Norway and Denmark advise early winter tire changes

Authorities and insurance providers in Norway and Denmark are advising motorists to prepare for winter by switching to winter tires before the onset of frost and snow.

In Norway, Statens vegvesen emphasizes that road conditions should dictate tire changes rather than specific calendar dates. While studded tire periods are regulated by region, Roy Harald Holm of Statens vegvesen notes that studded and chain tires are permitted outside these windows if conditions require it. The Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) recommends a tread depth of at least four millimeters, exceeding the legal minimum of three millimeters for passenger cars.

In Denmark, LB Forsikring is urging drivers to book workshop appointments early to avoid long wait times once freezing weather arrives. A member survey indicates that nearly 10% of drivers wait until snow or frost is forecasted before switching. Experts recommend changing tires before temperatures drop below seven degrees Celsius. Additionally, Danish traffic laws prohibit driving with ‘obviously unsuitable tires’ on snowy or icy roads, a regulation that 92% of surveyed members are now aware of.