Winter tyres in Luxembourg: what you need to know before the cold season
- Lux-Assurances
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Every year, as soon as the first signs of cold weather appear, motorists start asking themselves the same question: should I change my tyres for winter tyres? In Luxembourg, where weather conditions can quickly become difficult between November and March, this precaution is not just a matter of comfort, but also of safety... and legislation.
Prepare for winter driving in the Grand Duchy
Winter in Luxembourg often means fog, morning frost, snow or ice. These conditions make driving more difficult and increase the risk of accidents. That is why Luxembourg has introduced specific regulations on the use of winter tyres to ensure everyone's safety on the road.
Fitting winter tyres in good time is not just a matter of common sense: it is a legal requirement in winter conditions.
Winter tyres: a conditional requirement in Luxembourg
Unlike some countries where the period of use is fixed, Luxembourg applies a ‘conditional’ requirement.
This means that it is compulsory to fit your vehicle with winter tyres as soon as weather conditions require it: snowy, icy, frosty or muddy roads.
This rule applies to all vehicles registered in Luxembourg or abroad and travelling within the country. In practice, this means that motorists must anticipate fitting their winter tyres before the first frosts, generally between October and March.
💡 Anyone who fails to comply risks a fine of £74.
Why are winter tyres essential?
Winter tyres are distinguished by their composition and structure:
Their softer rubber remains effective at low temperatures (below 7°C).
Their deep grooves improve grip on snow or ice.
And their special sipes reduce braking distances on cold or wet surfaces.
On average, the braking distance of a summer tyre at 0°C is 30% longer than that of a winter tyre. For regular drivers, this difference can be decisive in the event of an unexpected incident on the road.
Choosing the right winter tyres
The legal marking for winter tyres can be recognised by the letters ‘M+S’ (Mud + Snow) or, better still, the ‘3PMSF’ (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) pictogram, representing a three-peaked mountain and a snowflake. The latter guarantees that the tyre has been tested for performance in winter conditions.
💡Good to know: all-season tyres bearing the ‘3PMSF’ symbol are also accepted by Luxembourg law.
Practical advice
Plan ahead for fitting: garages are very busy from mid-October onwards.
Check the pressure: cold weather causes it to drop, which can affect the stability of the vehicle.
Check the tread depth: it must be at least 1.6 mm, but it is advisable to replace tyres when they reach 4 mm of wear.
Don't forget the spare wheel: it must also be suitable for the season.
Store your summer tyres in a dry place away from light to extend their life.
Anticipate risks
With insurance such as Foyer's mobilé, you benefit from, among other things:
protection for your vehicle against damage caused by natural forces (lightning, hail, falling trees, etc.),
24/7 assistance,
and the ‘Joker mobilité’ guarantee, which is useful if you are unable to drive.
mobilé supports you in all your mobility situations, whether you travel by car, bicycle or electric scooter, with the ‘Conducteur protégé’ cover.
To find out more about the available packages, contact our Foyer Lux-Assurances agence.
