When and how must vehicles be equipped for winter conditions in Slovenia (e.g. winter tires)?

In Slovenia, all motor vehicles must be equipped with appropriate winter equipment between November 15 and March 15. Below is a practical overview of when winter equipment is required, what qualifies as winter equipment, how tire tread depth is measured, and penalties for non-compliance.

When is winter equipment required?

Winter equipment is required from November 15 to March 15, regardless of weather conditions, but it is also required outside of this period when winter conditions exist – that is, when snow is stuck to the road surface or when the road is covered with snow, ice or frost.

What is considered winter equipment?

For cars and light trucks (up to 3.5 tons)

A vehicle must have either

  1. Four winter tires with a minimum tread depth of 3 mm, or
  2. Four summer tires with a minimum tread depth of 3 mm and suitable snow chains or equivalent traction devices for the driving wheels.

Vehicles with permanent four-wheel drive must have chains on at least one axle; vehicles with selectable four-wheel drive must have chains on the permanently driven axle.

Snow chains may only be used when there is enough snow on the road to prevent the tire from touching the surface while driving (a visible track of snow remains behind the wheel).

For heavy vehicles (over 3.5 tons)

A vehicle must have either

  1. Four winter tires with at least 3 mm tread depth on all driving wheels, or
  2. Four summer tires with a tread depth of at least 3 mm, plus suitable snow chains or equivalent traction devices for the driving wheels.

Heavy vehicles must also carry a shovel.

The same rule applies to 4×4 heavy vehicles: chains must be fitted to at least one driven axle (permanent or selectable).

Coastal region exception

In the coastal area of Slovenia (bordering Italy and Croatia), four summer tires with at least 3 mm of tread depth are considered sufficient winter equipment – snow chains are not mandatory there. The inland border of this region roughly follows the roads:

How to recognize a winter tire

Winter tires are marked on the sidewall with the symbol “M+S”, “M.S” or “M&S”.The use of studded tires is prohibited in Slovenia.

Measuring Tire Tread Depth

Tread depth is measured in the main grooves of the tire’s tread pattern. Winter tires must have a minimum of 3 mm, but 4 mm or more is recommended for optimal safety in snow.

Fines for non-compliance

OffensePenaltyAdditional penalty
Vehicle without winter equipment€40–
Vehicle without winter equipment causing traffic obstruction€500+ 5 demerit points
Vehicle not properly cleared of snow, ice or water prior to departure€200–
Ignoring traffic signs indicating winter restrictions€300–
Company vehicle not properly equipped1,000 (company) + 120 (responsible person)–

Drivers must also completely remove snow, ice or water from the vehicle before driving. Windows and mirrors must be clean and clear at all times.

Practical tip

When driving through Slovenia in winter – especially on mountain roads – always carry snow chains, even if you have winter tires. Police checks are frequent during heavy snowfall and failure to comply may result in fines or being stopped.

About SIBIZ
SIBIZ Business Services Ltd, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, provides accounting, tax, legal and business advisory services to foreign entrepreneurs, companies and investors. Beyond formal compliance, we also assist clients with day-to-day practical matters such as company formation, vehicle registration, relocation logistics and local administration, with the aim of making doing business and living in Slovenia as seamless as possible, with tailored support for digital nomads, corporate professionals and global investors from across the EU.
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