Winter tyresFlanders
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187. Winter tyres
Winter tyres are tyres designed to provide improved traction and braking performance in cold weather, snow and other winter conditions. Their tread pattern and rubber compound are designed to remain effective at lower temperatures and provide better grip than ordinary summer tyres in appropriate winter conditions.
Winter tyres can be identified by markings on the sidewall. The 3PMSF symbol, showing a snowflake inside a three-peaked mountain, indicates that the tyre has met specified performance requirements for severe snow conditions.
Wikimedia.org • A7N8X • CC BY-SA
Are winter tyres compulsory in Belgium?
No. Belgium does not currently impose a general requirement for passenger cars to use winter tyres during the winter months. Drivers may nevertheless choose them for improved performance in cold, snowy or icy conditions.
What minimum tread depth applies to winter tyres in Belgium?
The normal legal minimum tread depth for passenger-car tyres also applies to winter tyres: the principal tread grooves must be at least 1.6 mm deep. For effective winter performance, replacing tyres before they reach the legal minimum may be advisable.
Should Belgian drivers check winter-tyre rules before travelling abroad?
Yes. Several countries bordering or near Belgium impose winter-tyre requirements under certain conditions or during specified periods. Drivers should therefore check the rules for every country they intend to enter before travelling.

Traffic rules
Flanders