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    What is the snow grip marking on winter tyres in Finland?

    Why M+S alone is no longer enough.

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    Short answer

    It is the three-peak mountain with a snowflake symbol, often called 3PMSF, on the side of the tyre. Traficom says that from 1 December 2024 unstudded winter tyres used in winter conditions must have this snow grip marking. A tyre with only the M+S marking is no longer accepted as a winter tyre. The separate ice grip marking is recommended but not required.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. MTV Uutiset reported Traficom's reminder that the snow grip marking is required from 1 December 2024.
    2. Taloustaito explains the difference between the snow grip and ice grip markings.
    3. The ice grip marking is not required but is recommended, according to Traficom.

    Details

    Studded tyres do not need the snow grip marking. The rule concerns unstudded friction tyres on passenger cars and vans.

    Tip

    Look at the sidewall before you buy used tyres. Older friction tyres may have only M+S.

    What may differ

    Central European winter tyres may carry the symbol but are designed for wetter winters than in Finland.

    Common misconception

    Any tyre marked M+S counts as a winter tyre in Finland.

    What actually happens

    Since December 2024 unstudded winter tyres need the snow grip symbol.

    People also ask

    • When are winter tyres required in Finland?
    • When can you use studded tyres in Finland?
    • What is the minimum tread depth for winter tyres?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules and fees change, so check Traficom, Liikenneturva or the police before you drive.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    • Do foreign cars need a country sticker in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland says a nationality sign is required on foreign cars in Finland, unless the vehicle is registered in a country that is party to the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention and carries EU number plates with the country code.

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    • What colour are motorway and main road signs in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland (Autoliitto) says main roads in Finland have blue direction signs with white text, while motorways have green signs with white text.

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    • Does E10 petrol increase fuel consumption?

      VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland tested six used E10-compatible cars from model years 1999–2010 in laboratory conditions in 2011.

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    • Which petrol should you use in Finland, 95E10 or 98E5?

      Finnish pumps sell two main petrol grades: 95E10, with an octane rating of at least 95 and up to 10% ethanol, and 98E5, with at least 98 octane and up to 5% ethanol.

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