Four deadlines in one timeline
- the ban on studded tyres ends
- summer tyres are no longer permitted
- the period requiring tyres other than summer tyres ends
- summer tyres are permitted again
- the ban on studded tyres begins
Legal dates are not a one-size-fits-all safety calendar: if there is a temporary exception or winter conditions on the route, follow the latest official information.
Source: Valid version of KET (e-Seimas); checked 2026-08-07.
Tyre change calendar in Lithuania
| Date or period | What the rules require | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| By 10 November | Replace summer tyres with tyres suitable for winter | Do not wait until the last day if frost or snow is forecast |
| 10 November – 31 March | Summer tyres are prohibited on cars and their trailers up to 3,5 t | Use winter, all-season or studded tyres meeting the requirements |
| From 1 April | Summer tyres are permitted again | Change only when winter conditions are no longer expected on your route |
| 10 April – 31 October | Vehicles with studded tyres may not be used | Remove studded tyres by 9 April unless an official exemption applies |
The law sets limits, but does not choose the safest day for you. Winter tyres may be fitted earlier in autumn if mornings are cold or icy. In spring, 1 April means summer tyres are permitted, rather than requiring you to fit them that morning.
In autumn: why not wait for the evening of November 10
November 10th is the deadline, and the first frosts may come earlier. Plan the change based on the forecast for the next few days, the travel time and the worst maintained location on the regular route. In the early morning, a bridge, a shaded slope or a section of the country can become icy even when the temperature in the city is positive during the day.
- Register in advance if frost is approaching - before the deadline, queues for services usually get longer.
- Inspect all four wheels, tread, sidewalls and valves before installation.
- Check the set for differently worn or damaged tyres.
- After installation, set the pressure specified by the car manufacturer and check it again after the first trip.
- If you don't know if the marking is suitable for winter, use the separate tyre marking guide instead of guessing from the appearance of the tread.
Spring: 1 April and 10 April mean different things
The prohibition on summer tyres for passenger cars ends on 1 April. Studded tyres follow a separate timetable: they are prohibited from 10 April to 31 October. Drivers using studless winter tyres can wait for steadier weather, while those using studs must plan around the separate April deadline.
Studded tyres: additional duties
Police guidance permits studded tyres from 1 November, with the prohibition starting on 10 April. The rear of the car must carry the required warning sign: a white triangle with a red border and a stud symbol. If exceptional weather leads to a temporary exemption, follow the latest official announcement rather than an older calendar.
The minimum tread depth is not the purpose of the replacement
LTSA and police information from 2026 specify a minimum winter tyre tread depth of 3,0 mm for passenger cars. This is a legal minimum, not a guarantee of safety in every snow, slush or ice situation. Before the season, also check for uneven wear, cracks, hardened rubber and previous damage.
What to prepare before the seasonal change
- Note the installation date and location of each tyre if you are rotating the set as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Measure the tread in several places, not just in one groove.
- Inspect the sides for lumps, cuts and exposed cord; do not install a damaged tyre.
- Check rim condition, valves and slow air leaks after installation.
- Keep the used kit dry, cool and out of direct sunlight; note its condition for next season.
Frequently asked questions
By when must summer tyres be replaced with winter tyres?
By 10 November. From that day to 31 March, summer tyres are prohibited on passenger cars and their trailers up to 3,5 t. If winter conditions arrive earlier, change sooner.
Must summer tyres be fitted on 1 April?
No. They are permitted from 1 April, but choose the changeover day according to actual conditions. Studded tyres have a separate prohibition starting on 10 April.
Until when can studded tyres be used?
Normally through 9 April inclusive, as they are prohibited from 10 April to 31 October. Before the deadline, check for any official temporary exemption due to exceptional conditions.
What is the minimum winter tyre tread depth?
The stated minimum for passenger car winter tyres is 3,0 mm. Age, rubber condition, even wear and actual road conditions also affect safety.
Are all-season tyres suitable for the mandatory winter period?
Police guidance permits winter, all-season or studded tyres. Still check the particular tyre's markings, condition and tread depth; a sales name alone is not enough.