Mandatory winter tyres start November 15, fine set at 5,856 lira

Mandatory winter tyre rules will apply this year from November 15, 2026 until April 15, 2027. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said the period has been extended from four months to five to reflect seasonal conditions. The previous window ran from December 1 to April 1.

Who must fit winter tyres

The requirement covers vehicles carrying passengers and goods on intercity roads. Trucks, tow trucks, tankers and buses must fit winter tyres on all driven axles. Pickup trucks and minibuses must have winter tyres on every wheel. If a spare tyre is fitted during a journey, it must also meet the winter tyre requirement.

Winter tyres are not compulsory for private cars, although they are recommended. The government says winter tyres are designed to grip better than summer tyres when air temperatures drop below 7 degrees Celsius.

Fines and provincial powers

Drivers who ignore the rule face an administrative fine of 5,856 lira. Inspections will be carried out by Transport and Infrastructure Ministry staff, the General Directorate of Security, the Gendarmerie General Command, Trade Ministry units at border gates, and municipal teams.

Provincial governorships can extend the rule within their borders by one month before and one month after the period set by the ministry. Drivers should therefore check announcements in the province where they are travelling.

Traction chains do not replace winter tyres. Studded tyres, which may only be used on icy surfaces, do count as winter tyres. Uraloğlu also stressed that vehicles should carry equipment such as snow chains, wedges and tow ropes.