From December 1 to 5, 2025, the State Automobile Inspectorate will hold the republican preventive campaign "Winter is a driver's exam!" throughout the country.

The events are aimed at preventing and averting traffic accidents during the winter period and promoting the use of winter tires. Driving a vehicle in winter conditions requires special skills from the driver and thorough preparation of the vehicle for winter operation. In order for the car to better withstand the winter period, have confident stability on the road, and not cause trouble for the driver, one important action should be taken – timely tire change.

It is important to remember that winter tires help reduce braking distance and significantly improve vehicle handling in icy conditions. At low temperatures, summer tires harden and cease to perform their functions of ensuring good grip with the road surface; using such tires becomes unsafe. It is necessary not only to replace summer tires with winter ones but also to fully prepare the car for winter. The overall condition of the cabin heating system must be checked, and the external lighting devices must be ensured to be in good working order and adjusted. During the period when it is dark, foggy, rainy, and snowy most of the time, good lighting is important. It is necessary to fill up with special antifreeze fluid, and it is also recommended to check the battery before the onset of severe frosts. In difficult weather conditions, drivers should choose a safe speed mode based on the specific road situation, increase the distance and side interval, avoid sudden acceleration and braking, and unnecessary maneuvers. It is worth remembering the most dangerous places in winter – these are bridges and overpasses (they are blown through from above and below, so ice may form here), intersections and public transport stops (braking and starting vehicles roll ice). As part of the campaign, the State Traffic Inspectorate will conduct raid activities in the serviced areas, during which drivers' preparation of their vehicles for winter operation will be checked. For participating in traffic, drivers of vehicles not equipped with winter tires will be brought to administrative responsibility in accordance with the current legislation.

Winter tires are tires that have two markings simultaneously: — a mountain peak symbol with three peaks and a snowflake inside; — one of the symbols "M+S", "M&S", "MS". If BOTH of these markings are present, such tires are considered winter tires in any additional variations (+All Season; Road+Winter (R+W); Any Weather, etc.). The State Automobile Inspectorate reminds that when participating in road traffic from December 1 to March 1, vehicles with a technically permissible total mass of up to 3.5 tons inclusive, passenger cars and light trucks with a technically permissible total mass of over 3.5 tons, as well as buses with a technically permissible total mass of up to 5 tons, must be equipped with winter tires. Winter tires are installed on all wheels of the vehicle. For violation of these requirements, administrative liability is provided in the form of a fine of up to 1 base unit. A repeated violation within a year entails liability from 2 to 5 base units.

Remember that your own safety and the safety of people around you depend on your discipline on the road. Have a good trip and a happy journey!