Studded tire: usage, rules and prices

A studded tire has studs on the tread for better grip on ice or snow. It is legal in France, but subject to rules restricting its use to a certain period of the year. The use of studded tires also requires a badge on the equipped vehicle.

🚗 What is a studded tire?

As the name implies, studded tire This is a type of tire with spikes on the tread. This is a tire specially designed for riding on snow. Indeed, the studs provide better grip and superior grip on ice or snow.

Studded tires should not be confused with studded tires, which is another tire model also designed for snow riding. However, the legislation for these two types of tires is often similar.

Studded tires are used in particular in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, where weather conditions have led to the development of alternative tire technologies to improve road safety in winter.

Please note that there are studded tires specifically designed for motorcycle racing and especially in ice racing.

🛑 Are studded tires allowed in France?

Contrary to popular belief, a studded tire is not not banned in France and never was. However, this happens quite rarely; winter or winter tires are preferred. The studded tire is also subject to strict legislation.

Indeed, studded tires in France are only used in extreme conditions. The Ordinance of 18 July 1985 on anti-skid devices for tires provides:

• The use of studded tires is only permitted from the Saturday before November 11 to the last Sunday in March next year. However, one exception is possible: a specific prefectural decree may permit the use of studded tires outside this period.
• Un Macaroni the indication of the use of studded tires must be affixed to the vehicle equipped in this way.
• Vehicle speed limited with studded tires 90 km / h.

Studded tires can also be used on some types of vehicles with prefecture exception and speed limited to 60 km / h : These are rescue vehicles or emergency vehicles, vehicles for transporting basic foodstuffs (perishable or hazardous materials) and vehicles that provide winter viability (PTAC> 3,5 tons).

As you understand, you are allowed to use studded tires in France, but you will have to comply with the speed limit (90 km / h, 60 if the car weighs more than 3,5 tons) and affix a badge to the body of your car indicating the use of studded tires.

❄️ Studded tire or winter tire?

A winter tire is a tire made from a special rubber that is better able to withstand low temperatures and especially does not harden in cold weather, allowing it to maintain traction in winter. First of all, his profile consists of deep stripes maintains grip even on mud, snow or ice.

The studded tire is designed for extreme conditions as it is equipped with studs on the tread which allow you to maintain grip even on a thick layer of ice or snow.

However, none of them are designed for running on tarmac. You will damage the tire. Moreover, both have the disadvantage of increasing fuel consumption. Finally, the studded tire is especially noisy and therefore not very convenient.

Studded tires are more attractive than winter tires in particularly harsh winter conditions as they are much more efficient on snow or ice. The grip is better, although not silent.

In short, you must choose a tire according to the conditions in which you will be riding. This is even the reason why studded tires are common in Scandinavia and very rare in France. If you are driving on snow or ice, especially on rough and poorly groomed secondary roads in winter, feel free to wear studded tires for the season.

💰 How much does a studded tire cost?

The price of a tire always depends on its brand and size, whether studded or not. But a studded tire is quite expensive: indeed, it can cost up to 50% more than the standard winter tire that we already have 20% more expensive than summer tires.

That's all, you know everything about studded tires! Although rare in France, it is a good winter tire alternative for extreme winter conditions. To change tires at the best price, use our garage comparator!