From autumn 2024, new rules will apply for winter tyres in France, Germany, Austria, and Sweden. In summary: in these countries, a tyre will only be considered a winter tyre if it has the snowflake symbol. Only having an M+S marking will no longer suffice. This change in legislation applies to both light vehicles, such as passenger cars, and heavy vehicles such as trucks.
Germany and Austria
From October 1st, 2024, winter tyres in Germany and Austria must have the snowflake symbol (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake – 3PMSF). Until then, tyres produced before 2018 that only have an M+S marking will still meet the winter tyre legislation in these countries.
France
From November 1st to March 31st, requirements apply in 48 departments, in mountainous parts of France. From 1 November 2024, only tyres with the snowflake symbol will be legally considered winter tyres. A tyre with only an M+S marking will no longer be considered a winter tyre.
Sweden
In Sweden, the rules will change on December 1st, 2024. For vehicles up to 3,500 kg, winter tyres must have the snowflake symbol. For trailers up to 3,500 kg, tyres with only an M+S marking will still be recognised as winter tyres until 1 December 2029. For heavy vehicles (> 3,500 kg): from 1 December 2024, winter tyres on the front axle and the driven axle must have the snowflake symbol. For the other axles, only the M+S symbol will suffice. This also applies to the axles of semi-trailers and trailers.
Source: VACO (Dutch)