Spain Updates Winter Tire Regulations: M+S Tires No Longer Sufficient for 2025

As of the 2025 winter season, Spain has revised its regulations regarding winter tires and anti-slip equipment to enhance road safety during snowy and icy conditions. While winter tires are not universally mandatory across Spain, certain roads and weather conditions require vehicles to be equipped with approved anti-slip systems such as chains or specialized covers. The Spanish traffic authority, Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), enforces these requirements when climate conditions dictate, indicated by specific signage (e.g., sign R-412).

Crucially, the long-accepted Mud and Snow (M+S) tire designation is no longer sufficient under updated European standards. Now, only tires bearing the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol are officially recognized as winter tires. This symbol certifies compliance with rigorous European performance tests for snow and ice, marking a significant change that disqualifies many all-season M+S tires unless they carry the 3PMSF label.

When the DGT activates snow or ice alerts, vehicles must use chains or equivalent systems unless fitted with four 3PMSF tires. Available options include traditional metal chains, textile covers, hybrid chains, and semi-automatic chains, all requiring UNE homologation. Non-compliance can result in fines of 200 euros, although no points are deducted from driver's licenses. Authorities may also prevent drivers from continuing their journeys during enforcement periods.

These measures differ somewhat from neighboring countries like France and Andorra, which impose stricter penalties and mandates for winter tires and chains. Spanish drivers are advised to verify that their tires have the 3PMSF symbol and that they possess compliant anti-slip equipment to avoid penalties during adverse winter conditions.