Norway’s winter-equipment rules apply to foreign hauliers as well as domestic operators. The driver is responsible not only for the correct tyre markings and tread depth, but also for sufficient grip in the actual weather and road conditions. A technically correct marking does not by itself guarantee that the vehicle will be allowed to continue.

Key dates for winter 2026/27

For motor vehicles and trailers each having a maximum authorised mass above 3,500 kg:

  • winter tyres are mandatory from **15 November 2026 to 31 March 2027**;
  • a minimum tread depth of **5 mm** applies in most of Norway from **1 November 2026 to 4 April 2027**, the first Sunday after Easter Monday;
  • in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, the 5 mm period runs from **16 October 2026 to 30 April 2027**.

Outside these periods, tyres, chains or similar equipment must still provide adequate grip. If snow or ice can be expected, chains must be carried regardless of the date.

Which winter tyres are required?

A vehicle above 3,500 kg must use **3PMSF** tyres, marked with the mountain-and-snowflake symbol, on drive axles and front steering axles. M+S or 3PMSF tyres may be used on the remaining axles.

A trailer above 3,500 kg must have M+S or 3PMSF tyres. Every tyre must also be correctly sized, serviceable and suitable for the real conditions. Studded tyres are normally permitted during the period in which the 5 mm tread requirement applies, or outside it when weather and road conditions make them necessary.

How many chains must a truck carry?

During the 5 mm tread-depth period, chains must be on board regardless of current weather:

  • a motor vehicle above 3,500 kg needs at least **3 chains**: one for the front wheels and two for the drive wheels;
  • a vehicle combination where both tractor and trailer exceed 3,500 kg and the tractor has twin drive wheels needs at least **7 chains**: one for the front, four for the drive wheels and two for the trailer;
  • if the drive axle has single wheels or double chains are used, at least **5 chains** are required.

Chains must fit the actual wheels, be made of metal or steel and maintain contact with the road. An automatic chain system can replace two drive-wheel chains in a specified twin-wheel configuration, but it does not replace the entire compulsory set.

Fines and prohibition from continuing

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration lists the following penalties:

  • for a vehicle above 7,500 kg, **NOK 2,000 per tyre** with insufficient tread or incorrect mandatory winter marking;
  • for a solo vehicle above 7,500 kg, **NOK 1,200 per missing chain**;
  • for a vehicle above 7,500 kg towing a trailer above 3,500 kg, **NOK 1,500 per missing chain**.

Serious cases may be reported to the police. A roadworthiness prohibition notice can be issued whenever the vehicle does not have sufficient grip, whether or not a fine is imposed.

Haulier checklist before entering Norway

  1. Check markings on every tractor and trailer axle.
  2. Measure tread depth before departure, not at the border.
  3. Count chains according to the real axle and wheel configuration.
  4. Confirm that every chain fits its assigned wheel.
  5. Check official road conditions and mountain-pass status.
  6. Reserve driving-time margin for fitting chains, convoy driving and closures.

Official sources

  • [Norwegian Public Roads Administration: tyres on heavy vehicles](https://www.vegvesen.no/en/vehicles/professional-transport/tyres-and-chains/tyres-on-heavy-vehicles/)
  • [Norwegian Public Roads Administration: tyre chains for heavy vehicles](https://www.vegvesen.no/en/vehicles/professional-transport/tyres-and-chains/snow-chains-on-heavy-vehicles/)

Information checked on 9 September 2026. Verify current road and weather information before departure.