Minimum tread depth in the Czech Republic
What does the Czech legislation say about the minimum tread depth of tyres?
- The minimum tread depth of a summer tyre is 1.6 mm.
- The minimum tread depth for winter tyres is set at 4 mm.
- In both cases, the minimum prescribed tread height must be at least three-quarters of the tyre surface.
- If you do not have compliant tyres under the specified conditions, you can be fined up to CZK 2,000 on the spot.
- However, if the police assess that your very low tread pattern is a traffic safety hazard, they can refer the case to the Misdemeanours Committee, which can ban you from driving for between 6 and 12 months and fine you up to CZK 10,000.
Minimum tread depth for all-season tyres
The tread height of all-season tyres must correspond to the season in which they are used. The minimum tread depth of all-season tyres is therefore:
- 4 mm in winter (1 November to 31 March)
- 1.6 mm in summer (rest of the year)
How is tyre tread height measured?
The best way to measure tyre tread depth is to get a tyre depth gauge.
- Stop the car on level ground and spin the front wheels for easy access to the tyre.
- Clean the tread grooves of any debris.
- Place the depth gauge against the longitudinal groove about 4 cm from the sidewall and look at the scale in mm.
- Always measure on all 4 tyres.
- If you are nearing the end of your tyre life, order your tyres from Pneuboss.cz and book your tyre change appointment.
Why is low tread height dangerous?
When tyres are run flat, the braking distance of the car is increased and the risk of dangerous aquaplaning increases significantly. If you are involved in an accident on tyres with inadequate tread, your insurance company may refuse to pay your claim.
Don't you have a depth gauge handy?
Some tyre manufacturers put so-called tyre wear indicators in the tread around the circumference and width of the tyre. These are small protrusions in the grooves, 1.6 mm high for summer tyres and 4 mm high for winter tyres. If they appear in line with the tread, the tyre is at the end of its life.
Tread height abroad
In Europe, all countries have a minimum tread height of 1.6 mm for summer tyres. However, there are quite significant differences in the legislation around winter tyres:
- Belarus: Tyre changes are mandatory from mid-November to mid-March depending on the weather.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Winter tyres must have a tread depth of at least 4 mm, winter tyres are compulsory from 1 November to 15 April.
- Montenegro: Winter tyres are compulsory from 15 November to 31 March.
- Estonia: Minimum tread depth of winter tyres is 3 mm, winter tyres are compulsory from 1 December to 2 February, then depending on weather.
- Finland: Winter or all-season tyres must have a tread depth of 3 mm from 1 December to the end of February.
- Iceland: Winter tyres are compulsory from 1 November to 14 April, minimum tread depth for winter tyres is 3 mm.
- Italy: Winter tyres are only recommended from 15 October to 15 April, but snow chains are compulsory in Alpine areas.
- Lithuania: Winter tyres are compulsory from 1 November to 31 March, the minimum tread depth is 3 mm.
- Latvia: Winter tyres are compulsory from 1 December to 1 March, with a minimum tread height of 4 mm.
- Luxembourg: Winter tyres are compulsory on all wheels on roads with snow, ice and roads slippery due to ice and slush
- Northern Macedonia: Minimum tread depth for winter tyres is 4 mm, winter tyres are compulsory from 15 November to 15 March.
- Moldova: Winter tyres are compulsory from 1 December to 1 March on all wheels.
- Germany: The tread depth of winter tyres in Germany is very benevolent, according to German law it is sufficient to have winter tyres with a tread depth of 1.6 mm
- Poland: Winter tyres are not mandatory, just recommended.
- Austria: The minimum tread depth of winter tyres in Austria is 4 mm, from 1 November to 15 April, depending on weather conditions or road signs, on all wheels
- Russia: Winter tyres compulsory, snow chains must be carried in the car.
- Slovakia: Minimum tread height 3 mm, from 15.11. to 31.3. winter tyres compulsory.
- Serbia: Minimum tread height 4 mm, from 1.11. to 1.4. winter tyres compulsory on all wheels if there is snow or ice on the road
- Sweden: Minimum tread height of winter tyres 3 mm, winter tyres compulsory from 1.12. to 31.3. in winter conditions also between October and March.
- Switzerland: Winter tyres compulsory only if winter conditions (snow, ice, frost). Winter tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm.
- Ukraine: Minimum tread depth of winter tyres is 6 mm, winter tyres are compulsory on all wheels.
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