Everything here comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s winter-driving rulebook, the national traffic law (Službeni glasnik BiH), BIHAMK, and motorway operator guidance. No third-party blogs. Clear, legal, and practical.
The quick answer
- Winter equipment is mandatory from 1 November to 1 April across Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of weather during that period. Motorcycles and tractors are exempt. BIHAMK
- For cars up to 3.5 tonnes you must have either winter tyres on all wheels with at least 4 millimetres of tread or summer tyres with at least 4 millimetres plus snow chains ready for the drive axle. BIHAMK
- Buses and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes require winter tyres on the drive wheels and must carry chains, a shovel, and a bag of sand between 25 and 50 kilograms. JP Autoceste FBiH
- Dipped headlights are required at all times. BIHAMK
- Default speed limits under the state traffic law are fifty kilometres per hour in towns, eighty outside towns, one hundred on roads reserved for motor traffic, and one hundred thirty on motorways unless signs state otherwise. Službeni glasnik BiH – Zakon o osnovama sigurnosti saobraćaja na putevima u BiH
- For real-time road conditions and closures, check BIHAMK before you drive and carry snow chains when heading into higher routes where signs require them. BIHAMK
Winter equipment and how the rule works
Period and scope
From 1 November to 1 April all motor vehicles except categories L, T and C must carry and use winter equipment. Authorities may also order use of winter equipment outside that period on specific roads if winter conditions exist. BIHAMK
What counts as winter equipment for cars up to 3.5 t
- Winter tyres marked MS or M+S or M&S or Snow Winter with at least 4 mm of tread on all wheels.
- Or summer tyres with at least 4 mm of tread plus chains ready to fit on at least two drive wheels. BIHAMK
For buses and vehicles over 3.5 t
- Winter tyres on the drive wheels with at least 4 mm of tread, plus chains and basic tools.
- A shovel and a sand bag between 25 and 50 kg must be on board. JP Autoceste FBiH
Keeping the vehicle clear
- Police may remove from traffic any vehicle with snow or ice on bodywork or glass that affects control or visibility.
- Clean the roof, bonnet, lights, mirrors and all windows before moving. BIHAMK
Lights, conduct, and enforcement
- Use dipped headlights during the day and at night. If the vehicle has dedicated daytime running lights, use them during the day and switch to dipped at dusk or in poor visibility. BIHAMK
- Respect posted limits. The law sets the defaults at fifty, eighty, one hundred, and one hundred thirty as noted above. Motorways are signed and enforced. The motorway operator also states the maximum of one hundred thirty on its network. Službeni glasnik BiH – Zakon o osnovama sigurnosti saobraćaja na putevima u BiH JP Autoceste FBiH
- Alcohol rules and other general provisions are set in the state traffic law. Professional and novice drivers are held to stricter limits. Penalties escalate with blood alcohol level and offence severity. Consult the law text before travel if in doubt. Službeni glasnik BiH – Zakon o osnovama sigurnosti saobraćaja na putevima u BiH
Practical packing list for winter trips
The rulebook defines what is mandatory. What follows helps you travel safely.
- Snow chains sized for your tyres and a pair of gloves for fitting them.
- Ice scraper, snow brush, de-icer spray, and a head torch.
- Warm layers, waterproof jacket, hat and gloves even for short city to resort drives.
- Power bank, water, and high-energy snacks in case of delays.
- Small shovel for clearing wheels and a mat or piece of cardboard to kneel on.
- For longer routes keep fuel above half a tank.
Safety and access panel
- Season Early November through early April requires winter equipment nationwide. Snow, black ice and fog are common in uplands, especially at dawn and after sunset. BIHAMK
- Difficulty Mountain roads can be narrow with limited barriers. Expect variable grip on shaded bends.
- Required gear Cars up to 3.5 tonnes need winter tyres with at least 4 mm or summer tyres with 4 mm plus chains. Heavier vehicles and buses must also carry chains, a shovel and sand as above. BIHAMK JP Autoceste FBiH
- Emergency Call one one two.
- Mobile coverage Good on main corridors, patchy on remote passes.
- Before you go Check BIHAMK road and weather bulletins and carry chains when signage demands them. BIHAMK
11 Aug 2025. Sources: Službeni glasnik BiH 83 (consolidated state traffic law), BIHAMK publication of the 2020 winter traffic rulebook, JP Autoceste FBiH propisi page, BIHAMK safety advisories.
