In late November, a Danish renter discovered his Europcar rental car came with summer tires despite freezing conditions. The case has renewed debate over whether rental firms should automatically fit winter tires during Denmark’s cold months.
A Routine Visit Turns Into a Surprise
When Danish-born Christian Cortez Campos arrived from Málaga to visit family, he picked up his rental car at Aalborg Airport as usual. The employee wished him luck, mentioning he was “fortunate” that the forecast showed no snow. The reason? The car had summer tires, and Campos had not purchased the winter tire add-on.
He was shocked. According to Danish traffic law, drivers must use winter tires when there is ice, snow, or frost on the roads. Campos argued the company should not hand out a vehicle that could become illegal to drive depending on the weather. Europcar responded that customers can choose to add winter tires for 50 kroner when booking, but they are not standard.
Europcar clarifies their policies
In an email to The Danish Dream, Europcar states that customers have the option, during the booking process, to include winter tyres. The system requires customers to actively confirm if they choose not to add them, so a booking cannot be completed without their acknowledgment of this choice. That applied to Christian Cortez Campos too, and Staff members also inform renters about any limitations that apply if winter tyres are declined.
Moreover, the company adds, Vehicles are not released without winter tyres when winter conditions are present. The company also states that supply is not an issue, as around 90 percent of its fleet is already fitted with winter tyres. If a customer opts out, it is purely by choice.
Customer Responsibility vs. Company Policy
Europcar explains that typically their cars arrive from dealers on summer tires, and switching them all seasonally would raise costs. The firm stated that drivers are ultimately responsible for ensuring their vehicles comply with the law and weather conditions. If cold weather arrives unexpectedly, the renter must either stop driving or pay for winter tires.
Still, this policy frustrates some customers. Many assume their car rental in Denmark — or even a car lease — would come ready for all typical Danish weather.
At the same time, rental contracts and booking platforms do not always specify which tires are included. According to Campos, he would have paid the small extra fee had the choice been clearly presented when booking.
FDM Pushes for Winter Tires as Standard
The Danish motorists’ association FDM said it does not understand why companies do not automatically fit winter tires from November through March. Such a move, they argue, would reduce accidents and confusion. They also question the claim that seasonal tire changes would be too costly. In fact, FDM says changing them twice per year is cheaper and safer than handling multiple swaps throughout the season.
The Road Safety Council voiced similar concerns. They stress drivers should be able to trust that the car they rent is safe and legal at all times, regardless of Denmark’s unpredictable winter weather. Some rental companies have already made the switch, fitting winter tires as standard on all vehicles between late autumn and early spring.
What Danish Law Actually Says
Under Denmark’s road traffic act, the owner or person responsible for a vehicle must ensure it is in legal condition. However, the driver also shares responsibility for maintaining safe operation, including lights, brakes, and tires. This means that even if the car owner or rental company is formally responsible, a driver cannot claim ignorance if they operate an unsafe vehicle.
Since July 2025, new Danish regulations have made it illegal to use summer tires when snow, frost, or ice is present. The law, however, does not specify fixed dates for switching between tire types, leaving room for interpretation. That uncertainty makes both motorists and companies cautious.
Europcar Denmark’s management says a clear, date-based requirement would make compliance easier for everyone. Still, they noted that about 90 percent of their fleet already uses approved winter tires, and new models now arrive with “3-peak snowflake” markings from the start.
Calls for Clearer Rules
Both FDM and Europcar agree that clearer national guidelines are needed. Currently, police, drivers, and insurers must decide case by case if a vehicle is equipped correctly. A fixed winter tire period—say from November to March—could eliminate confusion.
Until such clarity arrives, drivers in Denmark renting vehicles during winter should verify tire types themselves. Danish car rentals, and even car insurance options for foreigners, often vary between companies and seasons.
Looking Ahead
While Campos’ experience caused frustration, it also raised public awareness. Danish winters can change overnight, and a clear road at pickup can turn icy within hours. With both motorists and rental firms calling for consistency, the discussion may soon influence future amendments to Denmark’s tire regulations.
For now, renters are advised to check conditions carefully and ensure winter tires are included when booking, regardless of the season’s early or late chill.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Car Leasing in Denmark
The Danish Dream: Best Car Insurance in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Udlejningsbil kom med sommerdæk i november – det er praksis, siger Europcar
