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Studded tyres
A report just released by the Oregon Department of Transportation estimated that studded tyres cause about $8.5 million worth of damage to Oregon roads every year.
Studded tyres can tear up the road surface and are illegal in the UK
Studded tyres in the UK
One of the UK tyre companies that offers a stud tyre service is Avon Tyres. The stud tyres, however, can only be used in an off-road situation.
Here in the UK, Germany, and France, it is illegal to use stud tyres on the UK roads. Because they do damage the road surfaces.
Other European countries and some North American states can use studded tyres.
Thus, at certain times of the year, But some states are trying to abolish their use.
Because of the damage that they can do to the roads.
Different European countries, especially the alpine countries and Nordic countries, have extreme winters.
Thus, allow tyres to be fitted to their vehicles to give them added grip in icy conditions.
Ice can also be a problem for winter tyres because even winter tyres will struggle in some real ice conditions.
A few examples are countries.
Studded tyres
Austria
If you will be driving your car in Austria. Then it is the law for your vehicle to be fitted with a full set of winter tyres.
They should also have a minimum tread depth of 4mm this is from 1st November – 15th April and at other times outside these dates when there is snow, slush or ice on the roads, very sensible in my opinion.
More relevant to this article Studded tyres may be used from the 1st October until the 31st May. Special local requirements may extend this period.
Belgium
Strangely it is not legal to fit winter tyres in Belgium, but you can have stud tyres and chains provided when the roads are covered in ice and snow, I would say that this is a grey area?
Denmark
which must be fitted to all wheels – and can be used from 1st November – 15th April.
Studded tyres
Finland, Estonia and Latvia.In Finland, Estonia and Latvia vehicles must be fitted with a set of winter tyres.
This from 1 December to 28/29 February. But can be used as early as November until April. Minimum tread depth is 3mm but in poor conditions 5mm.
Studded tyres.
As well as snow chains.
May also be used, studs from November – April.Thus on all wheels and snow chains only during severe weather conditions.
Also you must avoid damaging the road surface; I presume that it means that you should not ride on dry road surfaces with studded tyres fitted?
Norway
It is strongly advised that winter tyres or snow chains are used during the winter season from November to April.
All vehicles should be equipped with winter tyres on all wheels, or the driver could be fined. You should also carry a set of snow chains in your car boot, or if you are stopped by the police, you could once again be fined.
As a side issue, you will be charged a fee by Oslo and Bergen
Consequently, with stickers available for the period that you will be staying in the cities, how strange?
Switzerland
Stud tyres can be used in the winter tyre time but are prohibited on motorways and semi-motorways (DUEL CARRAIGWAYS) except for certain parts of the A13 and A2.
Sweden
Stud tyres fitted to all the wheels can be used from October to 15th April but some areas do not allow you to use them so you must look out for road signs as they may be banned on some routes.
Most southern European countries do not use studded tyres on the roads.
Source: www.kgw.com