# Winter driving regulations and costs in the Balkans

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/winter-driving-regulations-and-costs-in-the-balkans
> Updated: 2026-09-23T19:52:16.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

In Serbia, new regulations mandate that drivers equip vehicles with winter tires and necessary gear starting November 1. Under these rules, winter tires are required between November 1 and April 1 if roads are covered in snow, ice, or frost. Drivers traveling outside inhabited areas must also carry snow chains or traction devices, while buses and freight vehicles are required to carry shovels. The Road Safety Agency specifies a minimum tread depth of 4 mm for winter tires.

Concurrently, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in Banja Luka and Republika Srpska, drivers are facing increased costs associated with the return of legal winter equipment requirements on November 1. Service costs for mounting and balancing tires have risen, with individual mounting fees reaching between 15 and 20 KM per wheel. Total expenses for a full set of mid-range tires and installation are estimated between 400 and 500 KM, while larger rims can drive total costs above 800 KM.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Bosnia and Herzegovina drivers face rising winter tire costs

Drivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina face rising costs for winter tire replacement and mounting services ahead of the November 1 legal deadline.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bosnia-and-herzegovina-drivers-face-rising-winter-tire-costs

### 2026-09-21: Serbia implements mandatory winter equipment regulations

From November 1 to April 1, Serbian drivers must use winter tires on snowy or icy roads and carry traction equipment like snow chains when traveling outside inhabited areas.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-implements-mandatory-winter-equipment-regulations

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Cite as: Winter driving regulations and costs in the Balkans. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/winter-driving-regulations-and-costs-in-the-balkans