Winter tires with a lower speed rating — when it's legal
Winter tires (M+S) rated below the vehicle's top design speed can be used — but Decree No. 341/2002 Coll. sets specific conditions for this.
Condition: a maximum-speed sticker
When using winter tires with a lower speed rating, this fact must be flagged with an additional marking in the form of a sticker, which must be in the driver's field of view. The sticker states the maximum permitted speed of the vehicle with the winter tires fitted, which must not be exceeded while driving. The sticker can be replaced by a device permanently installed in the vehicle, such as an on-board computer.
The duty to display the sticker falls on the vehicle's operator, who chooses to fit tires with a lower speed rating.
Lower limit
You can't use winter tires rated below 160 km/h if the vehicle's top speed exceeds that value — not even with a sticker (EEC Directive 92/23 on tires and their fitting).
Speed category overview
| Marking | Speed |
|---|---|
| Q | 160 km/h |
| R | 170 km/h |
| S | 180 km/h |
| T | 190 km/h |
| U | 200 km/h |
| H | 210 km/h |
| V | 240 km/h |
- Legal basis
- Decree No. 341/2002 Coll.
- EEC Directive 92/23 on tires and their fitting
- Required paperwork
- A sticker showing the maximum permitted speed in the driver's field of view (or a permanently installed device, e.g. an on-board computer)
- Inspection/verification
- Czech Police / STK (checks that the marking is visible)