Transport and driving

Winter tires in Luxembourg in 2024-2025 season

Winter is here again, the days are getting shorter, the temperatures are getting colder and colder and it's also time to change the tires on your car. If you have been driving in the country for a long time you will surely know this, but if you are new to the roads of the Grand Duchy you may not be aware of it. But don't worry, in this article we will tell you everything you need to know about winter tires.

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For cross-border workers, not only Luxembourg’s legislation is important, but also that of their own country. It is important then to mention an important change in French legislation, from November 1, 2024, the only authorized snow tires will be those using the designation “3PMSF” (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake), identifiable by the presence of the “alpine symbol” illustrated by a 3-peaked mountain containing a snowflake. Those marked only with “M+S” will no longer be accepted.

Overview of driving regulations in Luxembourg

When winter arrives, in Luxembourg, winter tires should be fitted to the car, as cold, snow and ice affect the driving and the grip of the vehicle. It is a question of safety, winter tires are softer and more flexible than summer tires when the temperature drops and offer better grip, in addition, their grooves allow a better evacuation of water, snow and slush. All this leads to a 25% reduction in braking distances when using winter tires compared to summer tires.

Now, there are many questions to be answered: which vehicles must have winter tires, which tires are accepted, and from what date should they be changed? Let's review all these questions and more to make everything clear.

Vehicles involved

Time frame

Approved tires

Penalties

Comparison with neighboring countries

Knowing the Luxembourg legislation is important but for many it is also important to know the legislation of neighboring countries. So let's take a comparative look at the laws of France, Belgium and Germany.

Country	Luxembourg	France	Belgium	Germany
Type of vehicles required to use winter tires	Category M1 vehicles (e.g., passenger cars) must have winter tires on all wheels. Trucks, buses, coaches, and motorhomes over 3,500 kg must have winter tires on all driven axles only.	Light vehicles, commercial vehicles, and buses	No requirement for any vehicle type	All motor vehicles
Areas of the country where winter tires are required	Throughout the country, under winter conditions (snow, ice, frost)	48 departments in mountainous regions.	Not applicable	Throughout the country, under winter conditions (snow, ice, frost)
Mandatory period	No fixed period. Required when conditions demand it	November 1 to March 31	Not applicable	No fixed period. Required when conditions demand it
Accepted types of tires	Tires with M+S or 3PMSF marking.	Tires with 3PMSF marking are required starting in 2024.	No specific requirements. Recommended in adverse conditions	Tires with 3PMSF marking are required starting in 2024.
Fines for non-compliance	Fine of 74 euros	Fine of 135 euros	Not applicable	Fine from 60 to 120 euros

One of the most important points to take into account is a change in the regulations in France and Germany that takes place as of November 1, 2024. As of this date, the use of winter tires with the 3PMSF winter symbol represented by a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake will be mandatory in these countries. Tires with the M+S symbol that were previously accepted will no longer be accepted.

If you are a cross-border worker, ensure your tires meet the requirements of any country you visit.

Lifehacks and tips for drivers

To conclude, we're going to review some tips you might find helpful when the cold and snow start to take over the roads.

Check the weather conditions before leaving

in Luxembourg, winter tires do not have a fixed period in which they must be used, but their use is mandatory under winter conditions such as snow, ice or frost. It is therefore important before embarking on a trip to check the weather forecast and road conditions.As a general rule, the Grand Ducal Police recommends winter tires from October until Easter. Even in non-winter conditions, the performance of summer tires decreases considerably as soon as the temperature drops below 7°C, for example in terms of grip and braking.

Use the right tires

in Luxembourg both tires with the M+S symbol and those with the 3PMSF are valid but their performance is different, it is important to choose the one that best suits your case. M+S tires, common on four-season models, are suitable for mild winters or for urban drivers who rarely encounter deep snow. However, these types of tires are not designed for extreme winter conditions.On the other hand, tires with the 3PMSF have passed performance tests in heavy snow and are more recommended for severe cold weather, mountainous terrain or for those who drive long distances in winter. This type ensures better traction and safety in snow and ice situations.

Check the condition and depth of the tires

make sure your winter tires are in good condition before winter begins, inspect for any signs of wear or damage and check the depth of the grooves. Although the legal minimum depth requirement is 1.6 mm in winter, it is recommended that tires be at least 4 mm deep to ensure better traction.

Check tire pressure regularly

cold temperatures can reduce tire pressure and maintaining the correct pressure is important as this helps to improve the car's road grip and reduce tire wear. For recommended tire pressure values, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual.

Practice smooth and defensive driving

in winter it is better to accelerate and brake gently to prevent the vehicle from losing traction and to be able to maneuver properly. Also, keep a greater safety distance and reduce speed to adapt to the road situation.

Carry additional equipment in the vehicle

In winter it is advisable to carry a small shovel, a snow brush, antifreeze liquid and a blanket. These items can be very useful in emergency situations on snowy or icy roads.

Clear the entire car of snow and ice before leaving

be sure to remove snow and ice from the entire car, not only from the windshield but also from the roof, hood, mirrors and windows. Snow on the roof, for example, can slide off when the car is in motion and block visibility or fall on other vehicles.

Avoid residential areas if there is snow

Residential streets tend to receive less maintenance in winter so they can accumulate more snow or ice. Although they can be an attractive shortcut on certain occasions it is better to opt for main roads that are usually cleared and salted more quickly.

Pay attention to local warnings

Luxembourg may issue warnings or recommendations in cases of extreme conditions and it is important to be well informed, especially during snowstorms or heavy frosts.

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As soon as winter begins to set in it is important to fit winter tires in Luxembourg, in this article we have seen the main regulations and the rules to respect, however, beyond respecting the rules it is important to do it for safety. A braking distance reduced by 25% can make the difference between running someone over or not. Likewise, better maneuverability can mean being able to maintain control of the vehicle in a curve or going straight ahead and crashing into whatever is in front of you.

Respect the rules not just for the sake of respecting them, but because they are there for your safety and the safety of others. And finally, don't forget the tips we left you in the last section.