Winter tyres in Luxembourg: everything you need to know.
In Luxembourg, winter or all-season tyres marked M+S or with the alpine symbol are mandatory in winter conditions (snow, ice, frost), with no fixed date. The recommended period is from October to Easter, as soon as the temperature drops below 7°C.
All vehicles on the road, including foreign vehicles, must be equipped with four compliant tyres. The fine for non-compliance is €74, or €145 + 2 points if the tyres are too worn (<1.6 mm). Check your insurance policy in case of an accident.
► Are winter tyres compulsory in Luxembourg?
► How much is the fine for not having winter tyres in winter?
► Can cross-border workers drive without winter tyres in Luxembourg?
► Can you drive in neighbouring countries without winter tyres?
► Without winter tires, what happens in terms of insurance?
► Frequently asked questions about winter tyres
In 2012, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg made winter tires compulsory in winter driving conditions. In other words, when cold, ice, snow or frost start to appear again, winter tires become mandatory. However, when is this winter period where winter tires are mandatory?
It should be noted that the regulations apply for the whole year, whether it’s winter or summer. There is no precise period because it is not possible to make long-term predictions about temperatures ... nevertheless there is still an estimated period, which usually runs from October to Easter. It is mostly during this period that there are sharp falls in temperature. Tires should be changed when temperatures drop to about 7o degrees centigrade.
authorised tires during this period are winter tires, marked with the symbols "MS", "M + S" or "M&S”, or the Alpine symbol. It is also possible to use all-weather (or ‘all-season’) tires, provided they are also marked with one of the previously mentioned symbols.
This regulation concerns all motorists. Indeed, all vehicles travelling on public roads in Luxembourg are subject to this winter tire rule, including vehicles which are registered in neighbouring countries, or which are only in transit through Luxembourg. The vehicle must also be fitted with all four tires of the same type. Parked cars are not affected, nor are mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles, quad-cycles, tractors or self-propelled machinery.
Despite the recommendations, you couldn’t change the tires on time. What are the risks if you drive in winter conditions without winter tires?
If a vehicle travels on Luxembourg public roads without winter tires, the driver risks a fine of €74 and immobilisation of his vehicle.
If winter tires are fitted but the grooves are less than 1.6 mm deep, the penalty is €145 and 2 points removed from the driver's license. Although the regulations require a minimum of 1.6 mm, 4 mm grooves are recommended in order to give better grip on the road.
Luxembourg regulations apply to all drivers without distinction, whether they are residents, cross-border workers or simply passing through. Your country of registration is irrelevant: as soon as you cross the Luxembourg border, you must comply with local rules.
Regulations vary considerably from country to country. This article outlines the different requirements in Europe. In our neighbouring countries, the rules are as follows:
- In Belgium, there is no legal requirement to use winter tyres, although they are strongly recommended for your safety.
- Germany applies similar rules to Luxembourg: conditional requirement depending on weather conditions, but now requires the 3PMSF alpine symbol since October 2024. Old tyres marked only ‘M+S’ are no longer accepted.
- In France, the "Mountain" law requires winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March in certain mountainous areas, particularly in Moselle and the Vosges. As in Germany, only tyres with the 3PMSF symbol are accepted.
If an accident occurs when the car should have been fitted with snow tyres or all-weather tires, is the vehicle still insured?
In the event of an accident, you must look closely at your insurance policy in order to check the specifics terms, the conditions and/or any possible exclusions which may exist concerning cover by the insurance policy. Therefore it is preferable to check it before setting out on the road without winter tires.
Even if you are insured, consider changing your tires if you haven't already. This will enable you to drive in complete safety.
Text originally published in November 2021, updated in November 2025.
In Luxembourg, there is no specific date when winter tyres must be fitted. The Luxembourg police recommend fitting them from October to Easter and keeping an eye on the weather when temperatures drop below 7°C. We advise you to plan ahead by checking the weather forecast to avoid being caught off guard by the first winter conditions.
Luxembourg law imposes a conditional requirement for winter tyres depending on weather conditions. You must fit your vehicle with winter or all-season tyres marked ‘M+S’ or with the alpine symbol when the road surface is covered with ice, packed or melting snow, patches of ice or frost. This regulation applies to all vehicles travelling on Luxembourg territory, regardless of their country of registration, with a fine of €74 for non-compliance.
You can choose between traditional winter tyres and all-season tyres marked M+S or with the alpine symbol. Winter tyres offer better performance below 7°C with a shorter braking distance, while all-season tyres are a practical solution to avoid seasonal changes. Make sure you fit four identical tyres on your vehicle and that the tread depth is at least 1.6 mm, although 4 mm is recommended for optimum safety.
There is no deadline for fitting winter tyres in Luxembourg. This requirement depends solely on road conditions and not on the calendar. Unlike other European countries, which set specific periods, the Grand Duchy applies a conditional rule based on actual road conditions.
Luxembourg law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm for the main grooves of winter tyres. However, automotive professionals recommend replacing your tyres as soon as the tread depth falls below 4 mm to maintain optimal grip on slippery roads. You can easily check this measurement using the wear indicators built into your tyres.
All-season tyres are permitted in Luxembourg for driving in winter conditions. These tyres must bear the letters M+S, M.S., M&S or the alpine symbol (snowflake in a mountain) on their sidewall to comply with regulations. They are a practical solution that saves you from having to change your tyres seasonally while still complying with Luxembourg's legal requirements.