In winter, a driver gets a flat tire on a snow-covered road and is forced to mount a spare wheel. The problem is that it is a summer tire, whereas the car’s other three wheels are fitted with studded winter rubber. The driver intends to drive a few kilometers to the nearest tire shop, but is pulled over by a DPS inspector along the way. The question arises: can such an emergency trip lead to a fine?
Updated requirements for seasonal tires have been in effect in Russia since September 1, 2023. According to Clause 5.2 of the List of Faults and Conditions Under Which Vehicle Operation Is Prohibited, Category M1 passenger cars and N1 light commercial vehicles must use winter tires on all wheels during December, January, and February.
Operating a vehicle when conditions prohibiting its use are present carries a warning or a 500-ruble fine under Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation. However, in the situation involving a spare wheel, it is essential to consider other provisions of the regulations.
Clause 5.8 of the same list prohibits fitting tires with different tread patterns, dimensions, and constructions on the same axle, as well as simultaneously using winter and non-winter tires. At the same time, the rule contains an exception for the temporary installation of a spare tire.
In other words, the mere fact that the spare wheel differs from the car’s other tires does not automatically constitute a violation of this clause. Additionally, Clause 2.3.1 of the Traffic Regulations allows a driver to proceed to a parking or repair location if the fault occurred en route and cannot be rectified on the spot, provided that all necessary precautions are observed.
Therefore, in the event of an emergency replacement of a damaged winter tire with a summer spare, the driver may proceed directly to the repair shop; however, this does not grant total immunity from the inspector’s claims. Crucially, the trip must be specifically linked to fixing the newly occurred malfunction, rather than continuing regular everyday use of the vehicle.
In the event of a dispute, the driver can explain the circumstances of the breakdown and present the damaged tire or other evidence, if available. At the same time, using a summer spare in winter poses a technical hazard: the difference in grip is especially noticeable on snow and ice, so one should travel to the tire shop with heightened caution and observe the limits set by the manufacturer of the spare wheel or “space-saver” tire.