From the 1st of May, motorists will face fines for having this specific wheel type – the inaugural offenders will soon be identified.
Gear Up and Switch Those Tires, Stat! New Regulations Arrive in May, and You Might Face a Fine for Skipping It
Driving around with outdated tires is no longer a casual affair - it's about to cost you. Starting May 1, 2025, using improper seasonal tires could result in a fine. Initially, enforcement will be mild, but things will tighten up come December.
What's the Deal Changed?
Seasonal tires are now mandatory, not just a suggestion. The revised traffic laws were introduced in 2023, and we were given a heads up in 2024. Get ready for the fines to kick off on May 1, 2025. Things will really heat up on December 1.
When to Use Which Tires?
- Winter tires (including studded ones) are essential from December 1 to February 28.
- Summer tires are off-limits in winter: they lose grip on cold roads and increase braking distance.
- Studded tires are a no-go in summer, from June 1 to August 31: they compromise asphalt quality and perform poorly on warm surfaces.
- Non-studded winter tires ("all-season") are allowed in summer, but they're not great - they lose grip, especially in the rain.
Who's at Risk?
Those who procrastinate tire changes: for instance, using studded tires in June or summer tires in January. It's crucial to remember that in southern regions, warm weather can arrive early, making tire changes based on temperature, not the calendar, the smart play. A good rule of thumb is 7°C and above.
When Do the Fines Start?
- April 22: initiation of selective road checks.
- December 1, 2025: widespread enforcement of fines starts.
Although the exact amount is still undecided, it's likely to be around 500 rubles, similar to the fine for bald tires.
How to Avoid Getting Slapped with a Fine?
- Change tires according to the weather, not just the calendar.
- Remove studs by June 1 and install winter tires by December 1.
- Monitor tire wear: at least 1.6 mm in summer, at least 4 mm in winter.
- Verify tire markings and certificates.
It's All About Safety.
These new rules are all about safety, not red tape. Timely tire changes lower the risk of accidents, maintain roads, and obviously, help you steer clear of fines. Don't put off "tire change" for later - winter is already upon us, reports the source.
P.S: Rules vary by region, so keep an eye out for your local regulations. In the US, for example, studded tires are allowed in Oregon from November 1 through March 31, but you must remove them by April 1, with fines of $165 for non-compliance[1][3]. In Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon, approved snow tires are a must from October 1 to April 30 for vehicles driving in that area[5]. For more in-depth information about your region, connect with your local or national transportation authorities.
- Starting May 1, 2025, using improper seasonal tires could result in a fine, as driving around with outdated tires is now mandatory with revised traffic laws enforced from that date.
- It's important to use winter tires, including studded ones, from December 1 to February 28, while summer tires should be avoided in winter as they lose grip on cold roads and increase braking distance.
- Using studded tires in summer or summer tires in January could lead to fines, as those who procrastinate tire changes are at risk.
- In southern regions, warm weather can arrive early, making it necessary to change tires based on temperature, not just the calendar. A good rule of thumb is to make the change when the temperature is 7°C and above.
- The fines will start from April 22 with selective road checks, and widespread enforcement of fines will begin on December 1, 2025.
- To avoid getting slapped with a fine, drivers should change tires according to the weather, not just the calendar, remove studs by June 1 and install winter tires by December 1, monitor tire wear, verify tire markings and certificates, and stay updated with local regulations.
