M+S or 3PMSF: winter tire markings explained
M+S (mud and snow) means the tread is designed for mud and snow, but no test is required for the marking. A tire only gets the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) if it passes a standard snow test. In North Macedonia both markings count as winter tires.
M+S, MS, M&S
The marking stands for "Mud and Snow". The manufacturer adds it when the tread has features for mud and snow: deeper grooves and more sipes. There is no mandatory snow test for it, which is why many all-season and even some SUV tires carry it.
3PMSF: the three-peak mountain snowflake
The symbol (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) is only awarded if the tire passes a standardized snow test under UNECE Regulation 117, in which it is compared with a reference tire and must grip better. It confirms that the tire really works on snow.
What the law in North Macedonia accepts
Tires marked M+S, MS, M&S or with the mountain snowflake count as winter tires, with at least 4 mm of tread on passenger cars. So both markings meet the requirement from 15 November to 15 March. More in the guide Winter equipment in North Macedonia.
Which to choose
- If you drive on snow, in the mountains or outside the city: a tire with the snowflake. True winter tires carry both markings.
- If you drive in the city and snow is rare: an all-season tire with M+S and, ideally, the snowflake. A comparison is in the guide All-season or winter tires.
See our winter tires and all-season tires with prices including VAT.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tire with only M+S enough by law?
Yes. The law accepts M+S, MS and M&S, as well as the mountain snowflake, if the tread is at least 4 mm (6 mm for 4×4 vehicles and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes).
Where are the markings?
On the sidewall of the tire, usually next to the size.
More guides
- Winter equipment in North Macedonia: when it is mandatory and what the law requires - In North Macedonia winter equipment is mandatory from 15 November to 15 March. Passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes need winter tires on all four wheels with at least 4 mm of tread, or summer tires with at least 4 mm of tread plus chains for the drive wheels. The fine is the denar equivalent of 45 euros. This season it starts on 15 November 2026.
- Tire pressure in cold weather: how much and when to check - Tire pressure drops when it gets cold, by roughly 0.1 bar for every 10 °C. So in winter check it at least once a month, with cold tires, and inflate to the vehicle manufacturer's values, which are on the sticker in the door frame, inside the fuel filler flap or in the handbook.
- All-season or winter tires: which should you choose? - All-season tires marked M+S or with the mountain snowflake count as winter equipment in North Macedonia, as long as the tread is at least 4 mm. They are a good choice for city driving and mild winters without changing tires twice a year. For mountain roads and frequent snow, true winter tires grip better.
- How much does a tire change cost in Skopje? - At Ceres, fitting and removing one 15 or 16-inch tire costs 150 MKD and balancing 200 MKD, 1,400 MKD in total for four tires. For 13 and 14-inch tires the four cost 1,000 MKD, for 17 and 18-inch 1,800 MKD. Prices are per tire, from the October 2026 price list.