It is too early for Moscow motorists to change winter tires to summer tires — at least until the first ten days of April. This was announced on March 17 by Mikhail Leus, a leading specialist at the Phobos weather center, in his Telegram channel. On the night of Tuesday, the minimum temperature dropped below zero throughout the capital region. The forecast promises that nighttime sub-zero temperatures in the range of 0…−5°С will continue at least until the end of this week.
Tires and Temperature: When It's Legal and When It's Safe
Russian law establishes two strict periods: studded tires are prohibited from June 1 to August 31, and summer tires are prohibited from December 1 to the end of February. In spring and autumn, the driver makes the decision independently. The Ministry of Transport recommends focusing on a stable positive temperature at night — that is, an average daily temperature above +5°С, said Pavel Fedyaev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Transport.
The fine for out-of-season tires is 500 rubles under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Since March 1, the effect of the winter tire rule has been suspended, but this does not mean that switching to summer tires is safe.
Tire Physics: Why Temperature Is More Important Than the Calendar
Summer tires provide normal grip and calculated braking distance only at an average daily temperature above +5…+6°С, and this temperature must be maintained for several days in a row with a complete absence of night frosts. At lower temperatures, the summer tire compound hardens — the grip decreases, and the braking distance increases.
Nikita Rodionov, Technical Director of the Fit Service auto service chain, warns that too early a replacement is extra meters of braking distance and the risk of an accident due to a suddenly returned morning ice. According to his estimate, for Moscow and Central Russia, the safe window opens approximately from April 10, for the North-West — at the end of April or the first half of May, for the Urals and southern Siberia — not earlier than the first half of May.
All-Season Tires: No Fines, But With Reservations
Seasonal restrictions do not apply to all-season "Velcro" tires — they can be used all year round without penalties. However, at positive temperatures, such tires have a longer braking distance and higher wear compared to summer tires, and in some cases, fuel consumption is also higher, Fedyaev noted.
For motorists, the bottom line is simple: there is no fine for winter tires now, but this does not negate the physics of the compound. Waiting for a stable night-time positive temperature is not overinsurance, but a minimum safety requirement.
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