Sweden has mandatory winter tyre rules that are among the most strictly enforced in Europe. Getting caught with summer tyres in winter conditions results in a fine and can invalidate your insurance in the event of a collision.
When Winter Tyres Are Required
Winter tyres are mandatory in Sweden when the road is covered with snow, ice, or slush — typically between 1 December and 31 March, but the law is based on conditions, not calendar dates. If there is snow and ice in November, you need winter tyres then. The Transportstyrelsen recommends fitting winter tyres from 1 October in northern Sweden and 1 November in the south.
Studded vs Friction Tyres
Studded tyres (dubbdäck): Provide the best grip on hard ice. Permitted from 1 October to the first Sunday after Easter. They are prohibited outside this period except when conditions require it. They cause more road and air quality damage than friction tyres. Friction winter tyres (friktionsdäck): Use special rubber compounds and sipe patterns to grip in cold and snowy conditions without studs. Can be used year-round but must meet winter tyre standards (M+S marking or snowflake symbol).
Exam tip: The snowflake symbol (three-peak mountain with snowflake) certifies a tyre as a genuine winter tyre. The M+S marking alone is not sufficient — look for the mountain/snowflake symbol.