europe

Experts recommend that the decision to replace tires is not only based on the date, but also at actual temperatures. A water rule, known as the “7 degree rule”, says that it is safe to switch to summer tires only when the average daily temperatures are above 7 °C. Namely, winter tires are made of a softer compound that wears out faster at high temperatures and has poorer braking properties. Regulations differ between European countries. Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have fixed dates, similar to Croatia. On the other hand, Austria and Germany apply “situational obligation”, which means that winter equipment is necessary only in winter conditions. However, you should be careful – in Austria, the fine can rise up to 5,000 euros if driving with inappropriate equipment causes danger.