As stable autumn-winter colds approach, the State Automotive Inspectorate is calling on car owners to take timely care of the technical readiness of vehicles for operation under difficult weather conditions, for after all, road safety begins with the personal responsibility of each driver.

Changing summer tires to winter tires is first and foremost a guarantee that in an emergency situation the vehicle will remain controllable and there will be enough braking distance to prevent a tragedy. The health and lives of your loved ones and other road users are at stake. One should not wait for the first frost, snow drifts, and long queues at tire shops. The State Automotive Inspectorate recommends changing the tires even when the average daily temperature has reached +7°C, as summer tires lose elasticity when cooled and significantly deteriorate traction on the road. We remind you that according to traffic rules, the use of winter tires is mandatory from December 1 to March 1.

Many car owners have a question: is it necessary to install winter tires on a trailer? According to Traffic Rules, the mandatory installation of winter tires on towed vehicles during the winter period is not required. A trailer can be operated with any good tires that meet general requirements. The main condition is that the tires must be undamaged (without cuts or bulges) and have a remaining tread pattern height of at least 1.6 mm (for light trucks).

Ignoring legislative requirements entails administrative liability under Article 18.11 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus:

• a primary violation for driving a vehicle with summer ("bare") tires during the winter period – a fine of 1 to 3 basic units;
• a repeat violation within one year after the offense was imposed – a fine of 2 to 5 basic units.