Winter tyre requirement for commercial vehicles starts November 15, with 6,000-lira fine

The winter tyre requirement for commercial vehicles carrying intercity passengers and freight begins on November 15 this year. The implementation period has been extended from four months to five, and those who fail to comply will face an administrative fine of 6,000 liras.

Under a regulation issued by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, winter tyres will become mandatory for commercial vehicles transporting passengers and freight on intercity highways from November 15, 2026. The requirement, previously in effect from December 1 to April 1, has been extended to five months under the amendment.

The regulation covers vehicles such as buses, minibuses, trucks, tractor-trailers, tankers and light trucks. Under legislation enacted this year, vehicles without winter tyres will be subject to an administrative fine of 6,000 liras.

Bir otomobile takılı kış lastiği

There is no nationwide requirement for private cars. However, governors' offices can issue decisions covering private vehicles within their provincial boundaries based on weather and road conditions. They can also begin the mandatory period one month before the general dates or extend it by one month.

Experts remind drivers that winter tyres improve road grip, shorten braking distances and reduce the risk of skidding when temperatures fall below 7 degrees Celsius. Owners of commercial vehicles are advised to have their tyres checked before November 15, while private vehicle users are encouraged to follow the decisions issued by the governors' offices in their provinces.