Tyre changing rules in Latvia
According to Latvian law, winter tyres are mandatory from December 1 to March 1. During this period, it is prohibited to operate a vehicle with summer tyres.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: New requirements since 2024!
Since October 1, 2024, new requirements are in effect in Latvia:
- Only tyres with the "mountain and snowflake" (3PMSF) marking are mandatory!
- Tyres with only M+S marking are NO LONGER ALLOWED during winter season
If your tyres only have the M+S designation without the 3PMSF symbol, they will not be considered suitable for the winter period!
When to switch to winter tyres?
It is recommended to change to winter tyres when:
- Average daily temperature drops below +7°C
- Night frosts begin
- First snow or frost is forecast
Practical tip: In Latvia, this is usually mid-October to early November.
When to switch to summer tyres?
Summer tyres can be installed:
- After March 1 (officially permitted)
- When average daily temperature consistently exceeds +7°C
- When no frost is forecast for the coming days
Practical tip: Most drivers change in mid-April to early May.
Studded tyres
Studded tyres are allowed from October 1 to May 1.
A vehicle cannot have both studded and non-studded tyres installed at the same time.
Fines for violations
Driving with non-compliant tyres during winter season may result in:
- Fine of 30 euros
- Insurance claim denial in case of accident
Tyre tread requirements
- Winter tyres: minimum tread depth – 4 mm
- Summer tyres: minimum tread depth – 1.6 mm
Recommendations
Do not purchase or use tyres older than 5-6 years – rubber loses its properties over time.
Recommended tyres
Choose tyres for the season
Choose your tyre size to see matching products.
Recommended tyres — size examples
Examples from this selection. Choose your size to see matching tyres.
STARMAXX
Incurro Winter W870
265/60 R18 114H
Manufacturing year: 2024 - 2026
XL
XL (Extra Load)
XL (Extra Load) — reinforced for ~11% higher load than standard.
Read more →
RP
RP (Rim Protector)
RP (Rim Protector) — generic rim-guard marking.
B
Fuel efficiency (A–E)
Rolling resistance class A (best) to E. Difference between classes — up to 9% in fuel consumption.
B
Wet grip (A–E)
Wet braking distance. Class A — shortest, E — longest. The difference can reach 30%.
B|71dB
Noise level (dB)
External rolling noise in decibels. Lower number means quieter tire.
3PMSF (Snow grip)
3PMSF — certified winter marking. Tire passed EU tests in deep snow.
Read more →
M+S
M+S (Mud & Snow)
M+S (Mud & Snow) — for light snow and mud. Not certified; weaker than 3PMSF.
Read more →
Delivery:
September 11-14
125.98 EUR
(503.92 EUR set)
STARMAXX
POLARMAXX SPORT
245/45 R17 99V
Manufacturing year: 2023 - 2024
XL
XL (Extra Load)
XL (Extra Load) — reinforced for ~11% higher load than standard.
Read more →
RG
Homologation (OE)
Manufacturer homologation — tire specifically approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
Read more →
C
Fuel efficiency (A–E)
Rolling resistance class A (best) to E. Difference between classes — up to 9% in fuel consumption.
B
Wet grip (A–E)
Wet braking distance. Class A — shortest, E — longest. The difference can reach 30%.
B|72dB
Noise level (dB)
External rolling noise in decibels. Lower number means quieter tire.
3PMSF (Snow grip)
3PMSF — certified winter marking. Tire passed EU tests in deep snow.
Read more →
M+S
M+S (Mud & Snow)
M+S (Mud & Snow) — for light snow and mud. Not certified; weaker than 3PMSF.
Read more →
Delivery:
September 11-14
95.98 EUR
(383.92 EUR set)
STARMAXX
POLARMAXX SPORT
225/50 R17 98V
Manufacturing year: 2024 - 2026
XL
XL (Extra Load)
XL (Extra Load) — reinforced for ~11% higher load than standard.
Read more →
RP
RP (Rim Protector)
RP (Rim Protector) — generic rim-guard marking.
C
Fuel efficiency (A–E)
Rolling resistance class A (best) to E. Difference between classes — up to 9% in fuel consumption.
B
Wet grip (A–E)
Wet braking distance. Class A — shortest, E — longest. The difference can reach 30%.
B|72dB
Noise level (dB)
External rolling noise in decibels. Lower number means quieter tire.
3PMSF (Snow grip)
3PMSF — certified winter marking. Tire passed EU tests in deep snow.
Read more →
M+S
M+S (Mud & Snow)
M+S (Mud & Snow) — for light snow and mud. Not certified; weaker than 3PMSF.
Read more →
Delivery:
September 11-14
80.98 EUR
(323.92 EUR set)
STARMAXX
POLARMAXX SPORT
215/55 R17 98V
Manufacturing year: 2024 - 2026
XL
XL (Extra Load)
XL (Extra Load) — reinforced for ~11% higher load than standard.
Read more →
C
Fuel efficiency (A–E)
Rolling resistance class A (best) to E. Difference between classes — up to 9% in fuel consumption.
B
Wet grip (A–E)
Wet braking distance. Class A — shortest, E — longest. The difference can reach 30%.
B|72dB
Noise level (dB)
External rolling noise in decibels. Lower number means quieter tire.
3PMSF (Snow grip)
3PMSF — certified winter marking. Tire passed EU tests in deep snow.
Read more →
M+S
M+S (Mud & Snow)
M+S (Mud & Snow) — for light snow and mud. Not certified; weaker than 3PMSF.
Read more →
Delivery:
September 11-14
88.48 EUR
(353.92 EUR set)
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