In Luxembourg, winter tyres are mandatory whenever weather conditions require them – a regulation often criticised for its lack of clarityn; however, the answer is quite straightforward.
You hear it every year: winter tyres are mandatory in Luxembourg. But when exactly? Unlike in neighbouring regions like Moselle, there is no fixed date – it all depends on the weather conditions in the Grand Duchy.
For clarity, the rules are set out in Luxembourg’s Highway Code, specifically in the Grand-Ducal Regulation of 10 September 2012.
According to this regulation, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres "in the event of black ice, compacted snow, slush, or patches of ice or frost".
The Luxembourg Police, for their part, recommend switching to winter tyres as soon as temperatures drop below 7°C.
For those who prefer a more concrete timeline, the police advise fitting winter tyres from October and returning to summer tyres around the Easter holidays.
These remain recommendations. In legal terms, only the Grand-Ducal Regulation applies, and drivers risk fines if their cars are not properly equipped when conditions demand it.
Drivers caught in breach face a €74 fine and possible immobilisation of their vehicle – regardless of where it is registered.
It is also important to note that mixing summer and winter tyres is prohibited in Luxembourg; fitting just two winter tyres is not an option.
If your vehicle is equipped with all-season tyres, no change is required before winter, because they are authorised for use throughout the year.
