Do trucks need winter tyres in Sweden from 10 November?
Sweden winter tyres for trucks: HGVs over 3.5 t need winter tyres and 5 mm tread from 10 November to 10 April, with a SEK 2,000 fine.
Logifie Team
Logistics Technology Experts
Yes. Since 2025, every truck over 3.5 t in Sweden needs winter tyres or equivalent equipment from 10 November to 10 April, whatever the road conditions. The tyres must carry the alpine symbol or POR marking, or be studded, and every tyre needs at least 5 mm of tread.
When does the Swedish winter tyre rule for HGVs apply?
For the coming season the window runs from 2026-11-10 to 2027-04-10, and it applies on dry roads as well as icy ones. Transportstyrelsen , the Swedish Transport Agency, states that heavy trucks, heavy buses and the trailers coupled to them must be equipped for the whole period. A heavy truck here means a vehicle with a total weight above 3.5 t, so most tractor units and rigid HGVs are covered.
The rule is new for heavy vehicles. The amendment TSFS 2025:68 entered into force on 2025-11-01 and added the heavy-vehicle period to the tyre regulation TSFS 2009:19. The older 1 December to 31 March window still exists, but it covers only cars, light trucks and light buses, and only when winter road conditions apply.
Which tyres and how much tread does a heavy truck need in Sweden?
Winter tyres on a truck must show the alpine symbol (3PMSF) or the POR marking, or be studded. On axles that are neither drive nor steering axles, vehicles over 3.5 t may use tyres marked M+S instead. The tread requirement is 5 mm in the main pattern across the central 75 percent of the tread width, according to the same TSFS 2025:68 text. Trailers need at least 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres are allowed from 1 October to 15 April, and a heavy truck may not run studded and non-studded tyres on the same axle. Fleets that already follow our guide to winter tyre and snow chain rules across Europe should add the 5 mm Swedish figure to the checklist. For measuring, see the minimum tyre tread depth for trucks in the EU .
Transportstyrelsen also gives general advice that a vehicle with suitable skid protection, such as snow chains or sand spreaders, should count as having equivalent equipment. That advice is not binding, so winter tyres remain the safe choice. Trucks used in construction work and military vehicles are exempt.
What is the fine for a truck without winter tyres in Sweden?
The fixed penalty is SEK 2,000 for driving a heavy truck, heavy bus or their trailer between 10 November and 10 April without winter tyres or equivalent equipment. It is set in the prosecutor schedule SFS 2025:917 , effective 2025-11-01, under chapter 4, section 18 b of the Swedish traffic ordinance. Cold-weather prep also covers fluids, so check whether AdBlue freezes in winter before a northern run.
Frequently asked questions
Do trailers need winter tyres in Sweden?
Yes. A trailer coupled to a heavy truck must be fitted with winter tyres from 10 November to 10 April. Its tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm, lower than the 5 mm required on the truck.
Do snow chains replace winter tyres in Sweden?
Not reliably. Transportstyrelsen's general advice says suitable skid protection, such as snow chains or sand spreaders, should be regarded as equivalent equipment. Because advice is not a binding rule, most fleets fit marked winter tyres and carry chains as a backup.
Are studded tyres allowed on trucks in Sweden?
Yes, from 1 October to 15 April, and also outside those dates when winter road conditions exist or are expected. A heavy truck may not mix studded and non-studded tyres on the same axle.
Does the 1 December winter tyre rule apply to HGVs?
No. The 1 December to 31 March period covers cars, light trucks and light buses, and only when winter road conditions apply. Heavy trucks follow the 10 November to 10 April period regardless of the weather.
Heading north this winter? Check current diesel prices in Sweden before you plan the fuel stops.
