What are the winter tyre rules for trucks in the Czech Republic and Slovakia?

In Czechia, HGVs over 3.5 t need winter tyres on all driven-axle wheels from 2026-11-01 to 2027-03-31 when snow or ice is on the road or expected, with 6 mm tread. Slovak N2 and N3 trucks need them on at least one drive axle from 2026-11-15 to 2027-03-31.

When do winter tyres apply to trucks in the Czech Republic?

Section 40a of the Czech Act 361/2000 on road traffic applies from 2026-11-01 to 2027-03-31, but only when a continuous layer of snow, ice or frost lies on the road or can reasonably be expected on the journey. Vehicles over 3,500 kg must run winter tyres on all wheels of the driven axles that have permanent drive. We checked the consolidated text on 2026-10-23.

Tread depth is stricter for heavy vehicles: the main grooves must be at least 4 mm deep on lighter vehicles and at least 6 mm over 3,500 kg. A dry road at departure does not clear you if snow is expected further along the route, so check the full leg before loading. Drivers planning a Czech leg can also look up the Czech truck speed limits before they set off.

What are the winter tyre rules for trucks in Slovakia?

Section 38 of the Slovak Act 8/2009 on road traffic (consolidated text in force from 2026-01-01) requires N2 and N3 trucks, and M2 and M3 buses, to carry snow-rated tyres on at least one drive axle from 2026-11-15 to 2027-03-31. The same duty applies whenever continuous snow, ice or frost lies on the road. Tyres must carry the mountain symbol or the marking M+S, M.S or M&S. The act exempts emergency spare tyres, off-road vehicles and some municipal service vehicles.

The section names no truck tread figure, so this guide gives none for Slovakia. For other roadside limits on the same trip, see the Slovak truck speed limits .

How should dispatchers plan a Czech and Slovak winter trip?

A truck on a Czech and Slovak run crosses two start dates, 2026-11-01 and 2026-11-15, and two axle rules. Fitting winter tyres on every driven-axle wheel, at 6 mm or more, from 2026-11-01 meets both countries. This guide does not cover chains or fine amounts, which we could not confirm in the statute text. For the wider picture, read our guide on winter tyres and snow chains for trucks in Europe .

Frequently asked questions

Do Czech winter tyre rules apply on a dry road?

Only if snow, ice or frost is expected on the route. Section 40a ties the duty to a continuous layer on the road or a reasonable expectation of one during the journey, so a dry start does not decide it. Drivers should plan for the worst point on the trip.

What tread depth do trucks need in the Czech Republic and Slovakia?

Czech vehicles over 3,500 kg need at least 6 mm in the main grooves, against 4 mm for lighter vehicles. The Slovak section names no truck tread figure. Check the Czech number with a gauge before 2026-11-01.

Are M+S tyres enough for a truck in Slovakia?

Yes, the act accepts the mountain symbol or the markings M+S, M.S and M&S. They must be fitted on at least one drive axle of N2 and N3 trucks from 2026-11-15 to 2027-03-31, and whenever snow or ice covers the road.

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