Automobile expert Sergei Mishin explained in an interview with socialbites.ca that the law does not ban the use of Velcro tires, also known as friction tires, during the summer. However, in hot weather these tires can soften or melt, so many practitioners advise against using them in high temperatures. Mishin also commented on Police Lieutenant General Mikhail Chernikov’s assertion that Velcro tires are permissible in all seasons and carry no penalties.
According to a technical regulation set by the Customs Union on vehicle safety and the annex detailing vehicle requirements, there is a clear stance on seasonal tire changes. If tires are studded, they must be installed on all wheels when used. This means it is not allowed to run Velcro tires on one axle and studs on another. The regulation further prohibits operating a vehicle with studded tires in summer. In contrast, Velcro tires are not expressly banned. The rule also requires winter tires during winter months, with a tire considered winter when the remaining tread depth exceeds 4 mm. If the tread depth falls below 4 mm on icy and snowy roads, Velcro and studded tires are deemed inappropriate. Manufacturers typically recommend maintaining at least 4 mm of tread on Velcro tires in summer, but this entails removing studs from studded tires for summer use, Mishin noted.
The expert added that, from a technical perspective, Velcro tires are inferior to conventional summer tires in several respects.
Tests conducted by researchers show that studded tires generally perform worse on asphalt by about 5-7 percent in braking and acceleration compared with standard summer friction tires, primarily due to the grip characteristics of the studs on dry pavement. When considering Velcro tires, the recommendation is not to use them in hot weather since the rubber tends to be softer and can soften further on very hot asphalt. The protective layer for Velcro tires is usually thicker than ideal in heat, making them less structurally reliable in high temperatures. While the law does not prohibit Velcro tires, the practical performance and safety considerations are significant, according to Mishin.
At a briefing held at the Izvestia press center on September 5, Chernikov stated that Velcro is not banned in summer and can be used like all-season tires without affecting specific performance factors. The ongoing discussion reflects the broader regulatory intent to balance tire technology with road safety and seasonal conditions.
Historically, Russia introduced a decree governing the use of winter tires in summer and summer tires in winter, which entered into force on September 1, 2023. This regulatory framework aims to clarify tire choices across seasons and to standardize safety practices on the road. Citations for the statements emphasize the regulatory context and practical guidance from automotive experts and law enforcement officials. Izvestia and related automotive safety treatments are cited as sources for the context and expert perspectives.