Hauliers operating in Sweden this winter, including foreign hauliers must fit their trucks with winter tyres from 1st November.
The Swedish government has announced that all heavy vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres between 1st November and 10th April 2026 regardless of road conditions. Plans for a snow chain requirement have been abandoned.
The change applies nationwide and covers all heavy vehicles, including foreign-registered lorries and buses entering Sweden.
Unlike the previous system, where winter tyres were only required during winter conditions between 1st December and 31st March, the new rules introduce a longer fixed period from 1st November to 10 April during which compliance will be mandatory in all circumstances.
The government’s proposals also extend the period during which existing axle load distribution rules apply to heavy vehicles, aligning it to the new winter tyre period.
In practice, heavy vehicles must ensure that the drive axles carry sufficient load during the 1st November – 10 April winter window (i.e. maintaining required weight distribution across axles).
