Reykjavík City Council has repeatedly attempted to ban studded tires within the city limits, but the attempts are unsuccessful.
For this, the city needs the approval of the government, which has not yet issued it. Such situations occur when the city wants to change the applicable regulations that must comply with national law. As studded tires can be used throughout the country in winter, the city of Reykjavík must obtain an official permit to change the regulations. So far, no such permit has been issued.
The main reason Reykjavík wants to ban studded tires is environmental pollution. These tires are designed to be driven on snow and ice. While they can be useful for rural driving, Reykjavík’s main thoroughfares rarely, if ever, ice up, precluding the need for this type of tire in town.
As a result, studded tires increase air pollution with asphalt particles, which are rubbed off while driving. A recent study estimated that the wear of studded tires should be reduced to at least 15%, in which case this will have a positive effect on reducing particulate air pollution in the city.
At present, the use of studded tires is strictly limited in time. Using such tires out of season may result in a fine of up to ISK 20,000.
Source: Yle