Europe is one of the most scenic continents in the world, but it faces severe winter and pleasant summers. Many traveler prefer to travel to European Countries during summer but some enthusiasts try to venture through peak winter, snowy roads and dark, cloudy days to experience the other side of this continent. However, these countries are beautiful even during such contrasting conditions. Most of them prefer to take road trips as the roads not just connect the cities with each other but they also give a possibility to have peak into local life while travelling. So it becomes mandatory to know the traffic regulatory laws that one needs to abide by while driving. These countries follow very strict seasonal wheels policies. Meaning, one needs to change the vehicle wheels as per the seasons. If not done so, one is penalized heavily. It is for one’s own benefit and safety that such stringent rules are placed.
The road conditions during winter are snowy and slippery. The road surface is not able to yield required grip due to this slippery surface. Hence additional safety measures in form of well traded wheels are required. Every European country has its own regulations, but some aspects such as policies about studded tires vary from country to country. Some countries such as Belarus, Denmark (during stipulated time from 1 November to 15 April), France (allows cars and SUV studded tires from first Saturday before 11th November to last Saturday of March, but a labelled sticker mentioning the same needs to be placed on the vehicle), Great Britain (allows these types provided they do not damage the road surface), Latvia, Lithuania, Lichtenstein are some of the countries that allow this type. Other countries such as Germany, Italy, Hungary etc. prohibit use of them. Most of the countries that prohibit the use of these wheel type, allow drivers to carry snow chains. These chains can be carried only when the sign is put up on road or when the road is snowy and slippery. These regulations are so strict that they mention the dimensions of wheels for specific rules.
Though such rules appear to be very stringent and rigidly followed, it is very much for the safety of the driver and co- passengers. Thus, it is in the best interest of the traveler to learn about them and follow them while in those particular countries. The best way to avoid inconvenience is to rent a vehicle from that country itself, instead of driving one’s own vehicle. Such regulatory factor compliance such as insurance, wheel- change etc. is taken care of by the rental agencies. So, driving becomes much less hassle free and more enjoyable.
