When does the 2026 winter tire obligation start? When will the mandatory winter tires be installed?

As the weather gets colder and the precipitation increases, the date when winter tires will become mandatory and the penalty to be imposed on drivers who do not comply with the rule have become a matter of curiosity. So, when does the 2026 winter tire obligation start? When will the mandatory winter tires be installed? Here are the details...

WHEN DOES WINTER TIRES REQUIREMENT START?

Winter tire application will start on November 15 this year. The practice, which is mandatory for commercial vehicles engaged in intercity freight and passenger transportation, will continue until April 15, 2027. Although the use of winter tires is not mandatory for private vehicles, it is recommended to use them in winter conditions for driving safety.

Winter tires provide better grip than summer tires on wet, snowy and muddy surfaces, especially when the temperature drops below 7 degrees. The aim of the application is to prevent vehicles unprepared for winter conditions from blocking the roads and disrupting the traffic flow.

WHICH VEHICLES ARE COVERED BY WINTER TIRES REQUIREMENT?

According to the regulation published in the Official Gazette, winter tires are mandatory; It covers all tires on the driven axles of trucks, tractors, tankers and buses. For pickup trucks, minibuses and cars, all tires must be winter tires. In addition, the tires that need to be replaced while driving are required to be winter tires.

Winter tires increase driving safety by providing better roadholding compared to summer tires on wet, snowy and muddy surfaces, especially in conditions where the air temperature drops below 7 degrees.