With November approaching, motorists are being urged to prepare for Danish winter driving conditions by switching to appropriate tires early to avoid dangerous road situations and potential fines.
Danish Winter Weather Often Catches Drivers Off Guard
As the Danish winter season draws near, the Nordic region’s largest insurance company, If, is reminding Danish drivers to prioritize road safety by transitioning to winter tires before colder temperatures take hold. November typically marks the arrival of the first snow in Denmark, often creating hazardous conditions on the roads when drivers are caught unprepared. Drivers are advised to get ready for winter roads.
In each of the past four years, Denmark has experienced its first snowfall in November. This early onset of Danish winter regularly leads to an increase in traffic incidents during the first frosty days, as many vehicles are still equipped with summer tires ill-suited for icy and slushy surfaces. If highlights the importance of changing to winter tires in advance, especially since tire service centers experience long wait times once the cold sets in. Switching to winter tires early helps on icy roads.
Tire Rules Are Now Clearer Under Danish Law
A recent update to the Danish Road Traffic Act, effective from July 1, 2025, explicitly mandates that motorists must use tires appropriate for current and expected weather conditions. Failure to comply can result in fines of 1,000 Danish kroner (approximately $140 USD) per tire if the police determine that a vehicle is operating with visibly unsuitable tires during Danish winter weather.
Drivers have legal and ethical responsibility to ensure their vehicles are safe under changing road conditions. Driving with improper tires can not only lead to fines but significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, especially when stopping distances are extended due to tire hardness in cold climates.
Alarming Number Still Drive with Summer Tires in Winter
According to a survey conducted in January 2024 by the Danish Council for Tire Safety, FDM (The Federation of Danish Motorists), and the Tire Importers Association, approximately 10 percent of Danish motorists—about 238,000 vehicles—were still driving on summer tires during the winter season. This statistic underscores a concerning gap in seasonal preparedness despite annual health and safety campaigns.
Summer tires are made of rubber compounds that harden when temperatures fall below 7°C (approximately 45°F), severely limiting traction and increasing braking distances on snowy or icy roads. In emergency situations, the wrong type of tire can be the difference between avoiding a collision and suffering serious injury or worse.
Best Practices for Winter Vehicle Preparation
To ensure cars are ready for rapidly changing winter conditions, Danish motorists are encouraged to perform the following checks and adjustments:
- Install high-quality winter or all-season tires, ensuring they are in good condition before mounting.
- Apply silicone to door rubber seals to prevent sticking in freezing temperatures.
- Verify that coolant is adequately filled and frost-protected to avoid engine damage.
- Completely clear frost and snow from windows, mirrors, and lights before driving, as it is a legal requirement to maintain proper vision.
- Keep emergency items in the car, including a snow shovel, reflective vests, and blankets.
- Replace the car battery if repeated faults have occurred, as cold weather can worsen battery issues.
- Check specific rules for winter tires and chains if traveling abroad, as laws vary across European countries.
Plan Ahead to Drive Safely
Even though parts of Denmark are still experiencing daytime temperatures above 7°C, weather patterns can shift quickly as winter approaches. Being proactive about winter car maintenance not only keeps drivers safer but also helps avoid the surge in demand at service stations once temperatures drop overnight and black ice becomes a common threat.
Motorists are advised not to wait for the first snowfall to make their tire switch but to use forecasts and historical patterns to guide their preparations. Regular reminders from insurance providers like If aim to reduce the number of accidents during the season’s early weather events and reinforce personal responsibility in road safety.
