WINTER EQUIPMENT MANDATORY UNTIL APRIL 1

From November 1 to April 1 of the following year, regardless of weather conditions, all vehicles on the roads of the Republic of Srpska are required to have winter equipment.

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The Automobile and Motorcycle Association of the Republic of Srpska reminds drivers that winter equipment includes winter tires on all wheels or winter tires on the driving wheels with snow chains available.

The requirement for winter equipment is regulated by the Rulebook on Traffic in Winter Conditions, based on the Law on Basic Traffic Safety on Roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Winter equipment includes winter-use tires (marked as MS, M-S, M&S, Snow Winter, etc.) on all wheels of four-wheelers or winter-use tires on the driving wheels with snow chains.

Summer tires with a minimum tread depth of four millimeters are also allowed, provided that snow chains are available when needed.

Fines for not having winter equipment start at 40 KM for individual drivers. A penalty of 500 KM is issued for individuals conducting transport services, while companies or other legal entities may face fines ranging from 500 to 5,000 KM if they permit or instruct the use of vehicles without required winter equipment.

In addition to fines, drivers may also face removal from traffic.

Traffic experts urge drivers to switch to winter tires in a timely manner, as failing to do so can have catastrophic consequences. They explain that summer tires harden in freezing temperatures, leading to longer stopping distances and making vehicles less safe, especially in curves. In icy or snowy conditions, winter tires provide better traction, shortening stopping distances and enhancing vehicle safety.