From December 1 to March 1, it is mandatory to equip vehicles with winter tires when driving in the zones/road sections designated by the Government of Georgia.
Please note that the list of zones/road sections defined by the Government of Georgia is not limited only to high-mountain regions: the law applies to both international and domestic motor roads (e.g., Tbilisi–Senaki–Leselidze; Kutaisi (Motsameta)–Tqibuli–Ambrolauri, etc.).
In special and exceptional cases, considering meteorological conditions, a different period from the above timeframe may be defined, or an additional requirement may be introduced — to equip the vehicle, along with winter tires, with anti-skid chains.
Failure to comply with these requirements results in administrative liability:
a fine of 100 GEL and deduction of 5 points from the driver’s license.
The requirement applies to M and N category vehicles (motor vehicles designed to carry passengers or transport cargo).
Technical specifications of winter tires:
- The tires must not be older than 10 years from the date of manufacture.
- The date of manufacture must be readable on the tire.
- Tread depth (pattern depth) must be:
- Not less than 3 mm for M1, N1, N2, N3 category vehicles;
- Not less than 4 mm for M2, M3 category vehicles.
- The tire must have the snowflake symbol.
For M3, N2, and N3 category vehicles, it is permissible to use a type of winter tire that does not have the snowflake symbol. In this case, the relevant division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia may require installation of anti-skid chains with proper specifications on all wheels of at least one driving axle.
Anti-skid chains must be factory-made, match the tire size, and be suitable for use on snow- and/or ice-covered roads. Chains must only be used on snowy and/or icy road surfaces.
If the winter tire and/or anti-skid chain does not meet the requirements set by this regulation, a police officer is authorized to prohibit the vehicle from entering the designated area/road section or temporarily impound the vehicle and place it in a special secured parking area.
Violation and penalty:
A 100 GEL fine and deduction of 5 points from the driver’s license.
Winter period:
December 1 to March 1.
Exception:
In special cases, considering meteorological conditions — such as heavy snowfall, icy road surfaces, or other severe weather conditions that make driving unsafe without winter tires — the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia may set a different period than December 1 to March 1.
For the exceptionally defined period, the authorized division of the Ministry may also impose an additional requirement to install anti-skid chains with proper specifications on all wheels of at least one driving axle.
