WINTER EQUIPMENT MANDATORY FROM NOVEMBER 1: HERE ARE THE FINES

All motor vehicles in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with certain legally prescribed exceptions, must be equipped with winter equipment from November 1 to April 1, regardless of weather conditions or the state of the roads.

This means drivers must have the required equipment even when roads are dry and free of snow and ice. Those who fail to comply face fines, and their vehicles may be taken out of traffic until the necessary requirements are met.

WHAT WINTER EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED?

Under the regulations currently in force, passenger vehicles may use one of three permitted combinations of winter equipment:

Winter tyres on all wheels.

Winter tyres on the driving wheels, accompanied by snow chains or other suitable traction devices ready to be fitted to at least two driving wheels.

Summer tyres on all wheels, with a minimum tread depth of four millimetres, accompanied by snow chains or other suitable traction devices ready to be fitted to the driving wheels.

Winter tyres are identified by markings such as M+S, M&S and other appropriate winter-use designations.

Although regulations allow different combinations, drivers who frequently travel, particularly in mountainous areas, are advised to use quality winter tyres on all four wheels for improved safety and vehicle control.

HOW MUCH ARE THE FINES FOR NOT HAVING WINTER EQUIPMENT?

Drivers caught operating a vehicle without the legally required winter equipment may face a fine of 40 BAM.

Individuals who independently provide transport services may be fined 500 BAM, while penalties for legal entities can be considerably higher, depending on the nature of the offence.

In addition to financial penalties, police officers may prohibit a vehicle from continuing its journey until the deficiencies have been corrected.

Drivers are therefore advised to check their tyres in advance and prepare their vehicles for winter driving conditions before the deadline.

CHECK TYRE TREAD DEPTH AND CONDITION

Having the appropriate tyre markings is not the only consideration when preparing a vehicle for winter. When summer tyres are used in combination with snow chains, the tread depth must be at least four millimetres, in accordance with the regulations.

Before the winter season begins, drivers are also advised to check the condition of their batteries, coolant, brakes, lights and windscreen wipers.

Particular attention should be paid to tyre pressure and wear. Unevenly worn tyres can affect vehicle stability and compromise safety on the road.

WINTER EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO SNOW

The legal obligation to have winter equipment in Bosnia and Herzegovina begins on November 1 and does not depend on whether snowfall has already occurred.

Outside this period, winter equipment may also be necessary when winter driving conditions arise or when required by appropriate traffic signs.

Preparing a vehicle in good time is important not only to avoid fines but also to protect the safety of all road users.

Winter tyres generally provide better grip than summer tyres at low temperatures, particularly on cold, wet or snow-covered roads.

Drivers are therefore advised not to wait for the first snowfall, but to prepare their vehicles before the legal deadline takes effect.