What does 3PMSF marking mean on tyres?

What is 3PMSF marking?

3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) is a symbol on the tyre sidewall depicting a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake inside. It is the official winter tyre certification.

3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol

Why is 3PMSF important?

The 3PMSF marking means that the tyre:

• Has passed a snow grip test under UN ECE Regulation No. 117 – a braking or acceleration test on snow
• Performed better on snow than the Standard Reference Test Tyre (SRTT) in that test, by at least the margin the regulation requires
• Is not certified for a specific temperature – the test measures grip on snow, not rubber flexibility in the cold
• Has not been tested on ice – ice grip has its own separate symbol (tested under ISO 19447)

3PMSF vs M+S – what's the difference?

Why M+S is no longer enough?

M+S (Mud and Snow) is an old marking from the 1970s, based only on tread pattern design. It doesn't guarantee actual winter performance – manufacturers can apply this mark without any testing.

⚠️ Baltic countries requirements

Lithuania: During winter season (November 10 – March 31), both M+S and 3PMSF tyres are accepted, but 3PMSF is recommended.

Latvia: SINCE 1 DECEMBER 2024 – ONLY 3PMSF!
In Latvia, M+S marking is NO LONGER SUFFICIENT. Only tyres with the 3PMSF symbol are mandatory!

Estonia: SINCE DECEMBER 2022 – STUDLESS TIRES REQUIRE 3PMSF!
In Estonia, during winter season (December 1 – March 1), studless winter tyres MUST have the 3PMSF marking (since 2022). Studded tyres do not require 3PMSF marking.

Recommendation

When buying new winter tyres, always choose ones with 3PMSF marking. Such a tyre meets the 3PMSF requirement in countries where it applies, but before travelling, also check the other rules of the countries you are visiting, such as the minimum tread depth.