Every year, motorists have a question: when to put winter tires? The fact that drivers ask such questions is understandable - installing winter tires too early can lead to premature wear, and a car with winter tires feels less comfortable. But if you don’t take care of replacing the rubber in advance, then one day they risk “hitting” frosts and snowing, and operating a car on summer tires at such a moment will not only be uncomfortable and unsafe. Accordingly, you need to understand when to put on winter tires so as not to miss the right moment.
Table of contents:When to put winter tires legally
The Regulation on the Safety of Wheeled Vehicles contains a strict definition of when a vehicle must be fitted with winter or summer tires. According to the law, in the summer months (June, July and August), you can use any rubber on a car, except for studded tires, since it negatively affects the roadway. During the winter months (December, January and February), only tires that are designed for winter can be used, both studded and non-studded tires can be used.
Please note: Only tires with the following designations are allowed for use in the winter months in the Russian Federation:M+S,M&S orMS. These markings indicate that the tires are intended for winter use. At the same time, such designations may be present on all-season tires, then their operation in the winter period is allowed. If all-season tires do not have this marking, they cannot be used in winter.
It is worth noting that the regional authorities have the right to change the timing of the use of seasonal tires. For example, regional government regulations may require the use of winter tires from October to April. At the same time, legislators do not have the right to reduce the terms of the ban on the use of tires of one kind or another.
From the foregoing, we can conclude that at any time of the year, according to the law, winter studless tires can be used. Winter studded tires can always be used, except for the summer period. And summer tires can always be used, except for the winter period.
When to change your car to winter tires
As you can see, the legislation does not have an exact date when you should change your shoes to winter tires, but this must be done before December 1. In Russia, often by December 1, there is already an abundant layer of snow on the road, in such conditions it is unsafe to operate a car on summer tires, so you need to have time to change your shoes in advance.
It is important to remember that when replacing tires from summer to winter, it is imperative to check the tire pressure, as well as perform a wheel alignment, otherwise all sorts of problems may arise, for example, the car will spontaneously pull to the side while driving.
It is worth noting that among motorists, November 15 is often called the “Day for changing summer tires”. It is generally accepted that this is the ideal date to replace tires. But, given the Russian climate, it is definitely impossible to say that on November 15 it is necessary to change the car's shoes.
Penalty for using summer tires in winter
There is a widespread belief that for the operation of summer tires in winter, a fine will be imposed on the driver. But this view is erroneous, because there are no legislative sanctions for the driver when using summer tires in winter. Indeed, the legislation considered a similar bill, but it was not adopted and at the moment there are no sanctions under the law if you use summer tires in winter.
It would seem that a little more than a year has passed since the heated debate about the mandatory use of seasonal tires on cars and fines for driving on summer tires in winter. Now many drivers are looking for information about the so-called law on winter tires, according to which amendments are made to traffic rules.
Although Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 588, amending the Rules of the Road regarding the use of tires from January 1, 2015, was adopted on July 15, 2013 (“Rossiyskaya Gazeta” is the official website where you can find the text of the amendments introduced by this Decree No. 588).
IMPORTANT:Many drivers ask a question: there was a rumor that from December 1, 2017, those who did not change summer tires to winter ones will be fined. Is it so?
For now, the answer is:
At the moment, the State Duma of the Russian Federation is considering a bill on the introduction of administrative fines in the amount of 2 thousand rubles for using car tires out of season. If it is adopted promptly from December 1, 2017, a driver who violates the rules for using seasonal tires may be fined.
But so far there are no grounds for bringing to administrative responsibility those drivers who did not have time to change their tires!
At the same time, I would like to advise car owners to show their experience and prudence: do not wait for a “command from above”, but “change shoes” on time, depending on the climatic conditions of your region.
Read more about the requirements for using tires by season.
We analyze the law on winter tires (which is the decision No. 588 and the technical regulation TR CU 018/2011)
Decree No. 588 itself does not say a word about the need for the mandatory use of seasonal tires. It only changes the conditions for admitting a vehicle to operation (the decree changes Appendix 5.1 to the main provisions for the admission of wheeled vehicles to operation from January 1, 2015).
The main innovation is the minimum tread depth for different types of tires on different vehicles in the absence of a factory wear indicator. When a wear indicator is provided on the tires, the fact of wear is established by it.
So, for passenger cars, the minimum tread depth of a summer tire is set at 1.6 mm.
However, the resolution introduced as the very concept of winter tires(marking "M + S", "M & S", "M S", as well as a pictogram in the form of a three-peak peak with a snowflake in the center), and the minimum tread depth for it is already 4 mm.
For other vehicles, the restrictions look like this:
- Motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs, etc. (category L) - 0.8 mm;
- Trucks with a maximum authorized weight of more than 3.5 tons (categories N2, N3, O3, O4) - 1 mm;
- Passenger cars (categories M1, N1, O1, O2) - 1.6 mm;
- Buses (categories M2, M3) - 2 mm.
In addition, the rubber should not have damage - various side cuts, rubbing to the cord or uneven wear. But the requirements for rims are a thing of the past - previously there should not have been cracks, traces of welding, damage, deformation of mounting holes, etc. on the rims.
Extract from the list of malfunctions and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited (Appendix No. 3 to the SDA of the Russian Federation), taking into account the amendments introduced from January 1, 2015:
5. Wheels and tires
5.1. The remaining depth of the tire tread pattern (in the absence of wear indicators) is no more than:
for vehicles of categories N2, N3, O3, O4 - 1 mm;
for vehicles of categories M1, N1, O1, O2 - 1.6 mm;
for vehicles of categories M2, M3 - 2 mm.
Residual tread depth of winter tires intended for operation on icy or snowy road surfaces, marked with a sign in the form of a mountain peak with three peaks and a snowflake inside it, as well as marked with signs "M + S", "M & S", "M S" ( in the absence of wear indicators), during operation on the specified coating is no more than 4 mm.
Video - whether or not the Spikes sign was canceled, whether it needs to be glued in the fall of 2018:
Note. The designation of the vehicle category in this paragraph is established in accordance with Appendix No. 1 to the technical regulation on the safety of wheeled vehicles, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of September 10, 2009 No. 720.
5.2. Tires have external damage (punctures, cuts, ruptures), exposing the cord, as well as delamination of the carcass, delamination of the tread and sidewall.
5.3. There is no mounting bolt (nut) or there are cracks in the disk and wheel rims, there are visible violations of the shape and size of the mounting holes.
5.4. Tires do not match the vehicle model in terms of size or load capacity.
5.5. Tires of various sizes, designs (radial, diagonal, chamber, tubeless), models, with different tread patterns, frost-resistant and non-frost-resistant, new and retreaded, new and with a deep tread pattern are installed on one axle of the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with studded and non-studded tires.
Tire Mismatch Penalty
The fine is set at 500 rubles (clause 1, article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
Excerpt from the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:
“Article 12.5. Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited, or a vehicle on which the identification mark "Disabled" is illegally installed
1. Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which, in accordance with the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of officials to ensure road safety, the operation of the vehicle is prohibited, with the exception of malfunctions and conditions specified in parts 2 - 7 of this article, - entails a warning or the imposition of an administrative a fine of five hundred rubles.»
It must be understood that this is not a fine for driving in winter on summer tires (or vice versa), but to a greater extent for the discrepancy between the tire tread depth and their standard values (until other amendments are made).
Tire seasonality
But in the document described above there is not a word about the seasonality of the rubber used, unless, of course, the very definition of winter tires is taken into account.
However, the requirements for the use of seasonal tires are really introduced from January 1, 2015 on the basis of the technical regulation of the Customs Union TR CU 018/2011 "On the safety of wheeled vehicles" ().
Excerpt from the regulation:
5.4. Tires with anti-skid studs, if used, must be fitted to all wheels of the vehicle.
5.5. It is forbidden to operate vehicles equipped with tires with anti-skid spikes during the summer period (June, July, August).
It is forbidden to operate vehicles that are not equipped with winter tires that meet the requirements of paragraph 5.6.3 of this annex during the winter period (December, January, February). Winter tires are installed on all wheels of the vehicle.
The terms of the prohibition of operation can be changed upwards by the regional government bodies of the states - members of the Customs Union.
5.6. A tire is considered unusable when:
5.6.1. The appearance of one wear indicator (a protrusion along the bottom of the groove of the treadmill, designed to visually determine the degree of wear, the depth of which corresponds to the minimum allowable depth of the tire tread pattern);
5.6.2. The remaining depth of the tire tread pattern (in the absence of wear indicators) is not more than:
for vehicles of categories L - 0.8 mm;
for vehicles of categories N2, N3, O3, O4 - 1.0 mm;
for vehicles of categories M1, N1, O1, O2 - 1.6 mm;
for vehicles of categories M2, M3 - 2.0 mm.
5.6.3. Residual tread depth of winter tires intended for use on icy or snowy road surfaces, marked with a sign in the form of a mountain peak with three peaks and a snowflake inside it (Figure 5.1), as well as marked with the signs "M + S", "M&S", " M S "(in the absence of wear indicators) during operation on the specified coating - no more than 4.0 mm;
This regulation establishes the need to use:
- During the calendar winter (December-February inclusive) - winter tires;
- In summer (June-August inclusive) - summer tires;
- The rest of the time the tires used are not regulated.
The concept of all-season tires is simply not in the new regulations. However, they will be interpreted as summer in summer, and, accordingly, winter in winter.
But there are requirements, but there is no punishment for their non-fulfillment yet. Those. there is no penalty for driving in winter on summer tires (or vice versa) (yet).
What is this all for
Theoretically, legislators care about the safety of road transport users. The fact is that statistically, most of the road accidents are associated with low-quality (worn out, out of season, etc.) tires. Therefore, they are trying to restore order in this area.
However, in the end it turned out to be a rather mild innovation, which practically does not change the situation.
As for the destruction of the pavement by studded tires, the situation here is regulated through the rubber manufacturers themselves, where the factor of destruction of the pavement by studs is now regulated by standards. That's why the choice of studded or non-studded winter tires is up to the car owner.
Will there be a penalty for driving in winter on summer tires?
Considering that only half-measures have been taken, it should be assumed that in the future the requirements will be tightened. Already, news is coming from the State Duma of the Russian Federation that a fine for driving in winter on summer tires in the amount of 2,000 rubles will be introduced in the very near future. However, this bill is still being discussed and finalized, and when it will come into force is not yet known.
Difficulties in introduction are caused by different climatic zones, as well as the general unpredictability of the weather. It is also possible to introduce restrictions on the actual weather condition. At the same time, it is not clear how to behave if the path is long, through many climatic zones. Carry an extra set of tires with you?
But while all this is not there, it is pointless to argue. In the meantime, it is important to monitor the condition of the tires themselves, depending on their type.
Is the driver required to use seasonal tires?
Funny (ha-ha!), it would seem, the question! After all, it is well known that the technical regulation of the Customs Union (TR CU 018/2011), which came into force on the territory of the Russian Federation, requires the use of winter tires in the winter period (from December to February), and summer tires in the summer (from June to August).
In addition, there is the possibility of expanding this chronological framework. For example, if you need a more detailed account of regional climatic features. (Well, really, how can Murmansk and Krasnodar, for example, be put in the same row? How can one demand the same terms for winter tires for fundamentally different climatic zones).
And here the most natural driver's question arises: "And how will they punish those who ignore this requirement of the technical regulations?". We will answer boldly: “Not yet!”. That is, there is a requirement, but failure to comply with it will not lead to sanctions (for example, a fine). What will happen next, we do not know. Well, for now? As they say, go for a walk!
Another Russian paradox?
Immediately make a reservation: there is nothing paradoxical in this! The practice of the Russian legal field has the following examples:
- "kenguryatniki" cannot be installed, and there are no fines for this;
- it is obligatory to stick the “Beginner driver” sign, but there is no responsibility for failure to comply with this requirement;
- the maximum speed of movement cannot be exceeded, but in reality it is possible by 20 km / h, etc., etc., etc.
Normal legal "collisions" and "gaps".
That is why the inspector's claim about the discrepancy between the "shoes" of your car and the notorious technical regulations can be culturally sent to ... this most paradoxical situation. Namely: the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation does not provide for punishment for violation of the norms of an international regulatory legal act - technical regulations.
And that's it! The conversation with the inspector can be completed with the following words: “Allow me, gr. Inspector, keep moving! Be healthy, you have more stars and shoulder straps in two gaps! (the last sentence is optional).
What are we, the drivers, worried about?
And yet the possibility of punishment associated with innovation is present. In the famous "List of faults ...", with which the operation of transport is prohibited, two adjustments were made - one insignificant and the second, on the contrary, important. And both changes affected only the first paragraph 5 of the section "List ...".
A minor change concerns the tread of summer tires. Now the residual tread height varies not by vehicle type - cars, trucks, etc. (as it was before), but by categories - L, M, N, O (in accordance with the notorious technical regulations).
For example, for cars (M1) and trucks with a GVW of not more than 3.5 tons (N1), the residual tread height should be at least 1.6 mm, for "real" trucks (N2, N3) - 1 mm, buses (M2, M3) - 2 mm, motorcycles and others like them (L) - 0.8 mm. As can be seen from the innovations, the form has changed, but not the content of the requirements.
But a significant innovation is the newly introduced requirements for winter tires. If the driver “changed” his car into winter tires with the appropriate marking (an abbreviation for “mud and snow” or an image of a three-peak mountain peak with a snowflake), then the minimum tread height must be no less than 4 mm. True, there is an option with special wear indicators that should not be subject to mechanical damage from operation.
In case of violation of the 4 mm residual height of the tread, the driver’s responsibility should come, provided for by the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - a fine of 500 rubles. But there is a big “BUT” here too…
Who will control and punish the violation of the notorious 4 millimeters?
Here is the question! Let's ask it differently: can a traffic police inspector fine a driver if the residual height of the winter tread of his car's tires is less than 4 mm? Of course, he cannot, because the inspector does not have special diagnostic equipment and the corresponding powers.
Only a diagnostic point that has the right to prevent the operation of a vehicle with such a tire malfunction will be able to prevent it. And then - only at the time of passing a periodic technical inspection. And who will punish? It turns out, no one? What a paradox!
It is quite possible that the situation will soon change, but at the moment it is the case in this way. And even if this norm is adjusted, then here the driver will have a chance to avoid liability.
The fact is that the insufficient residual height of the tire tread is a malfunction with which it is allowed to drive the vehicle to the place of repair or parking.
Therefore, a driver caught “red-handed” will always be able to fend off the inspector’s threats by going to a tire shop to replace a worn tire. There was a car in the garage, stood for itself, stood ... I decided to go, and the mice ate the tread. Direct road - to the tire service! Nobody took away this right from the driver.
We wanted the best, but it turned out ...
As always, there are more questions than answers: there are innovations, but the mechanism of their work is not spelled out and not regulated. Therefore, alarmed drivers can calmly exhale. But it doesn't seem to be for long.
And now about the serious. Is it worth the risk, moving on summer tires in winter, and on winter tires in summer? Answer this question for yourself. And be careful, prudent and careful! Live in harmony with the road and be healthy!
How best to behave as a motorist
First of all, use common sense, which excludes driving on summer tires in winter and on winter tires in summer. In addition, the tires should not be damaged, as well as the rims.
Disks
Despite the fact that the items about rims have been removed from the regulations, they should not be underestimated. This seemingly simple design directly affects safety.
Cracks are unacceptable (as well as their repair by welding), because. the integrity of the power structure of the part is violated. In case of emergency braking, the disc can simply fall apart with the corresponding consequences.
And the violation of the geometry of the mounting holes leads to uneven tire wear, along with additional vibrations and instability of the tire contact patch with the coating.
Summer tires in winter and winter tires in summer
The need to use seasonal tires is obvious. However, often individual drivers do not listen to common sense. If driving in winter on summer tires is still scary for most drivers (because summer tires simply harden at low temperatures), then driving on winter tires in summer is not.
But in vain - in the summer it not only wears out quickly (too soft), but also slows down and holds the trajectory worse. Unless it's a little better to drive through forests and fields (off-road) on such tires.
Although you can ride on all-season tires and not know the problems with changing “shoes”, the main thing is to monitor the tread height. After all, it turns out that in winter it should be 4+ mm, and in summer 1.6+.
But it should be noted that all-season tires are initially worse in certain disciplines, compared to seasonal tires. Those. In summer, seasonal tires behave better than all-season tires on the road. In the winter period of operation, the behavior of winter tires is better, relative to all-weather tires.
A video that tells what can happen when driving in winter on summer tires:
When to change tires
It is not easy to determine in the off-season when winter has already begun. The best thing, in this case, is to listen to tire manufacturers. They are not cunning when they say that it is necessary to switch to winter tires when the average daily temperature drops to 5-8 degrees. Accordingly, and vice versa. These findings have been confirmed by numerous tests.
Although there are also such differences in temperature, when in the morning there is ice on the road, and in the evening everything melts. In this case, the average daily temperature will be, for example, +10. Of course, in this case winter tires are necessary. However, the car owner himself knows very well the peculiarities of the weather of his climatic zone. Therefore, the choice remains only for common sense.
The main thing to remember is that it is better to put on winter tires earlier and take them off later than summer tires.
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Throughout 2015, motorists discussed a new bill on how winter tires should be used. Whether the law was adopted or not, many drivers still do not know. That is why it is important to understand this issue. Moreover, violation of traffic rules entails the imposition of fines.
winter tire law
First of all, you should understand what kind of law it is about changing tires to winter and what are its main provisions. It is important to know that the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union, which was adopted on January 1, 2015, are called this way. It establishes requirements for the safe use of transport.
From now on it is forbidden to use winter tires with studs in summer. And, on the contrary, in winter it was forbidden to ride on summer wheels. At the same time, the legislation establishes the requirement that all wheels must be replaced at the same time.
However, the law on winter tires also has a large number of disadvantages. One of the most significant is the fact that there are no articles in it that would impose requirements on tires used in freight transport, as well as on buses.
In addition, it is not entirely clear how the compliance of rubber with the requirements specified in the law will be checked. Only the points of technical inspection have the corresponding powers. However, new vehicles are exempt from this obligation.
Why you should change your tires on time
When figuring out when to install winter tires according to the law, you need to understand why it is so important to comply with the requirements of this regulation. The main goal of developing the Technical Regulations is to improve road safety.
Late installation of winter tires can lead to a number of problems:
- increasing the length of the braking distance significantly increases the likelihood of accidents;
- a decrease in the speed of movement leads to the formation of congestion on the roads;
- the car is slipping, because they cannot overcome even not too steep slopes.
Rules for the operation of wheels
The Winter Tire Act establishes certain rules for the operation of tires:
- In summer, it is forbidden to use rubber that is equipped with spikes. The ban period is from June to August.
- In winter, starting from December and ending in February, you can not drive on cars that are not equipped with winter tires.
- All year round you can use a special non-studded rubber (the so-called Velcro). It must be appropriately marked with the letters M and S.
- Depending on the climate, local authorities have the right to change the terms of use of different types of rubber. You can change them only in a big way.
- The tread depth in winter should be at least 4 mm, and in summer - 1.6 mm.
Types of winter tires
Usually there are two types of winter tires - with spikes and Velcro. Each of these types of tires has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The so-called Velcro are made of special quality rubber. It is very soft and heat resistant. This allows you to guarantee the best grip on the road. Such tires can be said to stick to the road surface. They are best suited for use in regions with a mild climate, as well as in urban areas. However, the Velcro straps are longer than the Velcro. In addition, they perform worse on ice and snow.
Studded tires are considered the safest. They are great for extreme cold weather. At the same time, excellent grip of studded wheels with the road can significantly reduce the braking distance. Such tires perform well on icy roads, as well as covered with wet snow. Much worse performance for such wheels when operating on wet pavement. However, these wheels also have disadvantages. They are quite heavy and make a lot of noise when driving at high speed. In addition, the spikes wear out very quickly, fuel consumption increases during their operation.
Service life of tires
An important requirement is not only that, It is also important by law that the tread depth be the required level. Therefore, you need to know how long you can use and how to increase the life of tires.
It is impossible to calculate how long the protector will become unusable. This can only be determined during use. Studded tires wear out the fastest. They can be used for no more than three seasons. Velcro can be used much longer. All season tires will last the longest. However, they should not be used in extreme weather conditions such as extreme heat or freezing temperatures.
Thus, it is impossible to predict how long the tire will come into non-compliance with the law. However, there is a way to extend their useful life. To do this, you should not ride on wheels that are not appropriate for the season.
Tire Category Confirmation
As for the so-called all-season tires, there is no information in the law on how to certify such rubber. But manufacturers have found a way out - they issue two categories of certificates for the same tires at once. One confirms the possibility of their use in summer, the other - in winter.
All winter tires will soon have a special marking in the form of mountain ranges. Such a badge is an international confirmation that the tires are made of a special arctic rubber, which is designed for use at low temperatures.
What tires are outlawed?
It's no secret that studded tires damage the road surface. That is why they set standards on how many studs winter tires should contain. Russia supported this law.
The only difference is the number of spikes per linear meter. In Europe, this indicator is allowed at the level of 50. In Russia, it was increased by 10.
Thus, the manufacturer will have to prove compliance with the number of spikes established in the regulations. For this, a specialized test site is traditionally used. To determine if the tires meet the established standards, the car passes a certain section of the road 100 times at a speed of 100 km / h. After that, a strictly defined section of the road is weighed and the result is compared with the weight before the start of the test. If the result fits within the established standards, the tested tires meet the requirements.
To date, the rubber test procedure is widely used in European countries. However, there are no such testing laboratories in Russia.
As a result, it is not possible to check tires for compliance with standards. It turns out that in winter you can use almost any rubber with spikes.
When to change tires?
If you remember the rules for the operation of wheels established in regulatory enactments, the issue, according to the law, will be automatically removed. To avoid disagreements with the traffic police, this must be done before December 1. Back tires should be reinstalled by June 1st.
But do not forget about safety requirements. In accordance with them, it is not always expedient to have an administratively established period in which the transition to winter tires is carried out. The law indicates only recommended time limits, but common sense should be followed in life. Here are some tips for changing tires:
- Winter tires should be put on when the road has been covered with ice several times. It is not always advisable to change wheels for winter ones immediately after the first frosts, which occur in Russia even in September. Keeping a car on a slippery road is not easy. Therefore, do not delay too much with the replacement of summer tires with winter ones, waiting for the snow to completely cover the ground.
- Get rid of winter tires should not be in a hurry. You should wait for the moment when there is no ice on the road even at night.
Punishment for non-compliance with the requirements of the law
Those who do not comply with the law on winter tires will not be punished. The fact is that at the moment there are no penalties for late replacement of tires.
Nevertheless, the Code of Contraventions establishes that when using worn-out car tires, the car owner faces:
- a warning from a traffic police officer;
- a fine of 500 rubles.
At the same time, the employee who detected the offense can choose from these options. In practice, the driver rarely manages to limit himself to a warning. Most often, traffic inspectors issue a receipt for payment of a fine. It can also encourage the car owner to meet the deadlines for changing winter/summer tires. The law is intended to raise the level
Thus, compliance with the new law on the use of winter tires will not only save you from paying fines. By listening to them, you can significantly improve road safety.
Below we will try to understand what the essence of this bill is, and how it affects ordinary motorists.
The Winter Tire Law is one of the most discussed bills of 2015. It regulates the use of tires strictly according to the season: summer / winter.
Promotion of the bill began in 2014. By the end of the same year, he was given official status. The law came into force on 01.01. 2015. Motorists are obliged to change tires on time. Failure to comply with the rules will result in the imposition of penalties on the motorist. The deadline for replacing summer tires with winter tires is November 1. Consider in more detail the law on summer tires.
wheel change
Therefore:
- spiked wheels are forbidden to use in summer (June-August);
- driving in winter (December-February) is allowed only with winter tires: studded / non-studded, subject to the presence of the marking “M + S” (“M&S” / “M S”), the corresponding pattern;
- the period of restriction on the use of certain wheels is adjusted by local authorities, and only upwards. In other words, a certain region may impose a ban on the use of studded tires from May to September. Whereas summer tires should be used exclusively from the beginning of June to August.
Summarize:
- Usage summer rubber (there is no marking “M + S” and other similar ones) is allowed during the period: March-November;
- Vehicle operation winter tires on (there is a marking “M + S”) with spikes is allowed only in the period: September-May;
- Use non-studded wheels (including “M+S” markings) can be all year round.
All season tires
The law on winter tires provides for the operation of "all-weather tires" in winter. True, there is a small condition: it is permissible to use all-season tires in winter (from December to February) if they have the appropriate designation on them: “M + S”, “M / S”, “M & S”. In other cases, the operation of this rubber is prohibited;
Penalties
The twelfth chapter of the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO) does not refer to TR CU. Therefore, a punitive measure - the fact of the absence of winter tires is not provided.
But there is a fine (or warning) for driving on tires that do not comply with technical regulations in the amount of 500 rubles. Such a measure will be fair in relation to the driver, whose car is equipped with worn winter tires (marking “M + S” and others): the tread has a depth of less than four millimeters.
Amendments to the traffic rules of 07/01/2015
The project provides for some clarifications:
- tire replacement is carried out on both axles, and on each wheel;
- the summer period of operation prohibits wheels with spikes;
- The use of winter tires without studs is not prohibited. There is no penalty for this, but there is a risk of giving 500 rubles to the state with a tread depth of less than four millimeters. Summer wheels should have a height of 1.6 mm.
There are rumors that the traffic police, in case of violation of the rules for operating tires (out of season), will have the right to fine negligent drivers in the amount of 5,000 rubles.
Results
The law on winter tires is as follows:
- the change of summer tires to winter tires occurs in the period: September-November;
- as of 2015, there is no fine for operating a car on summer (all-weather) wheels;
Meanwhile, from 11/01/15, new rules (“On the safety of vehicles”) have been introduced that regulate the change of tires according to the season. Whereas, starting from 2013, a law was in force, whose powers did not include the regulation of the operation of tires for the season. There were also no penalties.
Innovations (from 01.11.15):
the use of summer tires in winter on a car is strictly prohibited. 
Why is it dangerous to use wheels out of season?
The use of tires (summer / winter) outside the intended purpose is fraught with:
- deterioration of grip properties. The car has a long braking distance (with spikes on asphalt / without spikes on an icy surface), worse handling (risk of drift / skid) and acceleration (slip), which affects traffic safety;
- increase in fuel consumption (tires for winter). This is due to the fact that the rubber composition of this tire differs from the summer one (greater weight + studs), fuel consumption increases;
- premature wear. The soft rubber composition on tires for winter at high temperatures gets very hot, which, coupled with driving loads, provokes the destruction of the tire;
- injury to others and damage to vehicles (studded tires). Sounds paradoxical, but true. When operating a car with studded wheels, there is a high risk of their separation from the tire. As a result, the spike jumps out from under the wheel by inertia and flies in an arbitrary trajectory: into a passerby / car. As a rule, after meeting with a spike, a person / car is dealt minor damage. In winter it is justified, but not in summer.
Riding a 2-wheel drive car with studded wheels on one axle
Until recently, it was widespread to operate machines with only one axle fitted with studded tires. It all started from the times of the USSR and the first VAZ left the assembly line in Tolyatti. Then the car was not a means of transportation, but a luxury. As a result, the happy owners of the Zhiguli literally blew off dust particles from their pet.
As a rule, the car was not used in winter - only in extreme cases, hence the savings on wheels.
At present, the car has ceased to be an unattainable dream, and therefore the use of winter tires on only one axle is unacceptable, especially on front-wheel drive.
The raznoshinnitsa creates an imbalance in the grip of the wheels with the road, as a result of which the behavior of the car becomes less predictable and more dangerous.
Example: when installing studded wheels on a front-wheel drive car only on the front axle, the effect of “walking” of the stern occurs due to the low level of grip of the rear tires. Sudden braking can cause the vehicle to skid and turn around, resulting in an accident.
A rear-wheel drive car in the case of installing a “spike” on the drive axle acquires a pronounced lack of controllability - the front blows out the trajectories. It also creates the risk of a car accident.
