The Ministry of Interior informs citizens that from November 15 to March 15, in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Road Traffic Safety (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” No. 169/15, 226/15, 55/16, 11/18, 83/18, and 191/18) and the Law Amending the Law on Road Traffic Safety (“Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia” No. 70/19, 98/19, 302/20, 122/21, 33/24, 208/24, and 193/25), all vehicles participating in public road traffic are required to possess the prescribed winter equipment.
According to the provisions of the Rulebook on Mandatory Vehicle Equipment for Safe Participation in Road Traffic (“Official Gazette” No. 31/2010), the following applies as winter equipment for motor vehicles:
For motor vehicles not exceeding 3,500 kg:
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Winter tires on all four wheels with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm across the circumference and width;
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Summer tires on all four wheels with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm, provided that the vehicle carries snow chains of appropriate size for the drive wheels or other suitable aids.
For motor vehicles with four-wheel drive (4x4):
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Winter tires on all four wheels with a minimum tread depth of 6 mm across the circumference and width;
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Summer tires on all four wheels with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm, provided that the vehicle carries snow chains. In the case of permanent drive, snow chains must be available for at least the rear axle; in the case of switchable drive, chains must be available for at least the permanently engaged axle.
For motor vehicles exceeding 3,500 kg:
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Winter tires on the drive wheels with a minimum tread depth of 6 mm;
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Summer tires on all wheels with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm, provided that the vehicle carries snow chains of appropriate size for the drive wheels or other suitable aids;
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Buses and heavy goods vehicles that, for technical reasons, cannot install snow chains on the drive wheels must have winter tires on the drive wheels and carry a shovel as auxiliary equipment.
Winter tires are those marked on the sidewall with “MS”, “M+S”, “M & S”, and a snowflake symbol within a stylized three-peak mountain.
According to the Rulebook on Mandatory Vehicle Equipment, the use of studded tires on vehicles in road traffic is prohibited.
We appeal to all drivers to comply with the legal requirement for possessing winter equipment, as this ensures smooth and safe traffic flow on roads during winter conditions.