Police Refuse to Fine Drivers on Summer Tires

Frederikke Høye

December 15, 2025
10:09 am

Danish police are reluctant to fine drivers using summer tires in snowy weather despite a new law meant to make roads safer. The government says the rule is clear, but police insist evidence of danger is required before issuing penalties.

Government Tightens Tire Rules

Starting July 1, 2025, the Danish government adjusted the Road Traffic Act to clarify driver responsibilities in winter conditions. Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen said at the time that driving on ordinary summer tires in snow or slush would no longer be acceptable. If caught, drivers could face fines of up to 4,000 kroner per car for having unsuitable tires.

This comes after new legislation made winter tires in Denmark now mandatory under new law. The intent was to improve safety on icy and slippery roads, a frequent problem in Danish winters.

Police Struggle With Enforcement

Even though the rule seems straightforward on paper, the Danish National Police (Rigspolitiet) say the wording makes enforcement tricky. The law places responsibility on the driver to ensure that a vehicle is not equipped with “obviously unsuitable tires.” However, police say they can only prove that in specific situations, such as when an accident occurs or when traffic is obstructed because of tire issues.

Because of that, many officers hesitate to issue fines to drivers who use summer tires in snow but manage to drive safely. According to authorities, it would be hard to prove that the tires alone were unfit if no incident took place.

Interestingly, some local police districts interpreted the law differently earlier in the season. For example, Copenhagen West Police and South Jutland Police conducted winter tire spot checks, while the Mid and West Jutland Police took a different approach, requiring a clear link between tires and a traffic incident before acting. Eventually, the Danish National Police confirmed that the latter interpretation will apply nationwide.

Confusion Among Drivers and Officials

The Road Traffic Authority (Færdselsstyrelsen) tried to remove the uncertainty last October. It reminded drivers that if they find themselves on winter-slick roads with tires that do not match conditions, they must pull over. Continuing to drive could be punishable by a fine under the Road Traffic Act. Still, the authority did not mention a specific requirement for an accident.

Despite this clarification, many drivers remain unsure about when fines actually apply. As it turned out, the courts and prosecutors still rely on the police to assess whether a violation has occurred. Rigspolitiet insists there must be evidence linking the driver’s choice of tires directly to a consequence, such as a crash or a blockage.

Ministers Keep Silent on Disagreement

DR News contacted both the transport minister and the justice minister for clarification. Neither agreed to comment on how police interpret the new law. The Transport Ministry stated that enforcement policy lies fully with law enforcement, while the Ministry of Justice directed questions back to the police.

That leaves Rigspolitiet’s current position as the only official stance. For now, it remains cautious. Police representatives have said they may take a stricter view in the future once procedures are settled and experience shows how the law works in practice.

Given that winters can turn harsh in Denmark, safety experts still urge motorists to prepare early. Having the right winter tires installed well before snow starts falling is the simplest way to avoid trouble and prevent fines later.

Broader Implications

The debate also shows how complex it can be to balance legal wording with practical enforcement. While lawmakers want to boost road safety, the police must follow evidence standards and legal proof before charging drivers. This cautious approach could mean that many motorists skate by for now even if they still use summer tires in freezing weather.

In the end, the new rule sends a clear message about responsibility and safety. Even though the police take a soft approach so far, any driver behind the wheel during a Danish winter would do well to treat the rule seriously. The combination of icy roads and summer tires remains a recipe for danger, whether or not a fine follows.