Winter tyres 2026/27: when to change and what the law requires
Updated 10.10.2026 · Reviewed by Aimar Soans, Rettum
In Estonia the autumn tyre change starts in mid-October every year. Here you will find the winter tyre dates and rules for winter 2026/27 in one place, plus our advice on when to book your change and how to choose between studded and studless tyres.
Winter tyre dates 2026/27
| Studded tyres allowed | 15.10.2026–30.04.2027 |
|---|---|
| Winter tyres mandatory | 1.12.2026–1.03.2027 |
| Studless winter tyres | allowed all year |
When should you fit winter tyres?
Don't wait for the first snow. Summer tyre rubber hardens in the cold and loses grip even before temperatures drop below zero. The Estonian Transport Administration (Transpordiamet) recommends changing tyres before the first sub-zero temperatures arrive. A good rule of thumb: once morning temperatures stay below +5 °C, it is time to think about winter tyres.
At the peak of the season tyre workshops often have long queues: according to ERR, waits in November 2024 were about a week. Book ahead and you can choose a day that suits you. If your winter tyres are stored in our tyre hotel, they are already here when you come in.
What does the law require for winter tyres?
- Tread depth. In the winter period the remaining tread depth of a winter tyre must be more than 3 mm. The minimum for summer tyres is 1.6 mm.
- Three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. Since 1 December 2022, studless winter tyres used in winter must carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF). An M+S marking alone is not enough. Off-road tyres marked POR are exempt.
- Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March: either studded tyres or compliant studless tyres.
Studded tyres always go on all four wheels. With studs on one axle and studless tyres on the other, the car behaves unpredictably on slippery roads.
Studded or studless?
A studded tyre gives the best grip on ice and icy roads, for example on side roads in the morning and outside the city. On the other hand, studded tyres are noisier and wear the road surface, which creates street dust.
A studless tyre (a winter tyre without studs) is quieter and works well for city driving where streets are maintained. On ice its braking distance is longer than that of a studded tyre. Choose a studless tyre made for Nordic winters, not a Central European winter tyre.
If you drive mostly in the city, a studless tyre suits many drivers well. If you often drive out of town or into the countryside, a studded tyre gives more confidence on ice. Transpordiamet recommends choosing a tyre that also carries the ice grip symbol, which shows that the tyre's grip on ice has been tested.
Are last winter's tyres still good?
- Measure the tread depth. If it is close to 3 mm, the tyre will not last the whole winter.
- Check the tyre's age. The last four digits of the DOT code on the sidewall show the week and year of manufacture: for example, 3421 means week 34 of 2021. Rubber ages even if the tyre has not been driven much.
- Check the sidewalls. Cracks, bulges and cuts are a reason to replace the tyre.
- On studded tyres, check the studs. If many studs have fallen out, grip on ice is worse.
If in doubt, ask our mechanic during the change. If needed, we will find suitable new tyres and fit them in the same visit.
How does a winter tyre change at Rettum work?
- Book an appointment online or call +372 5343 5660.
- Bring the car to our workshop at Nisu tn 2 on the border of Kalamaja and Pelgulinn. We are open Mon–Fri 9:00–16:00.
- We change the tyres and balance the wheels. A tyre change costs €47–97, depending on the rim type and size and the vehicle.
- Leave your summer tyres with us, if you like: the tyre hotel costs €30 per season for tyres without rims and €34 for tyres on rims.
- Re-tighten the bolts. After 100 km or 7 days, the wheel bolts or nuts need to be re-tightened.
If winter arrives suddenly and it isn't safe to drive, we also swap the wheels where the car is parked, as long as your winter tyres are on rims: see roadside tyre help. You will find more about tyre changes on our page tyre change in Tallinn.
Frequently asked questions
When can I fit studded tyres in autumn 2026?
Studded tyres may be used from 15 October 2026.
When are winter tyres mandatory?
Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027.
How deep must the tread of a winter tyre be?
In the winter period the remaining tread depth of a winter tyre must be more than 3 mm.
Is a tyre marked M+S a winter tyre?
No. Since 1 December 2022 a studless winter tyre must carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. An M+S marking alone is not enough.
Can I drive on studless winter tyres in summer?
The law allows studless tyres all year round, but in summer the soft winter rubber wears quickly and braking distances on warm roads are longer than with summer tyres.
How much does a winter tyre change cost at Rettum?
A tyre change costs €47–97, depending on the rim type and size and the vehicle.
Sources (in Estonian): Transpordiamet, 14.10.2024; Tehnoülevaatus: changes to winter tyre requirements; ERR, 07.11.2024.
Reviewed by Aimar Soans, Rettum. Rettum has specialised in tyre work for 13 years.
