Winter tyre requirements in Latvia
Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March. Since 1 October 2024 only a tyre carrying the 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) symbol counts as a winter tyre - an M+S marking on its own is no longer enough. The minimum tread depth for a passenger car is 4 mm, and driving on non-compliant tyres carries a 30 euro fine.
The first decision is studs. Studded tyres give the shortest braking distance on ice and are permitted in Latvia from 1 October to 1 May. Studless tyres are quieter, easier on the road surface and better suited to cleared, salted streets. The full comparison, independent test results and sizing advice are collected in the winter tyre section.