Winter tyres and chain use for Class B
Choose the right winter tyres, understand tread requirements, and learn to fit chains safely and legally.
Winter tyres and chains are mandatory equipment for safe driving in Norway from 1 November to the first Monday after Easter Monday, while Nordland, Troms and Finnmark follow the period from 16 October to 30 April, with flexibility based on road conditions. The rules are strict, and violations can lead to both fines and penalty points.
Requirements for winter tyres
| Requirement | Passenger car Class B |
|---|---|
| Tread depth | At least 3.0 mm |
| Type | Studded or studless |
| Number | Same tyre type on all wheels |
| Speed rating | Suited to the car’s capability |
| Age limit | Replacement recommended after 6-8 years |
Summer tyres require only 1.6 mm, but in winter conditions 3.0 mm is the absolute minimum.
Studded or studless?
| Tyre type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Studded tyres | Best grip on ice, especially on polished ice | Wear on asphalt, noise, fee in some cities |
| Studless tyres | Quiet, no city fee | Longer braking distance on sheet ice |
| All-season tyres | All year round | Not approved as winter tyres in Norway |
Studded tyres carry a fee in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim during the winter season. A day pass is about NOK 35 and a monthly pass about NOK 450.
When must you use winter tyres?
Requirement: winter tyres on all wheels when conditions require it. Even if the calendar says summer, the requirement applies if there is snow or ice.
| Area | Winter-tyre requirement |
|---|---|
| South of Nordland | 1 November - the first Monday after Easter Monday |
| Nordland, Troms, Finnmark | 16 October - 30 April |
| When conditions require winter tyres | All year - always a legal requirement |
More in Rules for tyres and chains and Visibility requirements, snow and ice .
Chain requirement
For passenger car Class B, chains are not always mandatory, but:
- Chain use can be required by road signs on certain mountain crossings
- The Norwegian Public Roads Administration can stop cars without chains at a red sign
- In convoy driving, chains will often be necessary
Heavy vehicles have more extensive requirements.
Choosing chains
| Chain type | Price | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Ladder chain (classic) | NOK 500-1,500 | General use |
| Snake chain | NOK 800-2,000 | Easier fitting, less vibration |
| Textile socks | NOK 600-1,500 | Emergency solution, short use |
| Self-tensioning chains | NOK 2,500-6,000 | Professional, easy to fit |
Make sure the chains match the tyre size and that the car can handle the clearance between the wheel and the bodywork.
How to fit chains
- Stop safely well clear of the road, preferably outside the convoy.
- Use a high-visibility vest and warning triangle.
- Lay the chain evenly around the drive wheels.
- Drive slowly 0.5-1 metre forward to distribute the chain.
- Tighten and lock the chain.
- Drive 100-200 metres, then stop and retighten.
More in Snow chains - fitting and use .
Speed limits with chains
- Maximum 50 km/h with chains on a passenger car
- Maximum 30 km/h in convoy driving with a mix of vehicles with and without chains
- Remove chains on bare roads - they cause wear and road damage
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Studded tyres only at the front | Severe rear-end slide during braking |
| Too low tyre pressure in winter tyres | Wear, poor road grip |
| Tyres that are too old | Cracks, hard rubber |
| Chain on only one wheel | Unbalanced grip, risk of running off the road |
| Fitting too late | Stopping halfway up a steep hill with no space |
Winter-tyre lifespan
| Tread depth | Status |
|---|---|
| >= 6 mm | Good grip, many seasons left |
| 4-6 mm | Usable, but beginning to lose winter properties |
| 3.0-4 mm | Legal, but consider replacement |
| < 3.0 mm | Illegal as a winter tyre |
Studs also wear down - tyres with fewer than 50% of their studs have reduced effect on ice.
Other winter considerations
- Check windscreen wipers and washer fluid with anti-freeze
- Clean cameras and sensors before driving - snow blocks them
- Be aware of aquaplaning when moving from ice to water
- Drive slowly when setting off on a slippery road
See also Road grip .
Tyre storage
- Store tyres dark, cool and dry
- Keep them on a rack, lying flat or standing
- Mark each tyre by position
- Use them in rotation for even wear
See Tyre storage and tyre hotels .
The right winter tyres and chains can make the difference between arriving safely and sliding off the road. Check your tyres twice during the season and keep chains ready, especially if you drive in the mountains.