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.
When the requirement applies
The requirement is set by the Road Traffic Safety Law and the Rulebook on mandatory vehicle equipment. It applies every year from 15 November to 15 March, by date, whether or not there is snow. This season it starts on 15 November 2026 and runs until 15 March 2027.
What counts as winter equipment
Passenger cars up to 3,500 kg
- winter tires on all wheels with at least 4 mm of tread, or
- summer tires with at least 4 mm of tread and snow chains sized for the drive wheels.
All-wheel-drive vehicles (4×4)
- winter tires on all wheels with at least 6 mm of tread, or
- summer tires with at least 4 mm of tread and snow chains. With permanent all-wheel drive the chains must fit at least the rear axle; with selectable all-wheel drive, the drive wheels.
Vehicles over 3,500 kg
- winter tires on all wheels with at least 6 mm of tread, or summer tires with at least 4 mm of tread and snow chains;
- buses and goods vehicles that cannot take chains must have winter tires on the drive wheels.
How to recognize a winter tire
The law treats as winter tires those marked M+S, MS or M&S on the sidewall, or carrying the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF). All-season tires with one of these markings also meet the requirement, as long as they have enough tread. The difference between the markings is explained in the guide M+S or 3PMSF.
How much is the fine
A driver without the required winter equipment can be fined the denar equivalent of 45 euros (25 penalty points are also mentioned), and the police officer can order them not to continue driving.
Check your tread before 15 November
4 mm is the legal minimum, and new winter tires have considerably deeper tread. If your winter tires are close to 4 mm, they may no longer be legal this season. The quickest way to check is with a tread depth gauge, which every tire shop has.
See our winter tires with prices including VAT or the most popular size, 205/55 R16 winter tires. Fitting prices are in the guide How much does a tire change cost in Skopje.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need winter tires if there is no snow?
Yes. The requirement applies by date, from 15 November to 15 March, whatever the weather.
Do all-season tires count as winter equipment?
Yes, if the sidewall is marked M+S, MS, M&S or with the mountain snowflake and the tread is at least 4 mm (6 mm for 4×4 vehicles and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes).
Do I need chains if I have winter tires?
For passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes, chains are only mandatory if you drive on summer tires. Winter tires on all wheels with at least 4 mm of tread meet the requirement.
What is the fine for driving without winter equipment?
The denar equivalent of 45 euros. The police officer can also stop the vehicle from going any further.
Are chains alone enough?
No. Chains only count together with summer tires that have at least 4 mm of tread. Chains in the boot with worn summer tires do not meet the requirement.
More guides
- 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.
- 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.