Safety & Performance

A Technologically Advanced Product

Tyres are a sophisticated blend of high-performance rubber compounds and cutting-edge materials engineered to optimise safety, durability, fuel efficiency, and environmental performances. 

As the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, tyres play a critical role in vehicle performance, road safety, and environmental impact.

The Tyre Performance Triangle

Tyre design balances three essential performance factors:

Abrasion Resistance – Ensures longevity and durability under various road conditions.

Wet Grip – Enhances safety by providing superior traction on wet roads.

Low Rolling Resistance – Improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions.

Comprehensive Tyre Regulations:

The EU enforces stringent tyre regulations to enhance road safety, environmental sustainability, and product quality. These regulations cover key areas such as:

  • Tyre Construction & Materials – Ensuring durability, resilience, and sustainability, supporting circular economy goals.
  • Performance Standards – Covering wet grip, rolling resistance, noise emissions, and tyre abrasion.
  • Type Approval & Compliance Testing – Guaranteeing that all tyres meet EU safety and environmental standards before reaching the market.

Global Harmonisation of Tyre Regulations

EU tyre regulations align closely with UNECE regulations to facilitate global trade and standardization. The UN 1958 Agreement plays a pivotal role in eliminating technical barriers, ensuring regulatory coherence worldwide.

Key EU Regulations Impacting Tyres:

 Harmonizes technical safety and environmental requirements, including tyre pressure monitoring for commercial vehicles (2019/2144 update).

Introduces improved tyre labelling, helping consumers make informed decisions about fuel efficiency, wet grip, and noise emissions.

Establishes performance requirements for tyre abrasion, with implementation for passenger cars starting in 2028.

  • UN ECE Regulation 30 – Passenger car tyres
  • UN ECE Regulation 54 – Truck tyres
  • UN ECE Regulation 75 – Motorcycle tyres
  • UN ECE Regulation 106 – Agricultural tyres
  • UN Regulation 117 – Rolling resistance, noise, and wet grip; being updated to include tyre abrasion limits by 2025.

The Low-Hanging Fruit for Low-Emission Mobility

Tyres are a quick and cost-effective solution for reducing transport emissions. While the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) continues, using the best-performing tyres can immediately lower emissions and improve fuel efficiency. 

Tyres Europe urges Member States to incentivise high-performance tyres, just as they do for EV adoption.

Understanding the EU Tyre Labelling Regulation

Since 2012, the EU tyre label has provided consumers with clear and objective information about tyre performance. It includes three key indicators:

Fuel Efficiency

Lower rolling resistance reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Wet Grip

Critical for road safety in wet conditions.

Noise Emissions

Helps reduce road noise pollution.

The updated label includes a QR code linking to the EPREL database, ensuring easy access to detailed tyre specifications and sustainability data.

Effective market surveillance is crucial for the integrity of tyre labelling. Tyres Europe advocates for stronger enforcement, particularly in online sales, to ensure compliance and maintain fair competition.

Retreaded Tyres & Sustainability

Retreaded tyres provide a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to new tyres. The EU tyre label will soon extend to retreaded tyres, ensuring transparency in performance factors like rolling resistance, wet grip, and noise emissions.

More information on the Circularity page

The Cornerstone of Road Safety

Tyres are the primary safety feature of any vehicle, affecting braking, acceleration, steering, and overall stability. A holistic approach to road safety includes:

  • Vehicle Technology – Advanced tyre design and safety features.
  • Driver Behavior – Proper tyre maintenance and safe driving practices.
  • Road Infrastructure – High-quality road surfaces and clear traffic regulations

Tyres Europe’s Commitment to Road Safety

Tyres Europe is a proud signatory of the European Road Safety Charter, promoting initiatives like the TyreAWARE campaign, which educates consumers and professionals on best practices for tyre maintenance, storage, and performance.

Workplace Safety in the Tyre Industry

Tyres Europe members adhere to rigorous safety protocols, ensuring workplace safety through:

  • Occupational Health & Safety Standards (CMR, CAD, SEVESO Directives)
  • Employee Training & Education

Innovative Safety Solutions within manufacturing plants

Winter Tyre Regulations Across Europe

Winter tyre requirements vary by country, but all EU winter tyres must meet minimum performance standards for severe conditions to ensure driver safety.

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Obligation of winter tyres conditional to either wintry conditions or obligation dictated by regional decree

No obligation of winter tyres

Obligation of winter tyres only for light duty vehicles

Obligation of winter tyres conditional to either wintry conditions or obligation dictated by regional decree

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

No obligation of winter tyres

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

No obligation of winter tyres

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Obligation of winter tyres conditional to either wintry conditions or obligation dictated by regional decree

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions


Winter tyres defined as 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) for tyres produced after 01/2018. For tyres produced before, grace period until 30/09/2024.

No obligation of winter tyres

No obligation of winter tyres

No obligation of winter tyres

Obligation of winter tyres conditional to either wintry conditions or obligation dictated by regional decree

Obligation of winter tyres only for light duty vehicles

Obligation of winter tyres only for light duty vehicles

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

No obligation of winter tyres

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

No obligation of winter tyres

No obligation of winter tyres

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

Obligation of winter tyres conditional to either wintry conditions or obligation dictated by regional decree

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

No obligation of winter tyres

Regulation on winter tyres either in defined periods of the year or in wintry conditions

No obligation of winter tyres

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