Tyre Tread Depth of at Least 4 mm – Trafic Police Start Inspections on Vehicles' Preparedness for the Coming Winter

Just days remain until the start of Operation “Winter”. The aim of the Ministry of Interior’s campaign is to improve road safety during the cold months. What will police officers be looking out for?

The main aim of the campaign, which takes place every year, is to improve road safety. The statistics for the winter periods are not encouraging. In 2023–2024, 105 people lost their lives on the roads; in 2024–2025, the figure was 128, and last winter it was 127.

The campaign will be carried out in three stages. From 1 to 10 November, checks will focus on how well vehicles have been prepared for winter.

From 11 to 20 November, pedestrians will be checked, including whether they are considerate towards other road users.

From 21 to 30 November, all road users will be subject to checks.

In Bulgaria, there is no requirement for car tyres to be winter tyres, but this is recommended. If they are not winter tyres, the tread depth must be at least 4 mm. In addition to their tyres, drivers should check their lights and heating systems, and make sure they have antifreeze and winter screenwash.

Sergey Aleksov, Deputy Head of the Traffic Police Department, General Directorate of the National Police: “The main requirement will be for vehicles to be prepared for driving in winter conditions. Under the Road Traffic Act, from 15 November to 1 March, vehicles must be fitted with tyres suitable for winter conditions. If they are not, the tyres must have a tread depth of at least 4 mm.”

Marta Petrova, State Agency for Road Safety: “The focus will be on pedestrians’ visibility during the hours of darkness, particularly that of children, who are vulnerable road users; the proper use of individual electric vehicles; and drivers’ attention and fitness to drive, including their speed, following distance and the way they carry out manoeuvres while driving.”

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