Winter tyre rules in Croatia set to start, what drivers need to know for 2025/26

From 15 November 2025 to 15 April 2026, all drivers in Croatia must have winter equipment fitted on their vehicles when travelling on designated winter road sections.

This regulation applies regardless of weather conditions, even if there’s no snow or ice at the time.

The rule is set by the Croatian Ministry of the Interior and covers all motor vehicles, with exceptions only for Armed Forces vehicles.

The aim is to improve road safety during the colder months and reduce accidents caused by poor grip and slippery surfaces.

The regulation covers so-called “winter sections” of public roads, including stretches of motorways, state, and county roads, particularly those prone to snow and ice.

This covers 839.2 kilometres of motorway sections and, 1,863 kilometres of county and state roads.

What counts as winter equipment

For cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes), drivers must have either:

• Winter tyres on all wheels (marked M+S, M.S., M&S or 3PMSF), or
• Summer tyres with at least 4 mm tread depth, along with snow chains (or equivalent traction devices) ready for use on the driving wheels.

Penalties

Drivers caught without the required equipment can face on-the-spot fines of around €130, and police may prevent the vehicle from continuing its journey until it complies.

Authorities advise checking tyre tread depth early, ensuring chains are in good condition, and keeping vehicles clear of snow and ice before driving.